Hose to Kilt Combo

**Jock Scot** · 19th February 25, 06:52 AM

GG.

Biased?I think not. If people ask for advice then yes, I do try to give advice as best as I am able. Yes, I do give examples of good practice and the not so good in my humble opinion and kilt hire is just a handy example of how not to dress in kilt attire to best effect. Ultimately, what people choose to wear is entirely their choice.

**FossilHunter** · 19th February 25, 08:34 AM

Not being a native kilt wearer, my objection to black and white hose isn’t from any tradition I grew up with. However it is an ugly and uninspired choice.

If a pair of Lewis hose in black is the same price as a pair in whatever color you like, why would you choose black? Now it’s one thing if someone adores black but most of the time I see it suggested as a “safe” choice that goes with anything. As Jock has pointed out, besides the traditional argument, most tartans “go” with any number of colors so it’s rare to find a pair of colored hose that would actually look bad. I’m sure it’s possible but it’s not worth the heartburn it gives so many new kilt wearers.

On the other hand, black doesn’t really “go” with anything. It lacks the subtle complex earthiness of tweeds or the vibrant pop of many tartans. It’s safe because it’s boringly inoffensive and I think being forgettably dull is about the worst way to wear highland dress.

GG · 20th February 25, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

GG.

If people ask for advice then yes, I do try to give advice as best as I am able. Yes, I do give examples of good practice and the not so good in my humble opinion...

But of course you do, Jock. I think, we all do. That's one of the advantages with a forum like XMTS where opinions can be shared. Some, we agree to, some not; and sometimes, we are in two minds. Afterall, our judgement and advice are functions of personal preferences, background etc. This also applies when talking colours.

I should like to suggest another procedure when choosing kilt hose colour, by the way. It is not just - to my opinion - a question of tartan but also of the colour of the 'top' - polo shirt, t-shirt, dress shirt, sweater etc.
Therefore, it might be a good idea to start with the kilt, then choose a suitable 'top' to go with it, and from there decide upon kilt hose colour, in order that the whole combo shall look at its best.
Here, I might be biased of my Scandinavian background, tending to keep things simple, meaning not too many different colours at the same time.

**Janner52** · 20th February 25, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by GG

I should like to suggest another procedure when choosing kilt hose colour, by the way. It is not just - to my opinion - a question of tartan but also of the colour of the 'top' - polo shirt, t-shirt, dress shirt, sweater etc.
Therefore, it might be a good idea to start with the kilt, then choose a suitable 'top' to go with it, and from there decide upon kilt hose colour, in order that the whole combo shall look at its best.
Here, I might be biased of my Scandinavian background, tending to keep things simple, meaning not too many different colours at the same time.

A good point. Personally I wouldn’t wear earthy coloured hose with a formal outfit and there are probably other combinations that wouldn’t work. I am lucky in that I have a good selection of hose so I can try different options if the occasion needs that, but for everyday use grab whatever is available.

**Jock Scot** · 20th February 25, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by GG

But of course you do, Jock. I think, we all do. That's one of the advantages with a forum like XMTS where opinions can be shared. Some, we agree to, some not; and sometimes, we are in two minds. Afterall, our judgement and advice are functions of personal preferences, background etc. This also applies when talking colours.

I should like to suggest another procedure when choosing kilt hose colour, by the way. It is not just - to my opinion - a question of tartan but also of the colour of the 'top' - polo shirt, t-shirt, dress shirt, sweater etc.
Therefore, it might be a good idea to start with the kilt, then choose a suitable 'top' to go with it, and from there decide upon kilt hose colour, in order that the whole combo shall look at its best.
Here, I might be biased of my Scandinavian background, tending to keep things simple, meaning not too many different colours at the same time.

Good gracious me! Do you really go to all that bother to choose a pair of hose? Of course if that is what makes you happy then carry on, but for me, .......................

GG · 21st February 25, 03:19 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Good gracious me! Do you really go to all that bother to choose a pair of hose? Of course if that is what makes you happy then carry on, but for me, .......................

I don't understand what you mean, sorry. When I have decided for the shirt or sweater, it takes me less than two seconds to decide what socks. I can't image you should need more time.

**Jock Scot** · 21st February 25, 03:31 AM

Originally Posted by GG

I don't understand what you mean, sorry. When I have decided for the shirt or sweater, it takes me less than two seconds to decide what socks. I can't image you should need more time.

I can't imagine taking time to choose a shirt or a sweater!

**CBH** · 21st February 25, 08:23 AM

I am certainly no fashionista, but I do know you can't put crazy on crazy.

I love bright colors and "loud" clothing. I have an extensive collection of Hawaiian shirts.

But once I saw a kid wearing a Hawaiian shirt, plaid Bermuda shorts, and checkered Vans shoes, I knew I never wanted to be THAT guy. It was blinding.

Tartan, by nature, has many colors and a busy pattern. Thus you can't in good taste pair it with a Hawaiian shirt or something contrastingly busy with many colors. Thus I have had to acquire some solid color, comparatively boring shirts to pair with my kilts.

I expect hose should follow a similar strategy.

**Jock Scot** · 21st February 25, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by CBH

I am certainly no fashionista, but I do know you can't put crazy on crazy.

I love bright colors and "loud" clothing. I have an extensive collection of Hawaiian shirts.

But once I saw a kid wearing a Hawaiian shirt, plaid Bermuda shorts, and checkered Vans shoes, I knew I never wanted to be THAT guy. It was blinding.

Tartan, by nature, has many colors and a busy pattern. Thus you can't in good taste pair it with a Hawaiian shirt or something contrastingly busy with many colors. Thus I have had to acquire some solid color, comparatively boring shirts to pair with my kilts.

I expect hose should follow a similar strategy.

Just so you know, modest , I repeat, modest patterned Tattersall shirts work very well with the tartan kilt. Many here in Scotland happily wear them with the kilt very successfully. Personally, I would avoid button down collars though.

**OC Richard** · 25th February 25, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by GG

Therefore, it might be a good idea to start with the kilt, then choose a suitable 'top' to go with it, and from there decide upon kilt hose colour, in order that the whole combo shall look at its best.

Exactly so, that's the custom that I mentioned earlier, often mentioned in the literature and often seen in paintings and photographs (going back to the mid-19th century) of matching the hose colour to the jacket colour.

In the days when the "top" was invariably the jacket, due to men rarely going out in public in shirtsleeves or a jumper.

The tartan, it seems, made no part in these decisions.