garter ties vs. flash

[Spartan Tartan]

So, what is the preferences or historical significance of garters ties and flash? I see the flashing pretty much come with any tartan kilt (or can at least), but from the forum I get the sense that garter ties are more "traditional".

I would be interested in knowing which is your preferred method of securing your hose and why?

I just ordered some ties and really look forward to wearing them. I hear they are more comfortable and from the pictures, I like their look.

Thoughts?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I don't wear velcro shoes, clip on ties, or elastic garters. At least not since learning how to tie my own of all of the above. :-)

[WillieMacG]

I like both kinds and both have their advantages. However, I have noticed that just about like everything else, my Scottish biker buddies will wear the "clip-ons" at a casual affair and garter ties at a more formal event.

[Riverkilt]

I started out gung ho on tartan flashes with elastic bands...different folks make flashes with different elastic and clasps - all seem tight to me, even when let out to the elastic's full length.

I finally tried the traditional garter ties for a bit of a different look and was immediately sold on their COMFORT. Still have all the tartan flashes, but seldom wear them. I have acquired about a dozen traditional garter ties in a wide range of colors. Wear them almost exclusively now.

I really like the looks that can be had with the traditional garter ties - either monochromatic with the kilt hose (that's matching folks), or picking up any color of the kilt tartan, or even a shirt or jacket color. So, in addition to COMFORT - I enjoy the VERSATILITY.

While it takes about a dozen garter ties of various colors to have that versatility - if I would have started that way I could have saved a lot of money not having to buy flashes for every tartan in my kilt collection.

[Cowher]

When playing with my pipe band I wear flashes. That's to not stand out as different.

I just got my first pair of garter ties and I must say I won't be buying flashes for my personal wear.
Why? Because they are a little more comfortable and personally I LOVE the look of them.
Once you get you garter ties in you'll see.ith:

[Santa Wally]

I just got my first pair of garter ties and I must say I won't be buying flashes for my personal wear.
Why? Because they are a little more comfortable and personally I LOVE the look of them.
Once you get you garter ties in you'll see.ith:

I agree, they are A LOT more comfortable. Have not worn flashes since getting my first pair of garter ties. Now my wife is knitting them for me.

[azwildcat96]

I like flashes in a matching tartan to the kilt. I also like the look of ties in a complementing color to the kilt, and contrasting color to the hose.

It seems to me that of all the kilt accessories, that flashes/ties are nearly the lowest costing items in the kit, so that makes it easy to test out different options without breaking the bank.

[2nd to One]

I've got two sets of garter ties and like the a lot.

For my Colquhoun kilt, I had some tartan left over, and so I made myself a set of flashes, which I intend wear, but I haven't gotten around to making elastic garters - or garters, period - yet.

[Spartan Tartan]

AZWildcat96, they are not too expensive. That is precisely why I got a few pair (ftom the STM, incidentally) without really loosing any sleep over the cost of purchase. I got some complimentary and contrasting colours for some of the versatility you mention...

2nd to One, here's a thought ... would it be possible to make the spare tartan into ties? I suspect not, but has anyone ever tried or thought of that before?

[Pyper]

OK -- I'm sold on garter ties.

Where do I get some and how do you tie them?