Tartan flashes?

[thescot]

The occassiona under which you should not wear tartan flashes would be:

1. Casual attire
2. Black tie events
3. formal attire
4. dog fights
5. Mud wrestling event
6. Any even at which you would see another human being.



You can see that, although I own a pair and have worn them, I do not care for them. But they don't really offend me, so do what you want. But just consider that if you wear standard flashes or ties, no one will object.

[ForresterModern]

I have tartan flashes for most of my kilts either because they came with them or I ordered them to match---these are the typical tartan with a notch cut tail in an inverted V. A few I ordered separately in a different style--shapped more like the traditional garter tie with a pair of straight tartan pieces with about an inch of squared off fringe. These I got off ebay. I also have about 5-6 pairs of solid colored flashes in the same frayed ribbon style, then some country hose that came with matching traditional garter ties.

I like to wear the tartan flashes (especially the ones with the fringing) when that is the only additional tartan I am wearing beside my kilt---no tie, plaid, tartan bonnet flash, etc... My preferences vary on a day by day basis and depending on what hose I am wearing.

[beloitpiper]

Screw that, I wear tartan flashes! Not all the time, but I do still wear them. Just depends on my mood.

[Paul]

I think they look ok with some outfits... and depending on the tartan, event and what actual section the flashes cover of the tartan.

[Bugbear]

All right, which is better in the eyes of the traditionalists?
1. Wearing tartan flashes.
2. wearing only the elastic garter with no flashes rather than tartan flashes.
3. Wearing very cheap looking solid color flashes.

[JSFMACLJR]

All right, which is better in the eyes of the traditionalists?
1. Wearing tartan flashes.
2. wearing only the elastic garter with no flashes rather than tartan flashes.
3. Wearing very cheap looking solid color flashes.

well Ted, there is no "rule" that says you must wear flashes. I would have to see how "cheap looking" the solid colour flashes are first before passing judgment, but most likely they will be fine if they are the average run-of-the-mill flashes that are available.

If the flashes really are horrible, just wear garters to hold up your socks, if necessary.

[PEEDYC]

The "rule" that I have been told of is "Never wear tartan with tartan" The reason given is that different materials cause the same tartans to look different and can spoil the intended look. I for one wear both plain and tartan depending on the occasion

[JSFMACLJR]

The "rule" that I have been told of is "Never wear tartan with tartan" The reason given is that different materials cause the same tartans to look different and can spoil the intended look. I for one wear both plain and tartan depending on the occasion

That really isn't a rule with any "authority." Tartan waistcoats, jackets, plaids, hose are all worn with the kilt. Whether or not you like the look is your own opinion, but it certainly is traditional to wear tartan other than the kilt.

[Paul]

The "rule" that I have been told of is "Never wear tartan with tartan" The reason given is that different materials cause the same tartans to look different and can spoil the intended look. I for one wear both plain and tartan depending on the occasion

Is that a general point?

I think a tartan kilt, tartan waistcoat, tartan flashes with tartan (Argyll) hose can look good together.

[Bugbear]

Is that a general point?

I think a tartan kilt, tartan waistcoat, tartan flashes with tartan (Argyll) hose can look good together.

A tartan doublet would look great with the tartan kilt and argyle or tartan hose: same tartan. I don't know that it would always work with a doublet and solid color hose... and thinking about it the solid color flashes would probably be best with argyle hose.