One small change. A whole new look. Will you stand out this season? ------------------------------------------------------------------- ####House of Edgar Pipe Band Kilt Socks House of Edgar Pipe Band Kilt Socks €29.99 [ View](https://h8zoe.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeFuBnc9eYkssSD4poqKn/WeQiqWQbrcPj "View") Sometimes the smallest change makes the biggest impact. Swapping cream hose for a bold new colour can lift your whole outlook, giving fresh energy at events and a sharper edge. It shows pride, confidence, and that unmistakable Highland spirit – *Nous Sommes Prêts* – we are ready! Are you ready? [ Shop Socks Now](https://h8zoe.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeG7uhtnYv5BqdrgJlRVJ/iXJcnbs4XJjy "Shop Socks Now!") ###The Story of Knee-Length Socks in Highland Dress When you picture a kilt, chances are you also picture the socks – turned down neatly at the knee, a flash of colour at the cuff, and maybe even a Sgian Dubh tucked inside. Those socks, known as kilt hose, are as much a part of the Highland look as the tartan itself. But how did they become such a fixture? The answer lies in a mix of practicality, military tradition, and fashion. ####From Plaid to Kilt In the days before the tailored kilt, Highlanders wore the belted plaid – a large length of cloth wrapped around the body. Beneath it, men wore long woollen hose that reached high up the leg. Scotland’s damp, cold climate demanded it. Over time, as the belted plaid gave way to the shorter kilt, stockings shortened too, finishing just below the knee. This length proved practical: long enough to keep the legs warm, short enough to stay in place. ####Warmth, Fit, and a Hidden Blade The design was never just about looks. The turned-over cuff helped keep the socks up and provided extra warmth around the knee. It also created a handy spot to carry small items – most famously, the Sgian Dubh, the small knife that remains part of formal Highland dress today. In a land of rough terrain and unpredictable weather, knee-length hose were simply the best option for day-to-day wear. ####The Army’s Influence The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries brought another chapter in the story. When Highland regiments joined the British Army, the kilt became part of military uniform, and with it, knee-length hose. Soldiers needed durable socks for long marches and cold nights in the field, and the turned-over cuff gave a neat, disciplined appearance. Colours and flashes were often chosen to match regimental tartans, reinforcing the sense of pride and unity. ####A Victorian Makeover By the mid-1800s, Highland dress was no longer just for soldiers and farmers. Queen Victoria’s love of Scotland turned the kilt into fashionable wear for social gatherings and special occasions. With that came more decorative hose – ribbed patterns, textured cuffs, and brighter flashes. What had once been purely practical was now also a statement of style. ####Today’s Kilt Hose Fast forward to today, and kilt hose still hold their place. Most are made from wool or wool blends, warm enough for winter parades yet comfortable enough to wear all day. Cream or ecru remains the most traditional choice, but coloured hose have become popular too, especially among pipe bands who want to stand out or coordinate with their tartan. For individuals, it’s also a simple way to refresh the look of an outfit without changing the kilt itself. ####More Than Just Socks So while they may look like a small detail, knee-length socks carry a long history. They began as practical legwear, became part of a soldier’s uniform, and eventually turned into an iconic piece of national dress. Today, whether cream, green, burgundy, or navy, they finish the Highland outfit with the same mix of purpose and pride that has kept them in fashion for centuries. Highlandtailor.com [info@highlandtailor.com](mailto:info@highlandtailor.com)