If you have a new kilt, you’re already on your way to dazzling everyone and standing out from the crowd. But while the kilt is the main attraction, how are you meant to stand out if everybody else has one on too?
Don’t worry, we’ll tell you. For all those times when simply wearing a kilt isn’t going to cut it, you just have to spice things up a bit. How do you do that? It’s easy, and you’re in the best place to learn. It’s just about bringing that outfit to completion.
You can do it in several ways, but the easiest one is to put that cherry on top of your outfit by incorporating some accessories! We aren’t talking about sporrans, though (for information about those, you can check out our other blogs).
We’re talking about kilt socks and flashes– two things that can bring your outfit to life. But only when done the right way.
So that’s what we’ll be talking about today! We’ll tell you precisely how you can pick socks and flashes that will leave your outfit something to behold. But we understand that you have places to be and outings to get ready for, so if you’re in a rush, you can scroll to the later paragraphs!
For now, let’s talk about flashes.
What are flashes?
It may surprise some, but kilt flashes were first dawned way, way back in the day. You see, men would wear socks with their kilts in order to keep their shins warm. However, there was a problem. Over the course of a day, the socks would eventually give way to gravity and fall, thus defeating their whole purpose.
So the common solution was to take around a yard of plaid and tie it in a ribbon, just under the knee. As a result of the tie, you were able to see the ends of the ribbon swooping down– that’s why modern flashes look the way they do– to emulate the traditional style.
All of that history may not paint a clear picture in your head, so let’s elaborate.
Kilt flashes are basically two pieces of fabric with a small V shape taken out of the bottom half and attached to a piece of elastic, otherwise known as garters. They come in a pair– one for each leg and are very good at keeping a hold on those socks.
They need to be worn on the outside of your leg. Then use the extra length of the kilt socks to fold down over the elastic part of the flashes to make a cuff that’s around three inches.
The flashes can either be a solid color that compliments the plaid of your own kilt or made from the same plaid to fully match your kilt. There’s also the option of choosing a color or plaid that doesn’t match your kilt– making a stylish statement. However, while there are some rules that most people follow, it’s really up to the individual and the statement they want to make.
Pretty fascinating, right? That’s another thing that comes with flashes and the proper socks, history. You can rest assured that your outfit both looks exceptional and fits the proper time and history of kilts. A two-for-one, if you will, is not a bad deal.
How do you choose the right socks and flashes?
As we touched on a bit before, the choice is typically up to the individual. If I could tell you anything, it would be to assess the event or activity you’re going to. How will everyone else dress? Will they be subtle?
After that, ask yourself what you want to do. Do you want to be subtle and another person there, or do you want people to immediately appreciate the look you’ve crafted for yourself? Those questions are your best shot at figuring an answer if you’re unsure right now.
However, if you’re positive about what you want, all you have to do is go with a style that’ll match and flow!
We said it before. You can get flashes that match your kilt exactly. But only do that if it’s what you’re feeling. At the end of the day, you’ll feel best when you’re happy with what you’re wearing.
So play around with it! Get some bright socks that have nothing to do with your kilt if you want! Or try to stick to a theme that you enjoy! Either way, you’ll be fine.
The bottom line…
That’s all! You’re good to go! If you want a recap, here it is. Observe the event that you’re going to and ask yourself what you want to do, because that’s really what matters most. Yes, a kilt is a traditional style, and when you wear it, you’re honoring that when you don it. However, it’s meant to be enjoyed as well.
Well, we hope that you feel prepared to make your statement, whatever it may be. If you have any other kilt-related curiosities on your mind, we can help. We’ve been doing this for a long time, and we won’t let you down. Check out the rest of the Kilt Rental USA website or blogs for more information!
