Do You Need Flashes With Your Kilt Hose? A Complete Guide

Every detail of the Scottish outfit matters when you are acquiring a complete Scottish look. All accessories are important, whether they are the most exposed kilts or often-overlooked flashes. Have you ever thought about whether flashes are important for you or not? If yes, you are not alone because this question is frequently asked on different search engines. This guide is meant to answer this query. In addition to this question, it will explore what lashes are, how to wear them properly, and mistakes to avoid when using them. So, let’s begin our article with knowing what flashes are.

What Are Flashes?

Flashes are the small strips of fabric that hang from your garter elastic and peek out beneath the fold of your kilt hose. They are usually made to match or complement your kilt and add a sharp, finished look to your outfit. Do not assume them to be the decorative part of the outfit only because they help keep your hose in place throughout the day. They are both functional accessories and symbols of traditional Scottish pride.

Do You Need Flashes With a Kilt Hose? Why?

When assembling your full Scottish attire, it’s important to consider the necessity of every detail, including flashes. So, what do you say, are they really essential, or do people wear them just for show? Let’s explore the answer with some practical, traditional, and modern reasons.

Practical Reasons

Whenever you wear the kilt outfits, keep in mind that most of their accessories are practical regardless of their size. A kilt pin prevents the apron from flapping, a brooch holds the fly plaid, and more. The same is true for flashes, as they are the unsung heroes of your kilt hose because they hold your hose up and keep them from sliding down when you are busy in any physical activity. Without them, your socks may slip, and no one wants to spend the day constantly adjusting their hose!

Traditional Reasons

Wearing flashes is part of honouring the heritage of Scottish dress, just like other tartan accessories. Their use has been common for many centuries since they were made from leftover tartan cloth. In traditional Highland dress, every element carries symbolic weight, including flashes. It reflects pride in Scottish culture and helps keep the authenticity of the ensemble intact.

Modern Flexibility

Today, you have got many options. While flashes are primarily at formal events or ceremonies, some people skip them for casual wear or to bring modernism into Highland dress. It is totally fine if comfort or personal style leads you a different or a new way. Nevertheless, if you aim for a traditional look, flashes definitely are the must-add part.

How to Wear Flashes Properly

Wearing flashes properly might seem like a small detail, but it can make or break the overall presentation of your Highland attire. When done right, it not only secures your hose but also subtly showcases your respect for tradition, turning your look from simply dressed to sharply distinguished.

• Pull your kilt hose up to just below the knee and make sure they sit evenly on both legs. The ribbing should be straight and snug and firm enough to stay in place.
• Wrap the elastic garter over the hose. It should stay under where the top will fold down and should be tight enough to hold but comfortable for long wear.
• Secure the flasks to the garter now and let them hang naturally down the side. They should be aligned and mirrored on both sides for a balanced appearance.
• About half of both flashes should remain visible under the hose folding. It creates a classic look while keeping everything securely in place.

Choosing the Right Flashes

Wearing flashes only stuns if you have chosen the right pattern. People usually opt for irrelevant patterns according to the event’s formality that result in inappropriate visuals. So, you must know what to choose exactly.

Matching or contrasting colours

The colours are important while choosing a pair of garter flashes. You often have two options: matching and contrasting shades. If opting for the matching dye, it must complement the necktie, square pocket, hose, and kilt itself. Even if you choose a contrasting colour, it must complement the tartan and have a symbolic meaning.

Formal vs casual flashes

The role of an event’s formality is important when you are opting for a pair of lashes. Keep in mind that their design and style remain the same in both types of events, while the thing that differs is the quality of fabric. At formal settings, traditional tartan wool should be the priority, while synthetic material or cotton flashes are suitable for casual events.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A bit of unevenness in any accessory of a Scottish outfit negatively impacts your outlook. People usually overlook short points, while the outcomes are not good. These mistakes while wearing kilt flashes inappropriately and even mean to disrespect the entire dress. So, it is essential to discuss them all here.

• People wear flashes in an uneven manner, which is not the right approach.
• Inaccurate shade selection usually results in colour clashing, and you should try your best to avoid it.
• Many are seen in formal settings without wearing flashes. Remember, missing any of its parts leaves the overall look incomplete.
• When tying or securing the flashes, some keep it too tight to prevent slipping. Hence, the flashes should be neither loose nor tight.

Buy Premium-quality Flashes at The Utility Kilt.

Now that our kilt flashes guide has familiarised you with different aspects of this important accessory. What do you say if we help you to find out the best kilt store to buy you flashes? Many physical and online stores sell kilt accessories, declaring themselves to be the best.

Undoubtedly, some of them provide excellent services, but we recommend you visit Utility Kilt UK. We are an online store selling a number of products from kilts to Ghillie Brogues and jackets. Are you ready to buy kilt flashes, our unique inventory has the following products for you.