Caring for your Kilt
When you buy a kilt it should last you a lifetime – or even longer with many people passing their kilt onto relatives to enjoy after them. However, without proper care, a kilt can easily become neglected and damaged. Once you have bought your own kilt it is essential you learn how to store and care for it properly. There is nothing more upsetting than spending hundreds of pounds on a stunning new kilt just to have it ruined.
Follow our top tips to ensure your kilt stays in pristine condition for generations to come!
- Be sure to use a proper kilt hanger- not just one your wife got the last time she bought a skirt! A proper heavy duty kilt hanger will ensure your kilt hangs properly and the pleats stay aligned. Clipping the front and back of the kilt together neatly will ensure the kilt does not sag- do not use the loops inside the kilt to hang it as with time the weight of the kilt on the loops will cause sagging in the wool.
- A good quality kilt carrier will offer your kilt protection while keeping your full outfit neatly together. This is perfect for when you are travelling to an event as you can just grab the carrier and be on your way. The Kilter company’s Kilt Carriers are perfect for this job, with multiple pockets and compartments to fit your kilt, jacket, shoes and accessories. A kilt carrier can be used to store your kilt at home as well.
- We’ve all been at a wedding where someone’s knocked over a glass of wine, straight over someone’s lovely tartan kilt. Don’t worry, spills are inevitable, but do not attempt to clean a kilt yourself. Nine times out of ten you will only make a bigger mess of your kilt if you try to clean it yourself. Take your kilt to someone who knows how to clean it properly. Speak to the person who made your kilt, with years of experience they will be able to give you great advice on how best to deal with any spills. Having your kilt cleaned is also a great way to realign any pleats which aren’t looking quite right. When a kilt is cleaned, the person will steam it, this will ensure the pleats are straightened out again and your kilt will look as good as new.
- Be sure your kilt is 100% dry before you pack it away again after wearing it. This can be done by hanging your kilt outside on a sunny day or in a bright airy room. Do not leave your kilt in the bathroom, it will absorb moisture and become damp and damaged.
- Only remove your kilt pin when absolutely necessary. Removing and replacing your kilt pin frequently will cause many small holes to appear on the front apron of your kilt. Keeping the kilt pin in the same place will prevent you creating more holes in the material. Lots of little holes will increase the chance of causing a larger tear which could be impossible to fix.
- Moths and insects are one of the greatest threats to your kilt! Preventing them is essential to ensuring your kilt stands the test of time. Mothballs are no longer recommended due to the carcinogens they contain which can be harmful to humans. Instead, placing some aromatic cedar in your wardrobe near your kilt will help deter insects and moths. The kilt carrier, as discussed above, will also stop insects and moths getting access to your kilt.
Be sure to treat your kilt with the care it requires and it is bound to last for generations to come.