New USAK Semi-traditional

**Macman** · 6th January 06, 05:06 PM

I got my first USAK semi-trad. just before Christmas (earlier than expected), but wanted to hold off until I washed it before commenting. I guess I just couldn't believe you could actually throw it in the washer! It's in the Hunting Stewart, pleated to the yellow stripe.
Anyway, this is one great kilt! It's really well made. The thing fits me like a glove, and is extremely comfortable to wear. Out of the wash, I gave it a little ironing, and its pleats are perfect. I've gotten a number of compliments on it already. Thank you Rocky and Kelly!

**mudd** · 6th January 06, 05:47 PM

A little ironing? Did it need much ironing? I thought you could just take them out damp and let them hang dry and that was all that was needed.

**RockyR** · 6th January 06, 06:56 PM

The Casuals have the "Perma Pleats" sewn in, so they don't need to be ironed, but the Semi Trads do not. They need a "touch up" after washings to make them lay flat and perfect. The pleats are still VERY visible after washing them, they justtend to get a bit "puffy" out of the wash. You CAN wear them straight out of the wash for the "lived in" type of look or iron it for the crisp clean look.

**bubba** · 6th January 06, 07:04 PM

If you hang dry it you won't need to iron the pleats. Just kinda hand press them in place and let em dry. I clip mine on a line full length so I can get at both inside and out, line up the pleats and press them between my hands. Haven't taken an iron to my semi trad in a long time.

**Macman** · 6th January 06, 07:08 PM

It's just like Rocky says. The pleats remain very visible so they are easy to touch up.

Bubba, I'll try your method too. Did you use a perma-press cycle? I maybe let the machine squeeze too much water out of it.