My fiance' is going to kill me...

**BassClefB** · 2nd February 09, 03:54 PM

So I had been noticing the stray BRAND NEW 30' heavyweight Black Watch kilt on Jerry's (SWK) website and have been wringing my hands over snatching it. 30' doesn't seem to be an in-demand size I guess since I've seen it on there for a while, and it will fit me perfectly. Well... I grabbed it. This will be my first heavyweight, all-wool kilt and I'm so excited. I love my SWK Thriftys for out-and-about and general wear, but I am so excited about this one. My main question about this vs. my Thriftys is whether or not I can/should iron and maintain the pleats on my own like I do my Thriftys, or if I should have it dry-cleaned instead. My worry is that the cleaners will not know how to handle a kilt and could damage the pleats. Anyway... I should have it by the end of the week knowing Jerry's lightning-fast service!

int:

**Nighthawk** · 2nd February 09, 04:30 PM

It's wool. Dry cleaning is bad. I was told this recently myself. I did some research on it and found that it leached the natural lanolin out of it. I would say that the best bet is to simply have a cleaner press it for you and not clean it. Talk to your local kilt rental shop and find out who they use.

**Pleater** · 2nd February 09, 04:46 PM

I doubt that there is much lanolin in the wool after it has been scoured and processed to get it clean for spinning.

These days a lot of the wool is treated to be washable, but there is no way to tell if the manufacturor doesn't lable it as washable, other than applying heat, soap and agitation and have it turn into felt, which is exactly what is not required in a kilt.

There are instructions on the forum on how to hand wash a kilt, it is not too difficult, it just requires a bit of care.

I tend to use a splosh of cheap (Human) hair conditioner on wool and wool mixture garments, once the detergent is rinsed out, then give a final rinsing with a small amount of white vinegar added, as wool likes an acid pH.

As long as you always use the right temperature for the iron, and a damp pressing cloth you should not have any trouble pressing your kilt.

Anne the Pleater

**The Barry** · 2nd February 09, 04:34 PM

Yes, be very weary of pressing the wool kilt on your own, and don't "dry" clean it.

**Kiltboy** · 2nd February 09, 04:51 PM

Pick up a fabric steamer. Got mine at Tuesday Morning for $45. Steam helps freshen the fabric and rids the wrinkles. You'll love the SWK heavyweights. Have two myself and love 'em. Great in cooler weather like now, and still breathable during warm weather. And nothing hangs like wool.

**Nighthawk** · 2nd February 09, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by Kiltboy

Pick up a fabric steamer. Got mine at Tuesday Morning for $45. Steam helps freshen the fabric and rids the wrinkles. You'll love the SWK heavyweights. Have two myself and love 'em. Great in cooler weather like now, and still breathable during warm weather. And nothing hangs like wool.

Agreed!! I got several acrylics thinking they would be cooler because they're lighter. I was so wrong! They don't breathe worth a darn and they actually stay hot in warm weather.

**Tartan Hiker** · 2nd February 09, 05:57 PM

Don't worry, Brian. I'll gladly show you the ways of the iron, the pressing cloth, and the bathtub Woolite soak.

And if you ordered it today I wouldn't be surprised to see you in it tomorrow night at Craggie Brewery.

**BassClefB** · 2nd February 09, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Tartan Hiker

Don't worry, Brian. I'll gladly show you the ways of the iron, the pressing cloth, and the bathtub Woolite soak.

And if you ordered it today I wouldn't be surprised to see you in it tomorrow night at Craggie Brewery.

You read my mind... You were the next man on the list to consult for the care of this new kilt since we live in the same relative zip code! I'll do the research here on the forum to get basic knowledge, but I will definitely give you a ring when the time comes to give it a soaking & pressing. The last thing I want to do is ruin it, but I don't necessarily trust anyone else to clean it either!

Hope to see you at Craggie tomorrow evening, weather pending. Looks like we're in for some snow finally! I *really* wish I already had my new kilt for tomorrow with the snow and all.

**fluter** · 2nd February 09, 08:29 PM

Well done, TH!

Bryan let me disagree with some of our compatriots, and say: don't have a dry cleaner press it under any circs, unless they are recommended unconditionally by someone who knows. Cleaners are used to pressing FLAT garments, and the kilt is NOT two-dimensional. With the heat/steam/pressure of their equipment, they can ruin the pleats---pretty well permanently. You can do it with just a little care. All will become clear...