A 60 year old kilt re-build

[The Wizard of BC]

Heathbar,

I really don't think the issue here is the difference in care or abuse. I currently have 11 kilts in for repair. There are three of these 60 year old kilts and the rest are newer ones.
All the newer ones are in tatters. All the older kilts just need minor stuff like new straps or new waistbands. None of the old kilts has experienced the drastic failure of the Fell stitching that you see in the first photo of this thread.

I'm convinced in looking at these kilts that it is in the small details of the construction. Those little extras that were done on the old kilts that is missing in the newer ones.

That is what this thread is all about. I'm trying to answer the question "What about the construction of these older kilts is allowing them to survive while the newer ones fail?"

[HeathBar]

Heathbar,

I really don't think the issue here is the difference in care or abuse. I currently have 11 kilts in for repair. There are three of these 60 year old kilts and the rest are newer ones.
All the newer ones are in tatters. All the older kilts just need minor stuff like new straps or new waistbands. None of the old kilts has experienced the drastic failure of the Fell stitching that you see in the first photo of this thread.

I'm convinced in looking at these kilts that it is in the small details of the construction. Those little extras that were done on the old kilts that is missing in the newer ones.

That is what this thread is all about. I'm trying to answer the question "What about the construction of these older kilts is allowing them to survive while the newer ones fail?"

So its down to construction. Could it also be the quality of the materials used? Is the tartan itself "weaker" than it was 50 years ago? As others, I look forward to your progress.

[The Wizard of BC]

HeathBar,

While the fabric used in the older kilts is different than that used in the newer kilts, I don't think I would say it was stronger. Later today I'll put away what I'm working on the do a side by side photo of the different fabrics.

I can tell you that while different, both ages of fabric have held up pretty well. On none of these kilts do you see a failure of the fabric itself. Yes, there are some holes and tears due to a kilt pin getting caught on something, or a rip somewhere. The fabric itself is, for the most part intact.

It really does seem to be in the internal construction details.

These kilts are really making me look closely at my own product. I think that it would be the highest honor to have someone replace the straps on one of my kilts 60 years from now and wonder what I did to make it last so long.