Fabric Pilling?

[Clockwork]

Hello all,

I'm going to be acquiring my first kilt sometime in the next few weeks, made by Robert of RKilts, and it's being made in black 100% hemp twill (13 oz I believe) by request. As I've never dealt with pure hemp, I don't know what to expect in terms of wear and tear other than the norm (color fades over time, is pretty much tougher than a rhinoceros' skin, etc). But one thing in particular had me searching for answers via searching through the forum and even Google, and that is if hemp fabric has a tendency to form 'pills', or little balls of fabric, atop of the garment. This question came up after reading another thread on XMTS about sporran chains causing extra wear and pilling, though that discussion seemed to be more aimed at traditional kilts and their respective fabrics from what I could gather. The sporran I will be getting for my kilt is one that I believe will look exceptional and would prefer to wear the chain that comes with it, rather than going with leather straps. I have no problem with leather straps, but in this particular case, I believe the chain will be excellent with this kilt and sporran. I will also be wearing this kilt and sporran a great deal, probably more than 3 times a week.

So, the question at hand is - has anyone had long term experience with fabrics of either pure hemp or high-hemp blend? Any experience with it pilling or how a sporran chain affects it over an extended period of time? Are there washing methods that tend to cause pilling more/less than other methods?

Also, since this is the Contemporarily Made Kilts section, I welcome any additional comments regarding pilling issues and solutions on other fabrics used in contemporary kilts; they can only help

Cheers!
-Jake

[Tobus]

I don't own any hemp kilts, but I used to have a couple of hemp shirts. I never had any problems with pilling. The fabric just seemed to wear thinner over time until it started to get holes. I think pilling is only an issue for fabrics that are made from extremely fine fibers that tend to roll up into balls (which I usually find primarily with synthetics), but my experience is that hemp is not one of those fabrics since it is from a coarser fiber. I could be wrong, though, and don't claim to speak with any authority on the matter.

[seanachie]

I have 2 of Robert's hemp kilts. The hemp does not pill, in fact it get softer and more comfortable with age. This is a finely crafted garment and it is evident in all the little details. I did not buy the sporran for my RKilt but it does not use a chain to attach, but I would be pretty confident Mr. Pel would have thought of wear in his design. If you are worried, email him. Enjoy the new kilt you are going to enjoy it.

[JohntheBiker]

I have a black Mach V from Robert and have had no pilling. I don't wear a chain Sporran belt, but I don't think that it would make any difference. The only caution I would have is in terms of spot cleaning on the black. You can end up with a slightly lighter spot - you are better off washing or getting the kilt dry cleaned (one of those things where you remember that you should always test in an invisible spot, after you do it. Love the garment. Robert is a real gentleman. Also bought a leather Mach V in black from him.

Enjoy your kilt!

[Clockwork]

Thank you guys for your replies. From the sounds of it, the hemp will be able to handle the chain without issue. The impression that I'm getting is that, much like a new pair of jeans, the hemp will be a bit stiff from the get-go, but will eventually "loosen up" and become more pliable with age. Also like a pair of jeans, it'll probably be able to handle the chain like a biker's pair of jeans handles the chain from a wallet. My father has worn a wallet w/ chain for as long as I can remember (it's a part of the Harley-Davidson biker image around here), and I can't say I've ever noticed any extra wear-and-tear around the area it lays against, and some of those jeans are old than I am. Given those are cotton denim, the hemp should perform at least as well in this respect.

And now that you mentioned it Tobus, I think you're right about the synthetic fibers. I believe someone in that other thread I previously mentioned had pointed out that one of the tartan kilts he/she had in a modern synthetic fabric had a bad tendency to pill.

And John, I envy you for having one of his leather kilts. I'd love to have one of his leather masterpieces in British Tan. I'm almost afraid to ask for a swatch though - I've read about the horror stories of him luring poor victims into catching a whiff of that leather, which has rolled many an eye into the back of the head But yes, Robert is most certainly a true gentleman and has the patience of a saint. I'm afraid to ask him too many more questions without buying him a drink; I feel like I've just been pestering him with questions these last few weeks