Seeking experienced advice on wearing and caring for the kilt

[Tartan Hiker]

I've skimmed the replies above and don't think I saw anyone take this particular tack. A full-on tank will look great for generations, but it will always look best right after a proper pressing. Wear the thing, get used to it (as others have said), become a confident kilt-wearer, make your wife the happiest woman in town, and then just before the wedding give your friend a good steam pressing following the instructions posted in the how-to forum. It, and you, will look splendid.

[Liam]

Hmmm...sounds like a good reason to order a new Casual Kilt (from USAKilts or wherever). Then you can wear a kilt WHENever and WHEREver you like - and not worry about an untimely spill.

hahaha...that was exactly my first thought as well!

[Tenmiles]

It's not quite a tank; nominally it's a 5-yard model (13 oz), but I agree, if worn much, it should probably get a good pressing just before the occasion.

Tarheel, she's already indulged me in a couple of photos, which I shall be posting (in a different thread) presently!

Couper, I'd love to simply order another (casual, say), but it's simply not in the budget, after dropping $350 on this purchase.

[Liam]

Tenmiles... If you (or more likely your wife) has a hand steamer, it is the best tool for restoring a kilt to like new condition, if just hanging it doesn't.
Cheers...

[Tenmiles]

Neither of us do (I might arguably be more 'domestic' than she), but it won't be hard to acquire one.

[Liam]

Neither of us do (I might arguably be more 'domestic' than she), but it won't be hard to acquire one.

Riverkilt put me on to this a # of years ago. One of the best kilt accessories I own.
Slainte...

[Pleater]

You wouldn't want to take your kilt out from storage and find that the moths had been at it - wearing it when out and about in the sunshine and fresh air is surely the best way to ensure it is not attacked by moths, isn't it?

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[tpa]

I'd suggest that wearing it out and about is more important and possibly less risky than wearing it about the house. You want to get used to the feel of walking in it, see how it settles when you walk about in it, what height is best for walking and how best to get in and out of vehicles. Around the house there are loads of things to catch it on, spill on it and you are likely to be sitting more and if you haven't smoothed the pleats properly you will find out soon enough. However as others have said a good quality kilt will look good for years if you hang it up properly, creases just fall out. I have 2 wool kilts, one for formal wear and one for more casual wear. I cannot recollect the formal one ever being cleaned or pressed in the last 50 years and the more casual one has been cleaned once in 30 years. It does have a few marks on the apron, but you have to be very close to notice.

[Tenmiles]

It occurred to me that getting into the car is likely to be tricky. It doesn't seem like you'd be able to (easily) avoid unfortunate creases... might be easier if the pleats all ran in the opposite direction!
But many of you seem to be saying that, generally, unintended creases will come out with hanging, which is good to know.

[Father Bill]

Well, creases can be mitigated by first modestly entering the car, then arching your back while you smooth your creases.

Watch a beautiful woman do this and you'll find that it's very subtle. You'll also find that you're unable to drive for half an hour afterwards.