how hardy are kilts?

[Big Dave]

What about cars (Danger of "flashing" unsuspecting folks in public)?

I've been known to go that on occasion, but not when regimental.

Yep, even cars, you just have to be careful crawling under them to work , I don't do it in nice kilts, I change to my junk kilt. Nice thing is no more cars for me to work on for awhile (had to sell my car), now I just help fix my Dad's and Sister's Bike(s).

[Hamish]

I've heard of kilts lasting a good long time...I think it was Hamish who said he still has one that was made in the 1970's.

Absolutely correct, KT. My oldest kilt (16oz, 8 yarder) was tailored for me by Alex Scott of Aberdeen in 1973. For 27 years that was my only kilt and it was on the receiving end of some pretty tough treatment during those years - Highland and Scottish Country Dance work mainly. It has been dry cleaned a few times and, apart from the leather straps, it is as sharp and pristine as the day I first received it. It would be more than suitable to hand down to my grandson (if ever I had produced any children!!). It is not uncommon in Scotland for kilts to be passed down through several generations.

As for work-type kilts, I would save some money and get a canvas or duck cloth modern kilt. They are far better suited to being beat to death than a traditional tank, and they cost a lot less.

Agreed, I consider a couple of my Utilikilts to be 'work' clothes - the equivalent, if you like, of blue jeans. They are reserved for gardening, car-washing (when it's permitted!), housework, etc., etc. The main advantage being that you can put them in the washing machine, something you should NEVER think of doing with a traditional woollen kilt!

[bubba]

It would be more than suitable to hand down to my grandson (if ever I had produced any children!!).

DAD!!!!!

[possingk]

Absolutely correct, KT. My oldest kilt (16oz, 8 yarder) was tailored for me by Alex Scott of Aberdeen in 1973. For 27 years that was my only kilt and it was on the receiving end of some pretty tough treatment during those years - Highland and Scottish Country Dance work mainly. It has been dry cleaned a few times and, apart from the leather straps, it is as sharp and pristine as the day I first received it. It would be more than suitable to hand down to my grandson (if ever I had produced any children!!). It is not uncommon in Scotland for kilts to be passed down through several generations.

That is great news for all of us that are shelling out cash for these great garments. I wonder how many of us can say that about any trousers. now I have a pair of jeans I wore to my senior prom, 13 years ago, but I might have worn them for a year or two after I wore them to that dance. Before you ask why I have moved a pair of jeans four times, I have no idea. But for a kilt to hold up for 27 years, that is pretty amazing, and if you think about spreading 700 across 27 years you really didn't pay to much for that kilt.

Hamish, let's hope that you won't be handing down any of your kilts anytime soon.

The person that does end up with it will be one lucky person though.

[Pleater]

Even cheap fabric 'home made' kilts can last longer than might be expected if they can be remade to hide any damage or stain or fading - assuming that the owner wants to hide it.

I have several kilts which are made from fabric which would have been worn out long ago if made into conventional garments. The kilts have been remade as I have shrunk, and that has hidden fading and stains, and I have even been able to cut out damaged pleats during adjustment.

Wool can be very long lasting - I have a couple of knitted items I made some thirty to fourty years ago and they are still good. As long as the moths or other chewing insects don't get it wool can last a very long time.

[Barb T]

If you invest in a trad kilt from good kilting tartan, it will be pretty indestructable provided that:

-you wear a sporran with a _leather_ strap. A chain will wear a good kilt out over time where it rubs on the wool

-you keep the moths away to avoid holes.

Kilting worsted will not pill, but it _will_ fade. Red is particularly notorious for fading. Our oldest 16 oz band kilts were new in the early 90s. They show essentially no wear, but they are noticeably faded when you compare the top apron and the underapron.

Moral of the story - if you wear your kilt in the sun, it will fade. Unavoidable. But you can make the problem worse by leaving your kilt lying in the sun or hanging it on the line airing in the sun.

Barb

[Hachiman]

Hey there folks!

I've seen several people refer to keeping moths away from their "pride and joy" (ie: their woollen kilts, folks! tch! :rolleyes: )... so how do folks recommend this goal be achieved? What methods do you find the best way to avoid getting your kilts munched on by winged insects?

cheers

Hachiman

[Moose McLennan]

Hey there folks!

I've seen several people refer to keeping moths away from their "pride and joy" (ie: their woollen kilts, folks! tch! :rolleyes: )... so how do folks recommend this goal be achieved? What methods do you find the best way to avoid getting your kilts munched on by winged insects?

cheers

Hachiman

Check out http://www.westcoastkilts.com/kilt-care.php.
You can also use proprietary moth sachets or cedar wood as a precaution.
It happened to a carpet in our last flat and it is not a joke.

Most importantly, always make sure the light is off under your kilt when not needed...

M.

[starbkjrus]

...snip...

Most importantly, always make sure the light is off under your kilt when not needed...

M.

Ummmmm.....I don't usually wear a light under my kilt. Is this an accessory that I have missed? :confused:

[pbpersson]

Ummmmm.....I don't usually wear a light under my kilt. Is this an accessory that I have missed? :confused:

Well see there? Now we all know what's under his kilt!!

I was going to add to this thread by mentioning that on a number of my jeans the back pocket gets threadbare where I keep my wallet. I would think the same thing would happen to any contemporary kilt with a back pocket.