A MacGregor and MacDuff a kilt can last for generations thanks to the high-quality wool and expert craftsmanship that goes into making each of them. However, a kilt isn’t like a pair of jeans or your favourite shirt, it needs to be stored and looked after properly for it to last long enough to be passed down.
Below are a few tips and tricks for caring for your kilt to make sure you get the most out of it.
How to clean your kilt
After you have worn your kilt, it’s always best to give it a once-over to make sure there aren't any spills on it. The last thing you need is to pull your kilt out before an event only to find a big stain on it. Use a clean, damp, lint-free cloth and dab the affected area. If possible, do this as soon as the spill happens, this will make it easier to clean.
Wool is naturally very durable and resistant to dirt but if you find that the kilt needs more cleaning attention than you can give it with a damp cloth, take it to a professional cleaner. Make sure you take it somewhere that has dealt with kilts before as they will do the best job without damaging the wool or pleats.
How to store your kilt
When you are ready to store your kilt away, make sure it is completely dry before doing so. If possible, air your kilt out for 12 hours after it’s worn as moisture from sweat, spills or even just humidity could be hiding between the fibers. Moisture causes mildew if a kilt is stored damp which is a problem you definitely want to avoid.
The best way to store a kilt is with a hanger with multiple clips that allow you to secure both the front and back of the kilt while distributing the weight evenly. Once the kilt is hanging in the wardrobe, try and make sure to keep some space from other items to allow the wool to breathe. Also, make sure to place some cedar or mothballs to keep away any nasty, wool-loving critters.
Traveling With Your Kilt
If you are transporting your kilt in a car, hand your kilt in a suit bag from the suit hook on the handles. If your car doesn’t have these, then laying it flat across the seat or boot will work.
If you are traveling further distances or by plane, we would recommend a Kilt Wardrobe and Kilt Roll. It’s a good idea to avoid folding a kilt where possible, it’s always better to roll it. This prevents any annoying creases and keeps the pleats shape nice and uniformed. Make sure you roll with the pleats and when you take it out of the bag, the kilt will look just as good as when you put it in.
Ironing You Kilt
So creases happen, it's not the end of the world as wool is a very resilient material. Most of the time all you need to do is hang it near the shower and turn the water on to hot. Make sure you haven’t mis-read that last sentence and accidentally put it in the shower, just near it. The steam from the hot shower should gently remove any creases and you can simply air it out after you are happy with the way it looks.
If the shower trick didn’t work, grab your iron and set it to steam. Place your kilt on the ironing board upside down and then put an ironing cloth on top of it. You never want to put the iron directly onto the wool or the front side of the kilt as the heat can cause the wool to go a bit shiny. Once you’re ready, place the iron on the area you want to sort. Don’t move it back and forth like you would a shirt, pick it up each time and place it again.
The pleats should never need ironing but if this is the area that has a bad crease, we recommend taking your kilt to a professional and avoiding trying to fix them yourself.
Your kilt is an investment and we know you’ll want to look after it the best you can. Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help. If you need more advice, email us at info@macgregorandmacduff.co.uk and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have.
