Whether you are planning to wear your highlandwear outfit to an abroad wedding or you’d like to take your kilt on a cruise, packing your kilt may feel like a daunting task. Ensuring your kilt survives the journey in the same condition as it was before you packed it may seem like an uphill battle, but with a few simple tips, your kilt will come out of the case looking just as good as it did when it went in.
Packing a Kilt in Your Hand Luggage
Packing your kilt in your carry-on luggage is a great idea as the risk of it going missing during your transit is minimal. This could be especially important if you are flying somewhere for a wedding. The last thing you want to be doing is searching the Mediterranean for a local kiltmaker the day before the nuptials. As your hand luggage is restricted in size you do unfortunately run the risk of getting your kilt creased. You may be tempted to fold your kilt to save space but this is a really bad idea as folding is the easiest way to introduce creases and damage the shape of your pleats. Roll your kilt instead from the start of the pleats towards your kilt pin and as tightly as possible. This will keep your pleats straight and reduce the risk of any folds. To keep your kilt in shape while in your hand luggage, consider a Kilt Roll. This will ensure your kilt stands the best possible chance of looking pristine once you arrive at your final destination.
How to Fold a Kilt for Your Suitcase
Your hold suitcase is the best place for your kilt. An average 8-yard kilt weighs between 2kg - 2.5kg, making it slightly on the heavy side for your limited hand luggage space. Most suitcases are also ridged enough to prevent the contents from moving about while it’s on the move. Folding your kilt is never the right option, so just like if you were packing it in your hand luggage, roll your kilt from the start of the pleats towards your kilt pin. A tightly rolled kilt will ensure the pleats are straight and wrinkle-free. To keep your kilt tight and secure, a kilt roll is the best method. You can however use an old kilt sock as a last resort. Roll your kilt tightly and place it in the sock. This will keep everything nice and in place. This method should only be used if you can't get a kilt roll or if your suitcase is full enough to limit any movement. If you have the space, we would also recommend a kilt wardrobe as you will be able to store your entire highlandwear outfit in it once you get to where you are going. This can also be used for home storage as a way to keep any dust or wool moths away from your precious kilt outfit.
Wearing a Kilt While Traveling Through Airports
Wearing your kilt during your travel isn’t the most common option but for some short trips like to football or rugby matches, you may not have any choice. Apart from making sure you avoid any spills or dirty seats, be mindful of the accessories you are choosing to wear with your outfit. It goes without saying that airports have some of the strictest rules when it comes to what you can and can’t have on you. Your sqian dubh is an obvious one and regardless of the country, a bladed article is a definite no-go. A replica sgian dubh looks exactly like a stainless steel version, but doesn’t have a blade. Theoretically, a replica sgian dubh falls into the category of things you are allowed to carry on a plane. Still, because of its likeness to the real thing, it’s safer to leave this item at home or pack it in your hold luggage if you are bringing a case. The same goes for your kilt pin. Because a kilt pin is sharp and pointed, it theoretically has the ability to be used as a weapon and therefore, cannot be brought with you on the plane. It’s important to remember these two items before you head off to the airport in your highlandwear outfit, as failing to remove them could result in you losing them.
With these tips and the right tools, travelling with a kilt can be stress-free. Whether you’re attending a formal event or just exploring in style, your kilt will remain a standout part of your travel wardrobe.
