Giving up on Amerikilts.

**Flynn** · 9th May 15, 04:06 AM

About 4 years ago I bought a saffron Amerikilt at a bluegrass festival of all places. (Bluegrass-> hippies-> utility kilts?). I was enthralled with the idea of a kilt made from the same material and color as my favorite trousers. This is a decision I've come to regret.

They wrinkle at the slightest provocation. Sitting down causes the pleats to disappear and transform into a tutu when I stand up. And despite all the tricks I've read and tried (soaking overnight in a fabric softener solution, put in the dryer with a pair of sneakers, sacrifice a goat under the full moon) nothing seems to help. I've finally come to my senses and given it up as a bad job.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good utility kilt?

**Pleater** · 9th May 15, 04:16 AM

Have you tried starch?

If not you might try it, it comes in aerosols and is easy to use, and it does impart some body to unruly pleats. If you spray on the starch and iron on the inside, then press in the pleats you might find there is at least improvement.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th May 15, 04:17 AM

Can you perhaps be just a bit more specific.

What style of kilt do you want. One that looks more like a traditional with a wide apron or one more like a utilikilt with the narrow apron?

What type of pleating do you prefer? Narrow Knife Pleats? Wide Cargo like pleats? Kingussie or reverse Kingussie? Box Pleats?

How would you like your kilt to fasten? Velcro, straps and buckles, buttons, snaps? How much adjustability do you need in your fasteners?

What sort of fabric are you looking for? A Poly/Cotton blend? 100% cotton twill or duck? Wool? P/V? Acrylic?

Are you concerned with the perfect fit of a custom made kilt or will you settle for the "standard" or "average" fit of an off the rack kilt?

What do you want to do in your kilt? Work in the Garden? Construction or outdoor wear? A casual or perhaps even dressy day outfit?

And finally what is your budget?

**Flynn** · 9th May 15, 04:45 AM

@Pleater, I haven't tried starching it. Generally I hand it off to my mother in law to iron it. Man that sounds terrible, don't it?

Steve, I'd prefer a traditional wide apron and knife pleats. Poly/cotton and either buckle and straps or snaps. Off the rack is fine, budget less than 150. May be a tall order.

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th May 15, 09:22 AM

I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to help you much. I don't know of a N. American maker in that price range. You could try looking with those re-selling kilts made in Pakistan or even Tawain.

**dutchy kilted** · 10th May 15, 06:59 AM

Flynn - did you try contacting Amerikilts directly? I know they stand by their work.

I think they changed their fabric a few years because of the problems you describe. One of the great things about dealing with small companies is that you will usually deal with the owner directly.

**ratspike** · 10th May 15, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by dutchy kilted

Flynn - did you try contacting Amerikilts directly? I know they stand by their work.

I think they changed their fabric a few years because of the problems you describe. One of the great things about dealing with small companies is that you will usually deal with the owner directly.

According to their website, Amerikilt uses canvas for their kilts so there isn't much that can be done. I personally like the look of a rumpled, broken in canvas kilt but it definitely isn't for everyone. Perhaps the owner could be convinced to do a production run with a poly/cotton fabric, but it could be a tough sell without a decent amount of confirmed interest.

Flynn, I'm surprised that after four years your kilt is still doing the poofy tutu thing. Canvas will always wrinkle but in my experience it does get toned down a bit with lots of wearing and laundering. Are the edges of the pleats on the inside of the kilt sewn? If they aren't, sewing them might help tame the poofiness.

**Couper** · 10th May 15, 03:33 PM

Wrinkles be d*mned. I love my Amerikilt. I have two kilts I use for (almost) everyday wear. One is an Amerikilt (black). I got it last December and have worn it two or three times every week since I got it. I can wear it pushing the lawnmower or going out to dinner with my wife. While it does not look as "crisp" and "kilty" as my other kilts it still must look good - because it has gotten quite a few compliments.

When I wash it I use cool water and minimal detergent. I damp-dry it and then lay it on a towel, hand pressing the pleats in place, to let it completely dry over night. Does it still wrinkle when I wear it (especially on a car trip)? Sure - but I knew that going in. It is a "utility" kilt, after all. Just make sure you "sweep" the kilt down when you stand up. My wife wants me to order another one - in a different color. (Who am I to argue, eh?)

If Bob (ratspike, gryphonworkshop.com) ever has another big sale, I will likely try one of his creations. In either khaki or charcoal. hint-hint (Then I will have four different "brands" where I can do reviews for a website I am developing about kilts.)

**seanachie** · 10th May 15, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by Couper

Wrinkles be d*mned. I love my Amerikilt. I have two kilts I use for (almost) everyday wear. One is an Amerikilt (black). I got it last December and have worn it two or three times every week since I got it. I can wear it pushing the lawnmower or going out to dinner with my wife. While it does not look as "crisp" as my other kilts it still must look good - because it has gotten quite a few compliments.

When I wash it I use cool water and minimal detergent. I damp-dry it and then lay it on a towel, hand pressing the pleats in place, to let it completely dry over night. Does it still wrinkle when I wear it (especially on a car trip)? Sure - but I knew that going in. It is a "utility" kilt, after all. Just make sure you "sweep" the kilt down when you stand up. My wife wants me to order another one - in a different color. (Who am I to argue, eh?)

If Bob (ratspike, gryphonworkshop.com) ever has another big sale, I will likely try one of his creations. In either khaki or charcoal. hint-hint (Then I will have four different "brands" where I can do reviews for a website I am developing about kilts.)

Couper, can you confirm whether this is a new material or not? You indicated yours was from December. I found Flynn's information accurate based on the material that was used circa 2009-2010. It was beyond frustrating and the only material I encountered that wrinkled to that degree. It was badly wrinkled within minutes, and that is no exaggeration. I really loved the green and had wanted that not to be the case. Part of the issue may be that the weight of the material is very light as well.

**Couper** · 10th May 15, 04:08 PM

Yes, this is likely the "newer" material. I ordered it from Michael at the Irish Festival in Timonium, MD last November. I can't compare the fabric weight with anything except my tartan kilts, but this has the "feel" of a good pair of blue jeans.

I'm working on getting a photo uploaded "elsewhere" - so I can include it in a post here. (convoluted #@%^* system)

OK - here ya go. My Amerikilt in a "greaser" look...