Kilt Hanging versus Rolling

**RCAnderson** · 6th February 15, 11:33 PM

I have somewhere around 30 kilts (I've lost count), with 6 more on the way, and that is causing a problem. I have recently found myself running out of room for all my kilts.

Currently I am hanging my kilts on wooden kilt hangers and I feel the kilts are now hanging too close together. To keep them from rubbing against each other when I take them in and out of their rack I have placed each one in a plastic dry cleaning bag so they slide easily across each other which has been working fairly well until now.

What I am considering now is getting a wire rack and stacking plastic sealable storage bins on them that are the perfect size to place 2 rolled up kilts in side by side. But I am not sure which way is better for the kilts, to be hung by kilt hangers, or to be rolled and stored that way.

My kilts do not get a lot of storage time as I wear my kilts daily, and quite frequently change kilts out from daywear to evening depending on what I am doing.

Since I have only been wearing the kilt for a few months now I thought I would defer to the rabble to see what their suggestions are for "short-term" kilt storage.

**BadenochWolf** · 7th February 15, 06:21 AM

I can give no advice, having only one kilt myself (though I have two more on order, another two waiting on fabric to be milled, and ideas for kilts 6 & 7). Interested to see what the rabble thinks is the better method, as I am about to lose most of my closet space in a move.

As a side note, thank you, Dr. Anderson, and all the other daily kilties around here, for showing us newer guys it can be done. I'm trying to quickly get to 7 kilts so I can wear one every day of the week, without repeating and wearing them out too fast. I figure a six day rest ought to be enough time for the inter liner to fall back into shape after a full day's wearing.

**Father Bill** · 7th February 15, 08:07 AM

Badenoch... you'll never wear out a quality kilt!

**Stitchwiz** · 7th February 15, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by RCAnderson

I have somewhere around 30 kilts (I've lost count), with 6 more on the way, and that is causing a problem. I have recently found myself running out of room for all my kilts.

Currently I am hanging my kilts on wooden kilt hangers and I feel the kilts are now hanging too close together. To keep them from rubbing against each other when I take them in and out of their rack I have placed each one in a plastic dry cleaning bag so they slide easily across each other which has been working fairly well until now.

Hang several rods in your closet. Hang the bottom one so that it clears the floor or objects on the floor by about 6 inches. Hang the top one so that your kilts will clear the bottom rod by about 6 inches. You need air circulation around all of your clothing.

Get two roll up plastic 'crazy carpets' (used for sliding on snow. That will be challenge in your state - I'm sure we could send you a few if you'd like. Just send me a PM - we have LOTS of snow here.) On each carpet, put a slit at the side of the hand hole and use the slit to slide the plastic sheet onto your clothes rod, one on each side of the kilt you have chosen. It will slide right out without disturbing the other kilts on each side. Store the plastic slides on the floor or on a shelf - not hanging with your clothes. (see why below)

Originally Posted by RCAnderson

What I am considering now is getting a wire rack and stacking plastic sealable storage bins on them that are the perfect size to place 2 rolled up kilts in side by side. But I am not sure which way is better for the kilts, to be hung by kilt hangers, or to be rolled and stored that way.

My kilts do not get a lot of storage time as I wear my kilts daily, and quite frequently change kilts out from daywear to evening depending on what I am doing.

Since I have only been wearing the kilt for a few months now I thought I would defer to the rabble to see what their suggestions are for "short-term" kilt storage.

I wouldn't use plastic bins to store them flat. It would take a lot more space to lay them flat without stacking them and having them crushing down on the bottom ones - wool is heavy. Besides, plastic bins are expensive.

Plastic bags are dangerous for fabrics. Over time, something in the bags interacts with the fabric because there is no air circulation and can cause blotches to appear.

I would humbly suggest that you use 100% cotton pillow cases to make a Kilt Kover. Put a grommet at the centre of the sewn end big enough that it can slide over your hanger, and roll the case down over your kilt. The cotton fibre will allow your kilt to breath and keep the dust and light off it. (Fabric fades even hanging in the closet.) If you can get a piece of tartan that matches your kilt, baste it onto one corner of your new Kilt Kover so that you can see at a glance which is which. Remove the 'label' when you wash the Kilt Kovers and re-stitch them back on. (You will only need to do this rarely as long as your hands are clean when you are handling them.)

Hang each kilt to air after you wear it so that it can breath and any perspiration can evaporate before you put it away - overnight would be good. Put the Kilt Kover on before you put it back in your closet, choose your next kilt and you are hanging one up and taking one down. It's rhythmic.

Watch for the White Sales which are starting at this time of year and you will be able to get your pillow cases on sale - sales are always good - more money for kilts.

Enjoy your new kilts!

**Elf** · 7th February 15, 11:44 AM

If the rules would permit me to expand the original post: I have been storing my kilts on hangers and have become concerned about the free end, where it extends beyond the hanger, drooping a bit under the weight of the straps. Knowing that wool is moldable, I fear this may lead to permanent distortion. Has anyone experience or an opinion? Thanks to all.

**RCAnderson** · 7th February 15, 02:47 PM

Elf,
Thats another reason I am considering storing them rolled instead of hanging.

**Father Bill** · 7th February 15, 02:53 PM

Elf, you need either a longer clamp on your hangers (mine extend only an inch or two beyond the supported area) or try the Wizard's three hanger fold method.

**RCAnderson** · 7th February 15, 03:01 PM

Stitchwiz,

I already have 2 rods in the closet now, unfortunately I have small closets so I am already out of room on the 2 rods.

With using the plastic storage boxes I wasn't going to stack the kilts on top of each other, but roll them up and lay 2 of them side by side in the boxes, then place the boxes on the shelves. The boxes are a lot cheaper than kilt hangers are, lol.

We also have a moth problem that I am worried about. I am keeping cedar blocks and mothballs around, but if the kilts are in the boxes the moths can't get to the kilts.

**Father Bill** · 7th February 15, 03:18 PM

Dr. Anderson, check out the Wizard's method - with pictures here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...hangers-85948/ It's cheap and takes up little space. It may be your answer to the problem!

**RCAnderson** · 7th February 15, 04:11 PM

Father Bill,

I tried that, unfortunately because there were twice as many hangers that way, it took up more room than the original hangers. I have over 30 kilts, plus my shirts, jackets, vests, P.C.'s, doublets, and tunics all on 2 rods in a closet that is only about 5 feet wide.