Storing Kilts

[TheBrus]

I am getting a little confused. What is the proper (or preferred) way to store my kilt? Ten years ago, I purchased 14" kilt clamps (kind of like a clamping trouser hanger, but much wider) for all of my kilts. The recommendation I had was to fold my kilt as I would wear it, but not buckle it, put the back half of the clamp through the sporran loops, align the aprons and back and clamp. I hang my kilts in the Kilter(TM) kilt case. In AoKM, I read that you should fold the kilt in half backward and then fold again and hang that way. This prevents problems similar to ones you would get from putting the waistbelt through the sporran loops, I suppose. So I adopted that method per Barbara's instruction--I mean it's the kilt bible, right? But I just read in another thread that kilts should always be stored rolled or laying flat. Would someone please settle this hash?

[Father Bill]

Oh-h-h-h you want your hash settled! You're going to get at least 100 different points of view on this one.

I think it was Matt Newsome who told me to avoid spending a lot of money, and just get three of the plastic hangers with two clips each (virtually free with your wife's skirts & slacks) and then just fold the kilt back and forth and hang the three up together. That's the cheapest!

I chose to go with a hanger that takes my jacket over the top and has three crossbars underneath, each with two clips - one pair for each of the aprons and one for the back. So far so good, but I'm still intrigued with the cheaper method.

For travelling, the guys say roll them inside out, and then unroll a pantyhose leg onto it, waist down to make a travel roll.

Now . . . having said that, you're going to find that 87 guys are going to pile on with other ideas. That's probably a good thing, but get ready!

[MacMillans son]

Well Brus, I use the same method as you only I don't put the hanger through the belt loops. If you do, I would suggest that you clamp the hanger before it tops out on the loops to avoid the weight of the kilt being supported by the loops. I purchased my hangers from Stillwater Kilts.

Father Bill, I believe it is Steve who advocates using the plastic slack hangers. I think it is more a question of economics than of any preferred hanging dynamics, though I am confident it works just fine.

When traveling locally, I use the same kilt hangers that I do at home, and hang them on the hooks in the car and just like my jackets. For longer travel, I fold them aprons out and lay them in the top of my suitcase. I also always bring a travel steamer when going out of town.

And that's that!

[English Bloke]

I use Steve's method now. I used to use an improvised method of folding the kilt into thirds and using three hangers but found that the kilt would still sag because the gap between the hanger clips was too wide. This two hanger method seems to work fine for all of my kilts, even the extra heavy ones.

[Rob, ClanMacMillan, NM]

I also use the two hanger method. Works like a dream... I keep them in a suit bag also -- with cedar inserts as a deterrent to the occasional moth.

[Father Bill]

*snip* Father Bill, I believe it is Steve who advocates using the plastic slack hangers. I think it is more a question of economics than of any preferred hanging dynamics, though I am confident it works just fine.

You're absolutely right! Apologies, gentlemen!

[TheBrus]

That's a good idea, Steve's. Question I have on Barb's method: will this cause unwanted creasing in the aprons? I just envision a horizontal crease in the front apron that will have me thinking of pressed blue jeans... just wrong.

[lukeyrobertson]

I have a Scotweb hangar. It works fine. I also used two plastic hangars (Steve's method). And I have just started to hang my kilt using Matt's suggestion: fold the kilt in thirds and then fold in half with the pleats facing out. Use a wood clamp hangar with felt or similar. Et voilà! This is a new way of hanging my kilts and I quite like it. It keeps the pleats nice and straight. There is no sagging at all. Matt has a nice tutorial on his new house highland site. Steve has a tutorial on this forum.

[Chas]

Having tried most methods, I agree that the 'Steve Method' is just about the best. Above all else it will fit in a standard wardrobe.

We do hear, on a regular basis, a lot of rubbish talked about storing kilts flat. Something to do with taking the stress out. The simple answer is - would you store your best Armani suit flat (with other clothes on top, crushing it flat), or do you hang it up on proper hangers to keep the right shape?

If you put your kilt away clean and pressed, it will be ready to go at a moments notice, using the 'Steve Method'.

Regards

Chas

[Laird_M]

I use a chromed steel rod clamp kilt hanger that I got off Amazon. So far it's not caused any issues with creases or anything, (well aside from it adds a fair bit of weight, but my arms are getting stronger...), and this gets hung in a 'suit carrier'.

I MUST rememebr to buy some cedar moth balls! Saw some in a shop yesterday and thought, 'hmm, don't I need some of them for something...'.