Kilt Prep...

[McRoy]

Well my new kilt arrived, and as I haven't worn a new one I am curious about one detail. There is loose stitching which seems to hold the pleats in place. I think this is part of the manufacturing process? Do I remove the stitching prior to wear, or is it supposed to remain in place? Also as it is a wool blend, should I get it dry cleaned and pressed prior to wear? The alternative would be to just iron it.

[sydnie7]

The loose stitches are basting stitches which hold the pleats in place during shipping (and during manufacture, depending on the maker). You should try the kilt on to make sure the waist and hips fit correctly, length is correct BEFORE removing the basting stitches. Many companies won't accept a return if these have been removed. Once you are satisfied with the fit, carefully remove the basting with a dull plastic or similar tool -- nothing that could snag the wool fabric.
Your kilt should not need pressing at this point. If it's wool and has some wrinkles from shipping, let it hang and they should fall out. At most a garment steamer might be needed to help the wrinkles fall out.
Kilts are rarely entrusted to a dry cleaner. You'll find many threads on this forum about how to keep it clean or clean it when needed. If it ever does need dry cleaning, those basting stitches will have to go in again to hold the pleats in place during pressing. You will also find lots of photos here showing what happens when somebody tries to press an unbasted kilt. . .