Weathered Yet Well Cared For!

**James** · 20th April 06, 06:55 AM

Could I suggest that a kilt slightly faded by weathering can look better than one that is brand new: for the slight fading of the colours gives a softer and more pleasing appearance.

I'm not suggesting going as for as the Mackenzie suggestion of burying a new kilt in a bog for a couple of years: but a few of weeks hung up where the sun and rain can work on it appears to give the right effect.

A similar effect in respect of the leather work - belts/sporran etc, can be achieved by a combination of use and regular polishing with a good wax polish.

James

**Colin** · 20th April 06, 08:47 AM

Good suggestion James. I am just not sure I am brave enough to put a new kilt out in the elements.

**TimC** · 20th April 06, 09:08 AM

I agree with Colin. It sounds like a great idea but I'm not sure I'm willing to put my kilt(s) out in the weather....but the belt is going out today.

**James** · 20th April 06, 11:45 PM

Hang on, sorry if not clear-the leatherwork need not be exposed-regular wear and polishing does the trick. Think here of a well worn and cared for Sam Browne-it looks far better than a new one.

I've yet to find weather that can harm a kilt-having worn one from Arctic to tropics in all weathers. Certainly if given choice of going out in teeming rain in a new kilt or trousers-it would be the kilt.

James

**TimC** · 21st April 06, 07:36 AM

Ahh! Thanks for the clarification on the belt...well, one night in the dew didn't seem to harm it none ;-)

**Riverkilt** · 21st April 06, 07:51 AM

Cringe...

Would be like hanging five one hundered dollar bills out to weather....and....what is this thing called "rain?"

Have lots of sun here...not sure the intensity would be good for wool. Have some pieces of a wool Pendleton blanket that were made for seat belt protectors that didn't work so tossed them on the dash of my car. The sun has already faded them significantly in just a few months...of course that's Arizona high altitude sun under a windshield.

There's an idea. :rolleyes: Spread your kilt out on your car's dashboard like a dashmat for a few months to achieve the faded/weathered look...

Ron

**Kilted KT** · 21st April 06, 08:48 AM

Personally I like the look of the MacTavish (Thompson red) tartan new...just seems to be a very well put together combination of design and color..

toadinakilt · 21st April 06, 10:03 AM

I've always liked the look of something brand spankin new. But that's just me.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 21st April 06, 10:18 AM

As one who now does MANY alterations, repairs and fabric re-weaving on our kilts... let the fading and aging process happen in its own good time! Look for the longterm relationship with the kilt.

There's NOTHING tougher than repairing a hole in a kilt. I have to EXACTLY match the color in order to hide the repair with the re-weave... and a faded color is a real bugger to make. For those many woodworkers on the site, it's like matching a stain on an old, weathered hardwood.

Let the wool age like a fine wine.

If it's not wool... do what in the h_ll you want.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 21st April 06, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by James

Could I suggest that a kilt slightly faded by weathering can look better than one that is brand new: for the slight fading of the colours gives a softer and more pleasing appearance.

So true! As far as I'm concerned, this is a truism. I have found that some tartans which may look are downright gaudy in modern colors can be quite attractive in the old colors.

blu