Softening material

**Graham** · 21st February 06, 05:49 AM

My new RKilt is much like a new UK I guess. The material is stiff and uncomfortable.
I'm told that washing and wearing will soften it over time, but I'm impatient.

Is there a way to fast-track the softening of the fabric so that the pleats will hug my legs a bit more instead of sticking out?
What about fabric softeners?
There's a lot of really nice leather on the kilt so I have to be careful.
I've washed it twice now in cold water and air dried but little softening is happening.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 21st February 06, 08:02 AM

Graham,

I seem to remember somebody, Iolaus I think, saying that putting it in the dryer, no heat, with 3 or 4 tennis balls worked wonders. Also, soaking in fabric softener for a while.

**Riverkilt** · 21st February 06, 08:56 AM

Graham,

I use unscented Downy fabric softener. I finally decided to beat my UK Caramel workman's into shape. I filled the washer, added the Downy, then added the workman's with the intention of letting it soak for a few hours while I was at work then rinse it out when I came home at lunch hour.

Having many missing brain cells from years of drinking I plum forgot until I got home at 9PM. The kilt has soaked in Downy and cold water for 12 hours.

Tell you what. That kilt is soft now. No damage that I can see, the leather is fine.

The other deal that got rid of the initial stiffness was to wash the workman's six times in a row on gentle cycle with unscented Downy.

The 12 hour soak did a lot more. I'm pleased. Still has the shape, just softer. Suppose it'd work with Robert's work too.

Ron

**Iolaus** · 21st February 06, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

The other deal that got rid of the initial stiffness was to wash the workman's six times in a row on gentle cycle with unscented Downy.

That's what I did initially, as well. and, after they've already dried, I still throw my UKs into the dryer with a dozen tennis balls to beat the hall out of them..

**Casey** · 21st February 06, 12:24 PM

Graham,

Let us know how you make out as I find my Rkilt a bit too stiff too.

**646guy** · 21st February 06, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by Iolaus

That's what I did initially, as well. and, after they've already dried, I still throw my UKs into the dryer with a dozen tennis balls to beat the hall out of them..

Hmmm maybe that's what I need to do with my Workman's UK....don't have a washing machine at my apartment but I bet I could fill the sink up and let it soak while I'm at work....I dunno if the local laundromat would like the tennis ball method....