SWK Thrifty Kilt, Care & Maintenance

[KiltedViking]

As I said in my intro thread, the one Kilt I own, is an SWK Thrifty Kilt. As I wear it out and about, with increasing frequency, I need to take care if it, more frequently.

Here's are Jerry's care instructions, as shown on his retail website (specifically for the Thrifty):
*Thrifty-Kilts are machine-washable (gentle cycle only, mesh laundry bag recommended, fasten velcro waist before washing), hang or dry flat, touch up with a warm iron (acrylic setting) if needed. Dry cleaning not recommended.

I've followed these instructions, to the letter. With the exception of the warm iron. Not quite to where I need to do that, just yet. My dear Bride assures me that she will handle that, which is a bit odd, but I digress. I did acquire a mesh laundry bag, $5 USD. It's the type of bag actually intended to store/transport ones dirties, to the washing machine and is itself, washable! Imagine that. Anyway, I folded & velcroed the Kilt as instructed, carefully placed it in the bag and got the whole mess flat, so the Kilt wasn't folded, crimped and such. It JUST fit in the bag. Oh, I should mention, when empty, this bag is a flat rectangle. It does not have a rounded end.

I did tighten & tie-off the bag's drawstring, but it didn't crush the Kilt too much and the extra string didn't come undone, or get stuck on the agitator. So, into the the washer, with a few shirts to make a small "load", water level on "small" and cycle set to Cold wash, Cold Rinse, Gentle. We use liquid laundry detergent, so and appropriate portion of that was added. Went through the cycle and came out, without issues.

I removed the Kilt from the bag and laid it out, still velcroed, pleats facing up. I meticulously straightened each pleat, stretched out any wrinkles and left it like that, for several hours. It was a warm day, so the garage (washing machine location) got pretty toasty. As a result, the Kilt dried, fairly quickly. All in all, I'm happy with the result... and am seriously considering the purchase of a "backup" Kilt .

My Bride has been talking about using our iron, to "steam the pleats" back to where they should be, when the time comes. I'm curious if this method works and/or if it's advisable, given the acrylic fabric? I'm also open to any and all suggestions, for modifications to my laundering regimen.

Thanks!

[O'Callaghan]

Nothing to really add, except that I own one and didn't realise it was machine washable.

I have succesfully machine washed my SportKilt, which also has to be done on the gentle cycle, and has to be drip dried, as it cannot be machine dried. I wonder whether it would also work to hang up my Thrifty to dry it - don't see why not? I don't put my SportKilt in a mesh bag, as they don't mention doing that in their washing instructions.

The big question is which of my other kilts I could machine wash on gentle and then drip dry on hangers? Several of them are acryllic. The SportKilt actually isn't. It's a polyester blend of some undisclosed variety.

What about the ones with leather straps and metal buckles? I just realised that the Thrifty Kilt and the Sport Kilt both use Velcro. Maybe that is why you can machine wash them?

[The Wizard of BC]

About 75% of the kilts I make are machine washable/dryable. I advise my customers to:

Wash in cold water just as you would with a pair of dockers pants. Just toss them in and let it go with all the rest of the clothes. Liquid soap if you have it 'cause some powders don't dissolve well in cold water.

Dry on low or medium heat or Permanent Press cycle if you have one.

Just before the dryer cycle is done, while it is still tumbling, take the kilt out, shake it once or twice, and hang it up in accordance with my tutorial on how to hang a kilt.

On Poly/Cotton fabrics or any kilt with edge sewn pleats there is no need to iron. A steamer to take out any stray wrinkles works just fine. If you want to iron, fine. You won't hurt anything. In fact Cotton gets better the more you iron it.

On Marton Mills P/V the creases are virtually permanent All they take is a few shots of steam to take out any stray wrinkles.

Acrylics and some other synthetic blends may require you to take a bit more care when ironing or steaming. The pleat creases may come out over time. If they do, read the basting instructions in our tutorials, and you should be fine.

Remember, it's a kilt. It is not delicate girl clothes. A little care when you hang your kilt and looking how your pleats are fairing when you wear the kilt should be about all that is required.

[Alan H]

Cold, hard honest truth???

I think the SWK thrifty kilt is kind of a disposable kilt. I've handwashed an acrylic SWK in the past and the process removes a lot of structure from the kilt. The first time was OK, the second time was not-so-OK and I *very* carefully pressed it. The third time, the thing just turned into a rag. Yes, the pleats were still sewn in, but no amount of pressing made that kilt look anything like what it looked like when it was new.

I suspect that the thrifty kilt will be pretty much the same deal. Just treat it for what it is....an "audition" kilt to see if you really like this kilt-wearing thing, or maybe one you can wear to places where it's going to get beat-up and you don't want to risk a really nice kilt.

Just my two cents.

If you're wearing a thrifty kilt because you can't afford anything else, well...I totally understand. If your budget is really that tight, then you might want to look into making your own kilt(s) from a much better fabric.

[TheOfficialBren]

I will weigh in here, being the owner of a SWK Thrifty (Blackwatch).

First off, Alan has nailed it spot on. I wanted to test the waters of this kilting thing.

WARNING: ANECDOTE AHEAD. SKIP TO "DETOUR" TO BYPASS:

I have always been aware of our family's heritage but kilts and tartan were just not things that I grew up with (some passing knowledge of the family history, a few notable ancestors and relatives, but Highland-related-anything---nada. It wasn't denied or hidden but it was lower on the priority list in my family. I am the first kilt-wearer in our family since we came to the US, FYI) everyday. We would see pipe bands and swell with pride but the thought never occured to any of the men in our family to invest in a kilt--or even trews!

Well, I got interested in my family history again when my aunt (our family geneologist) expressed the desire to pass along some of the responsibility of researching the history of the family. Enter me. As I dug further and researched more a passion was ignitedd for this aspect of our heritage (Scotland).

I decided that I wanted to give it a go with a kilt. I bought my first kilt, a Stillwater Kilts Thrifty.

I was well-aware, even long before joining here, what many of the attitudes and opinions are in America and Scotland regarding kilt-wearing (like white hose, SHOWING KNEE, tartan mixing, and PC coatees being worn inappropriately). I also weighed the costs and the benefits. They didn't have my father's family's tartan (Shaw) nor my mother's family's (Robertson) so I did what any new kiltie in my ghillies would do...I ordered Black Watch.

When it arrived, I was thrilled. I surprised my family by saying that I was expecting some summer clothing that I had ordered online. I opened the package, clipped the basting stitches, and wrapped my kilt 'round me.

What an exciting feeling! I wore that particular kilt several times (ALWAYS in a most casual manner). I knew what I bought (in both fiduciary and ideological terms) and didn't make any attempt to dress it up further than was possible. I was testing waters...auditioning, as Alan put it.

That first round passed with ease.

Next, I decided to venture further. I bought a nicer kilt-- a made-to-measure (not bespoke) casual kilt from USAK in the Holyrood tartan (no Shaw available and the Robertson Red is just so...RED [no Hunting Robertson was available in P/V]) which is a good, universal sett.

Now, I am convinced that kilts are for me and have ordered a Robertson Hunting (modern colours) kilt in heavyweight wool from a leading advertiser here.


"DETOUR"

I know that my post has been somewhat long and I do apologise for the threadjack...but I say all of this to share a bit more:

1) the Thrifty has its place. Is it on par with tank or even a casual from USAK? Well, no. Does it aspire to be? No. It is intended for the chap who either isn't sure about kilts, doesn't wear kilts enough to justify the expense of a really nice one, or (and I shudder to say this) really just needs a quick one to get by for a day around others who won't know (or care about) the difference--like in a theatrical production, for example).

2a) these kilts are made in Pakistan from Acryllic fabric which doesn't even pretend to be Highland-woven, hard-wearing, gale-stopping wool. It is light, comfortable, and keeps your naughty bits from public view (so long as there are no sudden drafts). Think of them as comfy sweats. Think of your good-quality P/V as a nice pair of Dockers. Anything higher-end will be just that.
2b) yes, I agree, the fabric tries with all its might but I wouldn't wash it very often to be sure that it holds its weave.

3) Whilest I understand the "just only buy the one kilt and be done with it" mentality, those of us who didn't grow up around kilts (either wearing or seeing them often) have some natural trepidation when it comes to shelling out hundreds of dollars for a garment that will realistically only be worn a few times per year by most men living in a place where "unbifurcated" doesn't even enter the vernacular...muchless the wardrobe. Testing the proverbial waters just makes common sense (and also makes a case for that famous Scottish frugality) to a lot of men on this side of the pond.

Lastly, some chaps like to denegrate these kilts (SWK Thrifty). Some have even outright said that they are *not* kilts (I will research old posts and cite sources and quotes if asked to do so). I disagree. They *are* kilts.

I'd much rather see a fellow Scot (whether he be the bred-born-and-raised-native-to-Scotland sort or a child of the diaspora) make the effort to wear and celebrate the kilt than reject the kilt and tartan!

Wear your Thrifty with PRIDE, mate!!
Clan Gordon is a noble house with a proud tradition. You look good in that tartan and I'm certain that your heart fills with pride (as well it should) when you wear it.

Good on ya, mate.

Slainte!

int:


I just realised that I've actually been standing on a matchbox...rather than a soapbox.

[MacGumerait]

Good information Bren ( and personal story ) , especially for first time kilt wearers who may be unsure .

In my humble opinion , I don't think you are standing on a matchbox or a soapbox , but rather standing on solid ground .

[TheOfficialBren]

Thank you, Mike. I just felt that I needed to get that off of my chest. We've all been new to kilts (well...except for Jock, he educated the kilt, not the other way around) and a little outside perspective can be helpful.

Jock, all in good humour, my friend. Your advice is valuable and soundly rooted.