Itchy wool

**Ayin McFye** · 1st May 07, 11:06 AM

Some people are just allergic to wool. I would just try another type of fabric to see if your body agrees more with it. Hopefully you're not allergic to plaid.

**Ruanaidh** · 1st May 07, 12:17 PM

The thought of washing a Lochcarron 16oz. Strome kilt in Woolite sent horrible shivers down my spine.

The answer to the problem is to keep on wearing the kilt. Those little thread ends that are causing the problem will eventualy wick up your natural body oils which will soften the threads and help them to lie flat. This should solve your problem.

**Eujeankilt** · 1st May 07, 02:15 PM

I do also have a SW Heavyweight wool kilt and regularly wear wool kilt hose, which don't bother me, so I'm not alergic. I was wondering if "just wearing" it will calm things down. Thanks guys.

And Bradley - let me think - (one nanosecond passes) no, I don't think I'll take you up on your offer to trade, but thanks for your thoughtfulness

Has anyone tried the Woolite thing? (This is a 13oz. House of Edgar tartan fabric)

Dale

**Colin** · 1st May 07, 02:17 PM

Bear in mind that while SWK has "wool" kilts, I wonder if it is the same as the worsted wool woven by Locharron or House of Edgar and such. Maybe one of the kiltmakers can answer that for us.

**Howard Clark** · 1st May 07, 04:39 PM

I'm with the personal sensitivity thing. I have wool clothing of many styles and types, kilts, pants, shirts, and socks of many makes. None of them bother me in the least.

My wife, on the other hand, cannot wear anything wool against her skin without serious itching trials, and many other I know suffer the same curse.

**Abax** · 1st May 07, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Mowgli

I'm the proud owner of a new Newsome box pleat and I dearly love it, but it is rather itchy. <snip> Has anyone heard of a way to make it less so?

I also have a box-pleat from Matt, but I don't find it very itchy. I have found other wools itchy on occasion though (usually sweaters). Wearing them over another garment until the fibers relax a little bit seems to reduce the itchiness. I've also used a soap for wool that contains lanolin to wash sweaters and socks . . . that does reduces the itch factor.

I don't know what washing your kilt in soap and water would do to it . . . definitely talk to your kiltmaker first. Here's a thread where I talk about that soap: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...t=22087&page=3

Abax

**Eujeankilt** · 1st May 07, 05:06 PM

Thanks Abax. I found a retailer for Eucalan 5 blocks from my house. I may try this. According to Matt, Woolite couldn't hurt and might help. This looks like a better product.

Dale

**turpin** · 1st May 07, 08:49 PM

Don't do the washing yet. buy 3 or 4 cheap pairs of big boxers and cut the crotch seam. wear the kilt with these for a while and see if that softens it up before taking the nest step (shudder).

On the other hand, what did the Scots do to clean their woolens before tetrachloroethene was invented?

BTW, I think the SWK heavyweights are merino wool, and softer to start than worsted.

**Dreadbelly** · 1st May 07, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by turpin

Don't do the washing yet. buy 3 or 4 cheap pairs of big boxers and cut the crotch seam. wear the kilt with these for a while and see if that softens it up before taking the nest step (shudder).

On the other hand, what did the Scots do to clean their woolens before tetrachloroethene was invented?

BTW, I think the SWK heavyweights are merino wool, and softer to start than worsted.

They washed it in plain water or not at all. Wear it long enough and the wool developed a patina, a sort of oily sheen that helped it stay water resistant and warm.

And then of course, if it wasn't a great kilt, it was broken down, the box pleats torn out, and the other side was worn outwards for a while, the with the 'weathered colours' side, filthy and sun bleached, worn on the inside. And then it would be turned again, but this time topside down, and turned again, usually four times to make sure that every last ounce of wear was worn out of it. By this point, the kilt had taken on the 'ancient colours' and was a completely different beast.

It may be smelly and gross to us modern folks, but grease impregnated wool was good for survival. Anything to stay warm and dry, and keep the damp out.

**Eujeankilt** · 2nd May 07, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by turpin

Don't do the washing yet. buy 3 or 4 cheap pairs of big boxers and cut the crotch seam. wear the kilt with these for a while and see if that softens it up before taking the nest step (shudder).

On the other hand, what did the Scots do to clean their woolens before tetrachloroethene was invented?

BTW, I think the SWK heavyweights are merino wool, and softer to start than worsted.

That's a good idea. I think I'll try that.

Thanks Turpin.

Dale