New Kilt, Opinions Sought

**davidlpope** · 22nd February 11, 06:10 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

Was this a second hand kilt? Or did you purchase it from a retail establishment new?

I'm interested to know this answer too.

I find that we on XMarks are very demanding in terms of what we expect from a supplier, yet are often unwilling to purchase from suppliers who have a known history of great customer service because of cost. There are many reputable suppliers here in the US who provide first-rate customer service, yet it seems that folks buy from a couple overseas establishments because they are just a bit cheaper. I'm wondering if that was the case here...

David

**English Bloke** · 22nd February 11, 06:15 AM

I'd press the kilt. Send them a snotty letter and never trade with them again. Unless the kilt is badly made, it's not worth the hassle and expense of sending it back. Particularly from Australia.

**Zardoz** · 22nd February 11, 06:57 AM

Nice looking kilt BTW.
I think just about every kilt I've received has been packaged up like that, and some needed a little pressing out of the box, some didn't. I mean it was in the mails for days, a few wrinkles is the least that could have happened! Even if they'd shipped it rolled in a sealed PVC pipe it still might have picked up a crease or two on the trip!
I've never basted a kilt to press it, I figure if I take the time to lay it out nice and straight to baste, I can skip the sewing and just get on with the pressing. And I could have done that faster than taking pictures and posting then here.
I guess it would be nice to pop it out of the package and strap it on, but this has rarely been the case with any clothing I've mail ordered, kilts or otherwise.

**Spartan Tartan** · 22nd February 11, 11:32 AM

Nice tartan. I really like the colors.

As for the wrinkles, I have to agree with Zardoz. After having any item of clothing shipped via mail, I would just imagine some type of ironing should be necessary. I have to regularly pack a couple different uniforms for travel and I ALWAYS have to iron my stuff on the other side.

Nice looking kilt. I look forward to seeing pictures of you wearing and how you decide to accessorize with it.

**OC Richard** · 22nd February 11, 11:50 AM

I wouldn't worry about it, if it were mine. The back looks like the back of my kilt does every time I drive somewhere (which is why I usually don't put on the kilt until I arrive).

But the creases go away by themselves fairly quickly, hanging on a hanger or walking around wearing the kilt.

It is indeed a lovely kilt!

**Detroitpete** · 22nd February 11, 06:11 PM

You had me at ... MacLaren

Creag An Turic!

**Jack Daw** · 22nd February 11, 06:26 PM

Wrinkles are a minor annoyance, but was it wrapped to provide waterproofing? Once I had a kilt delivered in a slightly larger box and wihout any protective wrapping. It came out wrinkled. Thankfully, the box never got wet, otherwise it would have been damaged certainly.

**xman** · 22nd February 11, 06:36 PM

I just got my MacDonald of the Isles Modern kilt back that I sent to Barb for appraisal. She asked me beforehand if it would be alright to ship just as you describe yours to have been and in a similar condition. I was about to steam a kilt anyway so I didn't worry and just hung it up, but when i went back to steam it I found the very deep creases and wrinkles had all fallen right out. Amazing stuff this worsted wool. Hang it for a day or two and I'll bet it looks as new as you want. Congratulations. That's a terrific looking kilt.

**MacMillans son** · 22nd February 11, 06:47 PM

Nice tartan Downunder, and the pleating, save for the wrinkles, looks good too.

The wrinkle condition is certainly not perfect, but not huge. like others have said, I too have had wrinkles that bad after a few hours drive time. What worked for me was to give it a steam while pulling a bit of pressure on the bottom of the pleats in the direction away from the wrinkles. Don't get greedy and try to get them out in one fell swoop. Apply a little pressure while steaming then let it hang a while, if it's wool they will come out no problem. If they don't come out after the first steam and hang, give it another go the next day. You'll be fine.

Good luck!

Brooke

**KiltShot** · 22nd February 11, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

I'd press the kilt. Send them a snotty letter and never trade with them again.
Unless the kilt is badly made, it's not worth the hassle and expense of sending it back. Particularly from Australia.

As the saying goes: "Dissatisfied customers don't complain, they just never come back."
It might not be the best way of handling the situation but it is the most common.