Just graduated High School

[Homer]

Seeing all this free time rolled out before me after graduation ceremonies on the 9th, I have decided to try and go kilted all summer since attending a military college in August will limit my kilted time; uniforms do that. Dry cleaners will make a fortune off me. Any advice on keeping them fresh over long periods of wear? (The kilts in question are a USAK Casual and an unknown origin box pleat)
Also I'm in the market for a day sporran. Thanks all! See you at Molly Maguire's.
P.S. In college I'm signing on for bagpipe lessons, anyone feel like they'll have any words of wisdom for me since I haven't the foggiest idea about them? Price, Care, Playing? I'll take it all. I believe the pipe band at Valley Forge practices there, so wish me luck!

[Spartan Tartan]

First, congratulations!

Second, whereas will you be going to school in the fall?

Finally, I would find a way to lay them out each night so they can air out. That should allow you to wear them a couple more times before having them cleaned. Enjoy you summer of "freedom". Be sure to take some pictures of your adventures!

[Nighthawk]

First, congratulation! Second, a USA Kilts casual won't need dry cleaned. It's machine washable. Enjoy your summer! Take lots of pictures!!

[Homer]

Valley Forge Military College. And I will be sure to do just that.

[Nighthawk]

Valley Forge Military College. And I will be sure to do just that.

Good for you! I look forward to seeing pictures of it.

[GMan]

Congratulations!!

Yes USA Kilts are great to keep clean.

[Duke of Delrio]

First things first. Congratulations on your graduation.

Second, if you are heading off to a military college, use the summer to get into better physical shape. If you are already in great shape, use the summer to stay that way.

Third, the bagpipes. Find someone who plays well and TEACHES well. Most important, do not let the early-on frustration of seeming slow progress put you off. Stay with it. Set yourself a practice schedule and stick to it with bulldog grip.

And last, as a a life-long civilian, I have no advice for you in regard to the military, but as one who has, for that lifetime, enjoyed the freedom made vouchsafe to me by the service and sacrifice of others, you do have my thanks for seriously considering military service.

[Ryan Ross]

Congratulations, on your graduation! I recall recieving my first kilt as a graduation present, nine years ago. Bravo for getting started early!

Secondly, even with wool kilts, dry cleaning is a very bad option. The solution used will degrade the leather straps over time, but more importantly, the film left by that fluid will cause your kilt to soil more easily in the future- don't ask me exactly why, but that's what I've heard from several good sources. Wash your kilts in a bath tub or other basin large enough to accomodate a kilt; line dry. Don't bother with any special soap; shampoo, or my favorite, dish soap, will work just fine.

And always keep your hose clean too, lest you scare all of the ladies away!

Other than that, just follow the good advice provided by the gentlemen above me.

[Nick the DSM]

I'll be doing the same soon, mate! Good luck!

[longhuntr74]

Congrats Homer on your accomplishment! Many good wishes for success in your future.