Cotton twill rigid pleats

[dana]

And don't forget about the cardboard pieces used to keep the buttons from wearing holes in the pocket flaps

Marines should be experts in kilt ironing

[cavscout]

You can almost hear GnySgt Hartman barking, "The second mostly dangerous weapon in the world is a Marine and his iron!"

[beerbecue]

My Carhartt jacket only softened up once it started becoming sun-bleached...

I suppose any sort of treatment that would aid to break down the fibers would aid in the softening...

I don't think starch itself can do that - unless there is something in the solvent for those starch products... Maybe a little bacterial/fungal action - could be those lil' critters use the starch as food and release something into the fabric...

I just found this....

Q. What are the ingredients in Niagara Spray Starch?
A. Niagara spray starch is made of modified corn starch, for body, silicone to help prevent the iron from sticking, fabric softeners, borax to keep the starch from breaking down, preservatives to prevent microbiological growth, and fragrance to give a pleasant smell.

And this:

For example, the STA-FLO brand lists not only water and corn starch as ingredients, but also (in order of concentration?) borax, "processing aids," preservative, "ironing aid" and perfume.

So, perhaps it is the fabric softeners or the borax... I would hypothesize that the starch keeps the fabric softeners in contact with the fabric longer... Or that borax may do something to the fabric......

Homemade spray starch contains:
Spray Starch

1-3 Tbsp. cornstarch

2 c. cold water

Using funnel, mix ingredients well in a spray bottle. For a light starch, use 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, for a heavier starch, use 3 Tbsp. Shake well to dissolve cornstarch completely, keep out of reach of children. Makes 2 c.

So anyway, I really don't think it is the starch itself, but maybe the softeners or other chemicals, or even the action of 'wrinkling' and 'working' the fabric.....

[Jimmy Carbomb]

This is GREAT! I'm gonna try the tumble dry method before I even atttempt to do the starching trick.

Whatever it takes... it's worth doing to be able to wear the Workman's comfortably!

Thanks guys!

[cavscout]

The tumble dry (no heat!!) trick really works.
I havent noticed that problem at all with my survival though, its my softest kilt by far.

Do you have the old or new fabric? Hot water wash or cold?

I'll be trying the tumble air dry tip also. Is it better to have the kilt in alone or would putting 1 or 2 towels in with it create more crushing and flexing?

[beerbecue]

I would say put the kilt in the dryer alone - that would maximize contact with the hard surface of the drum, including the 'paddle' things...

I think towels would be too soft and would just pad the kilt...

If anything, something like rocks in a tumbler would be the best!!!!

I have put a small washcloth, wetted with water and fabric softener, in with items before, and it works quite well, at least with jeans, etc.....

[Yaish]

I usually do two workmans together, but at the least you want to make sure the dryer is mostly empty and it can ride the barrel halfway up and then fall back down. A crowded dryer wont work. (I'll toss in a few pairs of my wool socks too, they dont seem to make a difference)

To keep the wrinkles out make sure you hang it right away, and if you must use a COLD iron. I tried a hot iron once and the heat just restiffens the fabric. Normally I just take them out after the second cycle anyway and hang them up, and they dont have any wrinkles to speak of. They just have the nice, "worn for two days" look to them.

[Miah]

I think the Starch thing is that it breaks it down kinda, If you soak itreal heavy it gets so stiff it is not even funny, but when you wear it it bends it all up and breaks it a little.
I don't know how it would work on charart type stuff but the "woodland" (not the ripstop) material beaks down after a while. but i think maybe wearing it in the sun and dry'n it out in the sun may contribute to it as well.

[cavscout]

Another term I've heard for the "woodland" material is popplen (sp). My barracks room mate had a pair of these "salty" popplens that he picked up at a surplus store. They were much warmer in the winter and softer like a slightly brushed cotton.

[KiltedBishop]

I've noticed that trend as well, espeically with my workman's kilt. I figure that it is because I don't tumble dry any of my UK's. I'm hoping the carhartt material will soften up eventually. I'm looking forward to any advice on this too.

I was told to wash it several time with fabric softener, about 6 or 7 times I was told. Worked pretty good for me. but with Duc cloth being as rigid as it is it takes some effort.