Kilt Care Guide

A well-made kilt can last for decades if it is looked after. Most of that is simple: hang it properly, clean it gently and store it away from damp and moths.

After wearing

Hang your kilt as soon as you take it off. Use a kilt hanger or a clip hanger fixed at the waistband so the pleats hang straight down under their own weight. Never fold a kilt across the pleats or leave it over a chair. Brush off dust and mud once dry with a soft clothes brush, working down the pleats.

Cleaning

Always check the care note for your cloth first; different fabrics need different treatment.

• Acrylic and acrylic-wool kilts. Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent, then hang by the waist to dry. Keep them away from harsh chemicals and the colours will stay true.
• Pure wool kilts. Dry clean only, and only when needed. Wool resists dirt well and usually just needs airing and brushing.
• Utility, denim and other kilts. Follow the care label for the cloth and hang to dry by the waist.
• Spills. Blot (don’t rub) with a clean damp cloth as soon as possible.

Never tumble dry a kilt or put it on a radiator. Heat can shrink the cloth and set creases into the pleats.

Pressing the pleats

If the pleats lose their shape, lay the kilt flat, set each pleat in place and press through a damp pressing cloth with a warm (not hot) iron, or use a garment steamer. Press from the waist down. Avoid ironing the fringe on the apron; brush it straight instead.

Storing and travelling

• Store your kilt hanging in a breathable garment bag, not plastic, in a cool, dry wardrobe.
• Wool attracts moths: a cedar block or lavender bag in the wardrobe helps protect it.
• To travel, roll the kilt from one end with the pleats on the inside, rather than folding it. Hang it up as soon as you arrive.

Caring for accessories

• Sporrans. Brush fur and horsehair gently in the direction it grows and store the sporran in a dust bag. Wipe leather with a dry cloth and use a leather conditioner now and then.
• Leather straps and belts. Keep them dry, and condition occasionally so they don’t crack.
• Buckles, pins and brooches. Polish with a soft cloth after wearing and store them separately so they don’t scratch.
• Kilt hose. Wash according to the label and dry flat so they keep their shape.