One thing you need to know about kilts is that they are an investment. And with tender, loving care, they can potentially last for generations. One best practice you can do to ensure the best chance your kilt last for a long time is in knowing how to store them properly.

A kilt is a well-crafted piece of clothing, as such, you need to treat it with the care and respect it deserves. However, maintaining and caring for a kilt requires a bit more attention to detail than any other piece of clothing in your closet.

Not only do they look magnificent, whether it’s a formal piece, utility kilt, or a traditional tartan, cleaning, and storage for your kilt is essential for keeping it looking its best. Not to worry, it’s not all that difficult.

Tips for Cleaning

Of course, a good dry cleaning every once in a while it is necessary, but it may not need to be done after each and every wear. Unlike other piece of clothing, kilts don’t need to be washed frequently as well. This will vary depending on your use, of course.

Dry cleaning uses solvents that are not always best for natural fabrics such as wool and cotton, so best to dry-clean sparingly. If you happen to spill something on your kilt, it is best to clean it right away.

Baby wipes are excellent for removing fresh stains on a kilt, or in the absence of it, a clean cloth with warm water will suffice by dabbing on the stain. Never rub, you’ll only make it worse. Once you get home, use a spot cleaner if the stain is still present, but first test it on the inside of the kilt to make sure that it does not leave a mark.

Tips for Storing 

One thing we insist before storing your kilt is to ensure that it is bone dry. Moisture is the cause of moulds; it grows in damp places or objects, including fabrics. Additionally, mould could spread from, say, your wooden dresser you use t store your kilt. 

Simply hanging your kilt to air out will be sufficient to ensure it can be ready for its next use or prepare it for storage. The best way to air your kilt is outside if the weather permits or inside in a warm, ventilated room. Just make sure not to place it under direct sun to not cause dyes to fade.

To make sure your kilt keeps its shape, the best way to go for it is to hang it up. We suggest using Ozkilts® Utility Kilts Hanger. Our kilt hangers are strong and sturdy and designs specifically to hold kilts.

Hanging your kilt helps keep it crease free, and maintain the fit and look of your kilt and makes them easy to store. When it’s ready for storage, hanging it unfolded with pleats downward and placed inside a garment bag is the best way to do it to protect it from moths and dust.

Don’t cram it in, and ensure that it hangs free and unsquashed. It is also a good idea to include cedar-wood moth repellant rings rather than using old-fashioned camphor moth balls. The smell of the latter might give the impression that you’ve just stepped out of a crypt when you wear it again on your next outing. 

If you opt to store it in a drawer, it is a great idea to lay it flat and include a couple of cedar blocks. This practice is to ward off pests like moths and to prevent the kilt from absorbing any unpleasant odours.

Tips for Travelling

If you opt to wear a kilt when travelling, always smooth out under your bottom as you sit down to prevent creases on your kilt. The gesture might be familiar to you when you see women do the move with their skirts or dresses, it is of prime importance with the kilt.

Brush off the thought that it may look effeminate – just do it with vigour and panache, and every one will think nothing of it.

If you are not wearing the kilt while you travel, keep it hanging during your travel. However, if you need to pack it in a suitcase, you’ll want to roll it. Once rolled tightly, stick it into the leg of nylon stockings or tights. Or you can use a kilt roll.

If both options above are unfeasible, lay the kilt flat on the bottom of your suitcase and remove it as soon as you arrive at your destination. Some creasing may appear, but hanging it for a while should get it back to normal.

Tips for Ironing and Pressing

It is fortunate that modern kilts don’t need to be ironed or pressed. But if you notice a significant crease, hanging it for several hours should lick the problem. Kilts pleats are easy to press, as you can use your fingers to make the creases tighter.

However, if there is a need for you to iron your kilt, keep these methods to heart. First, never iron the front of the garment – it may leave shiny spots on the fabric, especially if your kilt is made of wool. Instead, iron on the underside to prevent the kilt from looking tacky or unbecoming.

Second, always use an ironing cloth to protect the kilt’s fibres. And finally, never iron back and forth. Instead, press on an area for a few seconds, lift the iron, and press again on a new spot. Sliding the hot iron around compresses the fibres too much, creating an uneven appearance.

Another point to keep in mind is never let your kilt dangle from the ironing board. Use a wider surface or have someone hold the kilt up while you work.

Bottom Line

You would want to show your kilt the best care and attention that it needs. By following the steps outlined above will ensure that you can enjoy your kilt for years. Daily maintenance is often not required, so take the time in taking care of your kilt when the need arises.

With proper maintenance, care, and storage, a quality kilt such those you can get from Ozkilts® can be worn for many, many years. For more information on how to care for your kilts, visit our Ozkilts® Utility Kilt Care Instructions page.