Because kilts are such a vibrant fashion option, you want to make sure that you treat it with the utmost care. You don’t want to walk around with a kilt that has faded colors or stains on it, right? Taking care of your attire is especially crucial when renting for a special occasion. 

No matter what your situation is, you need to be sure that your kilt is always in good condition. So, with that in mind, we want to share three essential maintenance care tips for kilts. 

Tip #1: Store it Properly

Casual clothes can be folded and tossed in a drawer, but kilts are usually much more formal. Not only that, but the material can be susceptible to environmental damage if you store the kilt improperly. Here are some tips to make sure you’re good to go. 

Stay Dry

There are plenty of reasons why your kilt may be a little damp after wearing it all day. Perhaps the weather wasn’t as sunny as you imagined, or maybe you were a bit more active than you planned. 

Regardless of the situation, it’s imperative that you let your kilt dry all the way before storing it. If you don’t, then mildew can set in, and you don’t want to pull out a moldy kilt. This advice is even more critical if you may go months between uses, as the problem can only get worse over time. 

Use Kilt Hangers

At first glance, you may assume that you can hang your kilt just like a woman would a skirt. However, that is incorrect. Instead, you should invest in a specialized kilt hanger that will keep the ideal shape and prevent creases from forming. If you rent a kilt from Kilt Rental USA, we provide these hangers, so be sure to use them whenever you’re not wearing the clothing. 

Protect It With a Garment Bag

If you’re not sure when you’ll wear your kilt again, then putting a garment bag over it is the smart move. Not only will it help keep the material straight, but it can prevent moths from chewing it up as well. You could invest in some mothballs, but you may not want the scent overwhelming your attire. 

Tip #2: Clean it Well

As with all of your clothes, having a clean kilt ensures that it will last for years to come. However, can you simply toss it in the washer and dryer? Not exactly. Here are some ways to clean your kilt correctly. 

Don’t Soak It

The primary reason not to add your kilt to the regular wash is that soaking it can ruin the fabric and colors. Not only that, but depending on the material, it could take forever to dry out (never toss it in the dryer). Instead, you want to spot clean it by dabbing any dirty areas or stains with lukewarm water and clothing detergent. 

If you do soak your kilt for any reason, you need to lay it flat to dry, not hang it up. You will also want to flip it over to make sure that both sides dry evenly before storing it. 

Dry Clean It

For the most part, your kilt shouldn’t need deep cleaning unless it’s really dirty. In that case, dry cleaners are much safer and more effective than trying to handle it yourself. That being said, we highly recommend finding a dry cleaner that specializes in kilts, as many of these places may not know how to treat the fabric. For example, if your attire is made of wool, dry cleaners will strip the material of its natural oils, making it more brittle over time. 

Tip #3: Wear it Carefully

Typically speaking, if you’re wearing a kilt for a formal occasion, you don’t have to worry about things like stains, rips, and tears. However, if you like to be a bit more lively while wearing your kilt, maintenance can be a bit more complicated. 

The most significant issue you have to worry about is tearing. Small rips in the fabric can worsen over time, leading to a kilt that is mostly unraveled. Thus, you want to avoid activities that can tear into your clothing, and you want to inspect the kilt regularly. 

Usually, the most common reason for tears is the improper use of a kilt pin. Newbies may think (incorrectly) that the pin goes through the front and the rear apron, but that is a mistake. The bottom flap isn’t meant for pins, so even a small poke can ruin the fabric. 

If you do spot a tear in your kilt, get it mended immediately. It’s probably a good idea to learn how to do this yourself, but otherwise, take it to a tailor that knows how to work with kilts. 

Bonus Tip: Rent From Kilt Rental USA

Kilt maintenance is so much easier when you don’t have to worry about it. While owning a kilt or two is ideal for those who wear them often, chances are you’ll go a few months or years between uses. 

In that case, you will want to rent from Kilt Rental USA. We make sure that all of our kilts are in pristine condition so that you don’t have to. Browse our extensive collection of kilts and other accessories so that you can look your best on a special day.