Is your kilt making the grade?

Maintaining your uniform is more than just looking sharp—it’s about respecting the tradition and
presenting a professional image every time we step on the field or stage. This guide covers two
key areas of our uniform: kilt care and the correct wearing of hose, flashes, and ghillie brogues.

Proper folding method:
● Lay the kilt with pleats facing out.
● Fold into thirds.
● Then fold in half, still with pleats out.

Hanging:
● Use a sturdy wooden trouser hanger.
● Avoid flimsy plastic hangers—they can warp under the kilt’s weight.
● The small hooks sewn into some kilts are intended for single-nail military storage and
aren’t ideal for home use.

Pressing and Shaping
● Why it matters:
● A well-pressed kilt lies flat against the body, with no sag or flare at the bottom.
● The vertical lines in the tartan’s pattern should run straight from the waistband to the
hem in every pleat.

Pressing technique:
● Align each pleat to match the tartan’s lines exactly.
● Avoid widening or narrowing the pleat below the stitched waistband—it should remain
uniform.
● Use a steam iron on a low steam setting with a damp pillowcase or towel over the wool
to prevent shine.
● Work pleat by pleat on the outer and inner pleats.
● Support the kilt’s weight while ironing—lay it flat on the floor or ironing board to prevent
pulling.
● Incorrect pressing or dry cleaning can cause excess fabric at the bottom to stick out
instead of lying smoothly.

Cleaning: Never dry clean

● Dry cleaners often treat kilts like skirts, adding unwanted flare. The process strips the
wool’s natural lanolin, making it stiff, scratchy, and more prone to wrinkles.
Hand washing:
● Use lanolin-rich wool detergent like Outback Gold (available on Amazon) to maintain
softness. Woolite is not sufficient.
● Fill a bathtub with 3-4 inches of water the same temperature as the room.
● Mix detergent thoroughly.
● Fold the kilt in thirds, gently immerse, and lightly agitate.
● Rinse 2–3 times with same-temperature water.
● Dry by hanging in open air, or lay on clean grass to allow chlorophyll to brighten colors
(watch for birds!).
● Home “dry-clean” kits: These still use chemicals that can strip lanolin—avoid if possible.