New AmeriKilt

[Eujeankilt]

I just got my first AK (Putty). Their web page was sparse on info so I didn't know much about their material. This is one stiff kilt. It's all cotton, but seems like canvas or duck like the UK Workmans. I washed it with fabric softener. I tried wearing it today and when standing up after sitting, some pleats stood out horizontally. Will this soften up? Should I wash and rewash?
It says to line dry, but will tumble drying help it soften up? Line drying took two full days. Do other AK owners tumble dry their kilts?

One other thing, I'm used to having the aprons fall between my legs when I sit, but not with this kilt. Is it just the stiffness of the material? I really don't want to have to worry about advertising me boys.

Inquiring minds and all of that.........


Dale

[cavscout]

You can tumble air dry the kilt and it will help it soften. You will however always have this phenomenom with this style of kilt. Check Amerikilts web site or Email Mike about whether he recommends using fabric softener in the rinse cycle. I tried that with my UK's and it helped a ton.

[millar]

I have the same kilt I got it three weeks ago. It is a little stiff and wrinkles quite easily especially after a long car ride. I liked that it was of heartier material than the other kilts Michael offers The hand plop in the lap comes in quite handy with this kilt, to keep the apron down when sitting. As for drying it, we don't have the same weather you guys do in the Northwest but I line dried it on an overcast afternoon no problem and it was pretty wet because I hand washed it.

[Shay]

We machine dry ours and it does get softer over time. My husband has putty, I have black, and both have become more comfy-jean-like over wear and washing time.

[JackK]

My Ak shrunk a bit when I line dried it, you might be careful using the drier.


Jack

[Iolaus]

I line dry my UKs and then throw them into the dryer set on low, with some tennis balls to beat them up; that generaly takes some of the stiffness out. I imagine the same would work with an AK.

Bottom line though ... use, wear, and multiple washings is the best way to relax the fabric. The first thing I did when I got my new UK was to wash it three or four times in succession (without bothering to dry between washings) before I wore it, just to start breaking it down and give it a slightly faded broken-in look.

[Riverkilt]

My Putty AK was like a brushed jean material, but soft not stiff.

I wear a kilt pin with my AKs just for sitting purposes, helps plop the apron down.

Ron

[Verlyn]

I wouldn't use fabric softener. They tend to soften up with normal wear. Mine is a year and a half old and really soft and comfortable.