Is the Fringe on a Kilt Intentional, or Is the Fabric Fraying?
A tidy opening-edge fringe is usually deliberate. Spreading loose yarns, tearing or failing stitches deserve a maker's assessment. Photograph the location and original finish before trimming or pulling threads.
A neat fringe on the opening edge of a traditional tailored kilt is usually intentional. Irregular loose yarns spreading into the apron, a torn edge or failing stitches may indicate damage. Compare the edge with the maker's original finish before trimming anything.
Look at the location and consistency
USA Kilts refers to the front apron's fringed edge in its wearing and packing guidance. That supports distinguishing a deliberate opening-edge finish from accidental damage elsewhere in the garment. USA Kilts apron-edge guidance.
What an orderly finish looks like
Inspect the edge in good light. Is the fringe reasonably even and confined to a deliberate edge? Has it stayed similar since purchase? Those observations help establish a baseline. They do not prove every loose thread is harmless, especially on an older or second-hand kilt.
Signs worth showing to a maker
Photograph an edge that has changed noticeably, a gap near the top or loose stitching beside the fringe. Include a wider picture so the maker can see where it sits on the garment. A close-up alone may make an intentional finish look like damage. Compare with earlier photographs if you have them.
Avoid an improvised repair
Do not pull at the loose yarns, shorten the whole fringe to remove one uneven area, or use glue to make it rigid. Those changes can make an assessment and repair harder. Keep the garment out of use if the area catches easily, and ask the maker whether a local repair or re-finishing is appropriate.
Fringe and the bottom edge are different questions
An opening-edge fringe does not mean every cut edge should be left to unravel. Construction varies by kilt type and fabric. If you are making a kilt, follow a suitable construction method for that cloth rather than copying a decorative edge without understanding how it is controlled.
Quick questions
Should I cut off the fringe for a cleaner look?
Check with the maker first. It may be an intended part of the apron finish.
Can one photograph prove the kilt is damaged?
Usually it helps to compare the location, stitching and original finish as well as the loose yarns.