What is the appropriate wait time for a custom Kilt?

[Troglodyte]

More than seven months seem an extraordinarily long delay - perhaps four times longer than I would expect for a bespoke kilt.

However, if the kiltmaker has had to order-in cloth, and it has come from Scotland, that would add to the dalay. Additionally, if the weaver was out of stock of your particular tartan, there would be further delay with scheduling production, weaving, finishing, etc. Weavers often give the 'custom weave' delay time on their websites, and it can be typically ten to 12 weeks.

Two things. One is if your kilt is to be made of a cloth that is being woven specially, you get the bonus of the individuality of the finished kilt. Only you will know this, but it adds to emotional value (and that starts high anyway) of having a new kilt.

On the other hand, the kiltmaker may have bungled your order in some way (most unlikely) but accidents do happen, and his openness about the damage to the plaid shows honesty. My advice would be to take him at his word, but try for a discount on the final price, due to the delay.

A bespoke kilt order is quite different from most clothing purchases, and seemingly long delays are all part of the process. But once the kilt is finished, and you can try it on for the first time, all the anxiety over the delay goes in an instant - it is worth the wait.

A friendly phone call to the maker might help ease your mind, and it is important to remember that the kiltmaker is an artisan craftsman who takes pride in his work. He is certainly not out to upset you or rip you off in any way.

Would you keep this forum up-to-date with this, and post pictures of the kilt when it arrives?

We are all kindred spirits, and everyone benefits from shared experiences.

Good luck, and let's hope the kilt arrives soon.