What is the appropriate wait time for a custom Kilt?

[BlueSkye]

Hello,
I posted a few months ago regarding my first kilt purchase. I've been very enthusiastic about receiving it and potential for additional accessories and even other mill versions. However, i cant seem to get the original one i ordered. Hopefully im not hanging myself by giving this kiltmaker so much slack but i ordered it in March of this year. They are based in British Columbia, Canada and I'm in the US. I was told i'd have the kilt and fly in June. I have of course checked in with him several times and there always seems to be a delay. Per my email last week, the kilt is supposedly on its way but he "damaged" the fly and needs to order new material.
This has clearly made for a disappointing introduction with this kiltmaker. And has me biting my tongue. But what is an acceptable rule of thumb or waiting period to receive a custom kilt?

Blue Skye
- Invictus Maneo

[figheadair]

March to November does seem like a long time frame. If your kilt is on it's way then that's good news. A fly plaid is a (very) optional extra and not necessary in order to wear you kilt. In fact, in over 40 years of kilt wearing, I've never worn one and, personal opinion, never would.

[Jock Scot]

March to November does seem like a long time frame. If your kilt is on it's way then that's good news. A fly plaid is a (very) optional extra and not necessary in order to wear you kilt. In fact, in over 40 years of kilt wearing, I've never worn one and, personal opinion, never would.

I could not agree more with Peter about fly plaids. I had one in my youth and carried it on occasion , I can’t say that I actually used it in action more than a couple of times. That was some 50/60, or more years ago! Since then it has resided in a trunk, getting high on mothball fumes! The one thing I remember well is that it was a damn nuisance to carry about on the shoulder, it kept sliding Off!

[Arnot]

Since then it has resided in a trunk, getting high on mothball fumes!

I got my laugh for the morning. 😆

[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.