FAQ's
How do I pay for my Fabric of Humanity purchase?
Payment for all our goods can be made using Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, AfterPay, Shop Pay and Pay when checking out at the Fabric of Humanity shop shopping cart.
When will I receive my order?
Orders placed before 12pm on business days will be dispatched that day. Orders placed across the weekend and after 12pm will be processed & dispatched the following business day. During peak periods, rest assured we are doing our best to get your order out as soon as possible, however please allow 2 – 4 days for your order to be processed and dispatched.
What will shipping cost?
Online purchases made on FabricofHumanity.com over $150 will receive free shipping within Australia. Shipping on purchases under $150 will be calculated on weight and will be calculated at cart checkout. International purchases will be charged on weight and destination and will be calculated at cart checkout. We ship using Australia Post as trusted national and international shipping agents, who have a carbon-neutral shipping service and do offer tracking. International orders may be subject to taxes and duties and these costs are the responsibility of you, the customer. We recommend checking with your local authorities to understand possible charges before placing your order. It is important to note that depending on which country you are shipping to, Natural Dyes and Khadi & handloom textiles are considered to be unique to region and therefore can obtain duty free clearance in most circumstances - but still important to check locally. Parcels of international customers who decline to pay taxes and duties, will be returned to Fabric of Humanity and the order value will be refunded less the original shipping fee. If we currently do not ship to your country please let us know by sending us an email to hello@fabricofhumanity.com.
Do you take Returns?
Because of the unique nature of our products and our waste minimising policy we do accept change of mind or product not right for space as a reason for returns or credits. So please be sure before you place your order at cart or contact our customer support team if you have additional questions about products by emailing help@fabricofhumanity.com. Items purchased during sale and via Afterpay are strictly non refundable or exchangeable. The individual and hand-woven nature of our textiles mean that every item is unique and carries with it it’s perfect imperfections. In the unlikely circumstance that items are clearly faulty or flawed then we offer a return and exchange for new goods (individually crafted) or a credit. To apply for a refund, exchange or credit you must complete our Online Returns form within 5 business days of receiving your item. If your application for refund, exchange or credit is approved we need the item/s to be returned in their original condition (not used or worn) with original packaging to us to assess. Please allow 7 business days for this assessment from the time we receive the goods back and issue the refund, exchange or credit. Note - we do reserve the right to deems goods not to original standard. We will credit the initial shipping from your order but the cost of return shipping will be incurred by you, the customer. Return to sender orders lost in transit, cannot be credited, so we do recommend considering tracking its your return shipment.
All international shipping is strictly a no refunds, exchanges or credits inline with our waste minimising philosophy.
Do you offer Textile or Natural Dye samples?
We understand the need to be able to sample textiles and dyes, so we are in the process of bringing this as a viable option for sale. Coming soon.
What are the benefits of shifting to natural dyes?
In essence, because of it’s unique colour, minimal impact to the environment, non-toxic, biodegradable & regenerative.
But let’s break this down :
1. Unique colour variations
First off, the colours you can achieve with natural dyes are extraordinarily from nature and can’t be replicated with synthetic dyes. The shades and variations are true to nature and give unique vibrancy.
2. Protect the environment
When you choose natural dyes you are choosing to protect the environment. Pigments are derived from plants, invertebrates, or minerals - they are 100% natural, renewable - which means they regrow in nature without causing harm and they are biodegradable - which means they come from the earth and go back to the earth. The majority being plant sources - roots, berries, bark, sap, flowers, leaves, husks & wood. By comparison synthetic dyes are made from petroleum.
3. Less water & recycled water
Dyeing with natural dyes overall uses less water than synthetic dyeing because both the dye and the wash baths can be used several times and reused achieving multiple shades from one dye bath. An Indigo VAT for example can live for months if feed the necessary ingredients. A GOTS Certified Natural Dye wash bath can be disposed of into nature without causing any harm to rivers or waterways. Unlike synthetic dyes which cause harm to rivers and waterways around factories where production takes place. There are many cited examples of such damage throughout India, China and Bangladesh.
4. No harm
Natural dyes cause no harm to all skin types, but especially beneficial to sensitive skin because they are natural and offer therapeutic hypoallergenic properties, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-viral and antiseptic properties. This means that natural dyes do not cause harm to the people working with them, their environment or those wearing the finished products. Natural dyes in essence, have medicinal values that can be translated to the fibres they colour. This opens up a whole new world to discover the medicinal properties of each dye. Studies also suggest that natural dyed fabric offers higher protection from UV than synthetic dyes.
5. Ethical Sourcing
We support 2nd, 3rd and newly established farmers and seek to understand their individual farm needs and dreams. Our Natural Dyes are ethically sourced from plants and insects - it’s fair to say that we are obsessed with the entire process of growing & sourcing, harvesting, preparing our plants.
6. Regenerative Employment
Our business model insists on small-scale ethical production, fair wages for workers and healthy working conditions for all. It also uses a decentralised supply chain in order to support the small business ecosystem.
Do Natural Dyes fade?
Natural dye fades. Yes it does. Celebrate it.
The expectation of 100% guarantee in our modern world has far reaching ramifications silently building in the background of our lives. That nothing is permanent or perfect is a breathtaking and empowering realisation.
The best way to describe colour fading is that it is the exquisite journey of natural dye. It is not a blatant fade as with chemical dyes. Instead it goes on a slow journey - breaking down the hues and shades that nature has built with her pigments.
The wonderful thing not many realise is that if mordanted correctly at the beginning of the dyeing process the garment can be re-dyed multiple times over its lifetime without having to re-mordant.
I’ve never used Natural Dyes. Do you have any information that can help me start?
Absolutely. We have created a comprehensive Natural Dye Instructions Guide which you can access here and also download to print.
What are the Fabric of Humanity products made from?
Our Fabric of Humanity Khadi & handloom textiles are made from ethically and sustainably sourced 100% natural cotton.
Our Natural Dyes are extracted from natural plant and mineral elements.
How do I wash and care for my Fabric of Humanity products?
If you are new to wearing/using natural fibre you will be amazed! It breathes unlike synthetic fibres, so you will find washing doesn’t need to be done after each wear.
Please see our Care for tips on how to wash and care for your products.
I want to buy the Natural Dye Kit for a friend. Do they need to have experience in dyeing?
You are a lovely friend! No need for experience. Our Natural Dye Kits are accessible for practitioners and crafters of all levels and expertise, whether you are just starting out on your journey or are an experienced designer. We have created an Online Natural Dyes Instructions Guide with all the information your friend needs to get started.
Are the Fabric of Humanity products one-offs?
Yes every product is a one-off, made by the hands of artisans who spin the cotton and weave the cloth. As such, each piece will carry it’s own unique story and can vary from threads to variances in colour tones. We believe it is these imperfections that give khadi it’s beauty, made by the hands of humans.
Why do khadi and handloom textiles have imperfections?
Khadi textiles are spun and woven by hand, creating a unique story with every length of cloth. It is said that it takes a village to make Khadi and this most certainly is true. A minimum of 14 pairs of hands touch the material before it reaches our dye house: from farmers, to cotton pluckers, spinners, weavers, thread cutters, washer people, ironers, folders, dyers, transporters and deliverers. This means that each piece can vary from threads to variances in colour tones. We believe it is these imperfections that give khadi it’s beauty, made by the hands of humans. It must be held and felt between the fingers to be truly understood. It breathes in summer, is warm in winter and is highly regarded for its durability, soft-feel and versatility. Fashion designers and conscious consumers alike are drawn to its story, artisanal roots, sustainability and low carbon footprint.
How does my purchase benefit rural indian communities?
Revive artisanal dye and textile traditions.
Bring vitality and sustainability back into rural Indian village communities
Re-invigorate tightly knit rural Indian communities with safe, respectful employment
Celebrate ethical, sustainable production that delivers high-quality products that are made to last
Empower and educate women and their communities, giving them sovereignty, returning
Dignity and celebrating a regenerative way of life
Constantly innovate to ensure our textiles and dyes have the smallest possible footprint
Create more circular supply chains
How does my purchase benefit the environment?
We greatly respect the environment, valuing our renewable resources and work with small-scale farmers to ensure balance in their crops and the health and wellbeing of their workers. Our natural products are renewable, compostable, biodegradable, harm-free to workers and promote positive impacts to health when using or wearing our dyes or khadi textiles and our regenerative processes leave the people and the environment in an improved state. Workers working with natural dyes are not exposed to harmful chemicals or toxins (like synthetic dye production), nor is water run-off harmful to the environment where it is produced nor the environment where it is being used (unlike chemical dye production and consumption which affects communities where it is produced and communities where they are used).
Are you using children to produce your products in rural communities?
No, we are working with artisans in rural villages who have been trained and have a livelihood in weaving. In these communities, family members including children are often encouraged to learn the age old wisdom so that is carried down to the next generation. Thus ensuring a dedication to the continuation of their unique craft.
How do you package your goods to send to me?
We minimise our packaging but want to ensure the quality of your unique Fabric of Humanity purchase is maintained. We use recycled & recyclable cardboard and satchels to ensure product integrity through transportation.
Returns on Natural Dyes
We offer a strict no returns on Natural Dyes unless product is faulty. We do accept change of mind or product not suitable for your needs as reasons for return, exchange or credit. So we do ask you to please be sure before you place your order at cart by checking out our detailed descriptions, colour swatches or contact our customer support team if you have additional questions about products by emailing help@fabricofhumanity.com. In the unlikely circumstance that items are clearly faulty or flawed then we offer a return and exchange for new goods (individually crafted) or a credit. To apply for a refund, exchange or credit you must complete our online returns form within 4 business days of receiving your item. If your application for refund, exchange or credit is approved we need the item/s to be returned in their original condition (not used or worn) with original packaging to us to assess. Please allow 7 business days for this assessment from the time we receive the goods back and issue the refund, exchange or credit. Note - we do reserve the right to deems goods not to original standard. We will credit the initial shipping from your order but the cost of return shipping will be incurred by you, the customer. Return to sender orders lost in transit, cannot be credited, so we do recommend considering tracking its your return shipment.
All international shipping is strictly a no refunds, exchanges or credits inline with our waste minimising philosophy.
Returns on Khadi & Handloom Textiles
We offer a strict no returns on Khadi and Handloom unless product is faulty. We do accept change of mind or product not suitable for your needs as reasons for return, exchange or credit. So we do ask you to please be sure before you place your order at cart by checking out our detailed descriptions, images or contact our customer support team if you have additional questions about products by emailing help@fabricofhumanity.com. In the unlikely circumstance that items are clearly faulty or flawed then we offer a return and exchange for new goods (individually crafted) or a credit. To apply for a refund, exchange or credit you must complete our online returns form within 5 business days of receiving your item. If your application for refund, exchange or credit is approved we need the item/s to be returned in their original condition (not used or worn) with original packaging to us to assess. Please allow 7 business days for this assessment from the time we receive the goods back and issue the refund, exchange or credit. Note - we do reserve the right to deems goods not to original standard. We will credit the initial shipping from your order but the cost of return shipping will be incurred by you, the customer. Return to sender orders lost in transit, cannot be credited, so we do recommend considering tracking its your return shipment.
All international shipping is strictly a no refunds, exchanges or credits inline with our waste minimising philosophy.
Gift Cards
We love them. And yes we understand that you can’t always decide or even know what to buy, so Gift Cards are available in pre-set denominations or you can select your value. Gift cards are valid for 3years from date of purchase.
What do you do with my data? What is your Privacy Policy?
We only gather information about you to be able to better service you with tailored communications, improved services and notify you about upcoming products and events. We do not resell your information to third parties and absolutely respect your privacy.
Does Fabric of Humanity offer a warranty on Natural Dyes, Khadi and Handloom?
As our products are unique and made by hand, we do not offer a period of warranty on these items. Should you experience a fault with one of our products, then please contact us at help@fabricofhumanity.com because we do pride ourselves on taking the upmost care and authenticity with our products.