1. Return and Exchange Policy
Q: What is your return policy, given that your garments are handcrafted?
Due to the artisanal, one-of-a-kind nature of our Habesha dresses (Habesha kemis), we do not have refund or return policy, ALL SALES ARE FINAL!
2. Care for the Habesha Dress
Q: How should I properly care for my traditional Habesha dress to ensure its longevity?
Preserving your Ethiopian traditional clothing is considered just as important as wearing it, as it means preserving our legacy. Traditional Habesha dresses are made from soft, breathable shemma cotton and feature delicate tibeb (woven borders).
We make things that work better and last longer. Our products solve real problems with clean design and honest materials.
Care Guide
|
Care Step |
Instructions |
|---|---|
| Washing | Always hand wash in cold or lukewarm water, as hot water may shrink or fade the cotton. Use mild, natural soap; avoid harsh chemicals and bleach, which can damage the fibers and the tibeb. Gently swirl the garment and do not scrub or twist; for stains, gently spot clean. |
| Drying | Air dry in the shade, as direct sunlight can cause colors to fade and weaken the fabric over time. Never wring out the dress; instead, lay it flat between clean towels to press out excess water. Hang the dress on a padded hanger or lay it flat to dry. |
| Ironing | Iron while the dress is still slightly damp. Use a low to medium heat setting. Place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the tibeb to protect its color and texture. For extra protection, especially with bright or metallic tibeb, always iron the dress inside-out. |
| Storage | Hang the dress on padded or wide hangers to prevent shoulder distortion. Store it in a cloth garment bag to keep dust out while allowing the fabric to breathe. Avoid plastic covers, which can trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew. Keep the dress away from jewelry or rough accessories that could snag the tibeb. |
3. Sustainability and Supporting Women's Businesses
Q: How does purchasing a dress support sustainable practices and women artisans in Ethiopia?
We are dedicated to supporting the craft and the artisans who preserve the century-old art of hand-spinning and hand-weaving. Our commitment to the philosophy of "you protect the threads, you protect the culture" is visible in our production ethics.
- Supporting Women Artisans: The raw cotton is hand-spun on drop spindles by women. This skill, passed down from mother to daughter, is often done in the home as a means of supplemental income. Initiatives have helped form women’s hand-spinning and seed-cleaning cooperatives, providing additional income opportunities. Supporting Ethiopian weaving means supporting women and communities.
- Sustainable Sourcing: Our process is rooted in sustainable and ethical initiatives. The materials are made from locally grown Ethiopian cotton. Key focuses include:
○ Using natural plant-based dyes such as turmeric, coffee, and marigold.
○ Training farmers to grow cotton without hazardous pesticides.
○ Focusing on Integrated pest management and Integrated water resource management.
○ Collaborating on projects aimed at reducing waste and improving resource efficiency in the textile sector.
4. General Order and Production Information
Q: What is the timeline for receiving a handcrafted Habesha Kemis?
The creation of these garments is a process rooted in patience and artisanal skill. The cloth is woven in long strips of shemma cotton. It can take approximately two to three weeks to make enough cloth for one dress, or up to three weeks to finish one Habesha Kemis, depending on the complexity of the design and the tibeb.
Q: What types of payment methods do you accept?
We accept a wide variety of secure payment options, including:
Amazon, American Express, Apple Pay, Bancontact, Diners Club, Discover, Google Pay, iDEAL, Mastercard, PayPal, Shop Pay, USDC, and Visa.