FAQ

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds, using farming practices designed to support healthier soil, biodiversity, and ecosystems.

Conventional cotton can rely heavily on agricultural chemicals and resource-intensive farming methods. Choosing organic cotton helps reduce the use of these chemicals and supports farming systems that are more conscious of both people and the planet.

For MATE, it's not just about what goes into our clothes; it's about how those materials are grown and produced. We choose organic cotton because we believe the fibers closest to your skin should be made with safer practices, from the farm forward.

Low-impact dyes are selected and processed to reduce the environmental footprint of textile dyeing. They are designed for higher absorption and fixation, meaning less dye is left behind in wastewater and less water may be needed during the dyeing process.

At MATE, we look beyond the dye itself. We consider the chemistry used throughout the dyeing and finishing process and follow standards such as GOTS and OEKO-TEX to help restrict harmful substances and support safer chemistry across our supply chain.

We primarily use cotton thread across our products, though the right thread depends on the needs of each garment.

For categories like activewear and intimates, we use a poly-core thread where needed for added strength and durability. These garments are designed for frequent wear, movement, and repeated washing, so thread performance plays an important role in making a product that lasts.

Our goal is to use lower-impact materials wherever possible while ensuring our garments perform, hold up to wear and washing, and stay in your closet for a long time. Because durability is part of sustainability. Sometimes the most responsible choice is the one that helps a garment last longer.

Our products are made in India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, China, and Peru. We carefully select our manufacturing partners based on their ability to meet MATE's standards for quality, environmental responsibility, worker well-being, and responsible production.

We work with factories that hold relevant third-party certifications, including GOTS and OEKO-TEX, where applicable. These certifications help us set clear expectations, from safer chemistry and environmental practices to social responsibility and working conditions.

We believe responsible production starts with choosing the right partners and building long-term relationships with factories that share our commitment to making better products, better.

Some of our manufacturing partners are Fair Trade Certified, but MATE does not currently use Fair Trade certification as a product or sourcing claim.

Instead, we carefully select our factory partners based on their alignment with MATE's standards for responsible production, worker well-being, environmental practices, and quality. Our supply chain also utilizes certifications and standards such as GOTS and OEKO-TEX, where applicable, which help establish requirements for social and environmental responsibility throughout the manufacturing process.

We believe responsible manufacturing is about more than a single certification. It's about choosing the right partners and holding ourselves and our supply chain to consistently high standards.

We take a layered approach to chemical safety, with requirements that extend beyond the certifications used across our supply chain.

Our suppliers are required to follow MATE's Supplier Code of Conduct and Chemical Compliance Policy, which include requirements for responsible chemical management and compliance with our Restricted Substances List (RSL) and Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL). We also work with suppliers who maintain relevant third-party certifications, including GOTS and OEKO-TEX, where applicable.

In addition, MATE conducts independent third-party testing, another layer of verification beyond supplier declarations and certifications alone.

We believe responsible chemistry starts with preventing harmful substances from entering our supply chain in the first place, and verifying that through testing wherever appropriate.

Safer materials. More responsible chemistry. Greater transparency.

We currently offer sizes XS–XL.

We're committed to making MATE more accessible and inclusive, and we continue to evaluate opportunities to expand our size range. While we don't currently offer sizes beyond XL, we're listening to our customers and actively exploring what's possible for the future.

To find out how an item fits, consult our size guide and fit notes on all of our product pages. Most of our products have a relaxed fit. If you need additional help, please email us at care@matethelabel.com.

Each fabric has unique characteristics, including fiber content, base color, weight, and knit construction, that affect how it absorbs and reflects dye. A natural-colored cotton base, for example, will produce a different result than a brighter white base. Even different production runs of the same fabric can have slight variations in dye absorption.

Because of this, each fabrication requires its own dye formulation to achieve the closest possible match to a MATE color. Some variation between fabrics and dye lots is a natural part of the dyeing process. If you're creating a matching set, we recommend choosing pieces made from the same fabric and colorway for the most consistent look.

Have a question about a specific color? Email us at care@matethelabel.com. Our team is happy to help.

Please reference our Fabric Library page for care instructions per fabrication.

We do our best to work with our factories to restock products as quickly as possible. We aim to keep our classic colors in stock year round; new colors introduced each season are not guaranteed to be restocked.

As a sustainable brand with a small team, we focus on quality over quantity. Maintaining our ethical supply chain and clean material standards is our top priority, and we will never jeopardize these values to mass produce clothing quickly.

You can sign up to be the first to know when products are back in stock. Simply select your size and color on a product page and enter your email address to join the waitlist. We will email you as soon as it is restocked.

We accept all major credit cards, as well as the following options:

• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Shop Pay
• PayPal
• Afterpay

We do not accept personal checks, prepaid debit cards, or money orders.

Sales tax depends on your location and the items you purchase. Any applicable taxes will be calculated and displayed at checkout.

Our system only accepts one promo code at a time, and promo codes can only be applied to full-priced items.

Unfortunately, we are unable to honor expired promotion codes. To get early access to upcoming promotions, subscribe to our emails.

Yes. If your purchase was made within the last 14 days, reach out to our Care Team for a price adjustment. Please note: items in the Sale Collection are final sale. If a price adjustment is applied to an order containing sale items, those items will also be marked as final sale.

We recommend joining the waitlist for that style. You'll receive an email notification as soon as the item becomes available again. For specific inquiries, contact us at care@matethelabel.com.

Yes, within 1 hour of placing your order. You'll find an edit link on your thank-you page and in your order confirmation email. Click it to add, change, or remove items, update your shipping address or contact info, or apply a discount code. If a change increases your total, you'll be prompted to pay the difference (or pay via a follow-up invoice email); if it decreases your total, the difference is refunded automatically. Once the 1-hour window closes, your order moves to our warehouse for fulfillment and can no longer be edited. If you've made a mistake after that window has passed, email us at care@matethelabel.com as soon as possible. We'll do our best to help, though we can't guarantee changes once an order is in fulfillment.

You have 1 hour from checkout to cancel using the same edit link on your thank-you page or confirmation email. Canceling within that window gets you a full refund to your original payment method, typically within 3-5 business days. Once the 1-hour window closes, your order has moved to fulfillment and can no longer be canceled that way. If it's already been processed, you're welcome to initiate a return or exchange once you receive it. MATE offers free exchanges and free standard shipping on all U.S. orders over $200.

You have 1 hour from the time you place your order to make changes. After that, your order moves to our warehouse for fulfillment and can no longer be edited.

You'll find a link to edit your order in two places:

• The thank-you page right after checkout
• Your order confirmation email

Click the link to go to your order page and make your changes.

Within the 1-hour window, you can:

• Add, change, or remove items
• Update your shipping address
• Update your contact information (email or phone)
• Apply a discount code
• Cancel your order

Yes. You're free to swap into any item at any price:

• New item costs more: You'll be prompted to pay the difference during the edit flow. You'll also receive a follow-up invoice email with a secure payment link.
• New item costs less: The difference will be refunded automatically to your original payment method.

Your order will reflect the updated items once any outstanding balance has been paid.

If your order edit increased the total, you'll receive an invoice email with a secure link to pay the balance. You can pay directly through the email link or from the order edit page in your customer portal.

If you already paid during the edit flow, you can disregard this email. Clicking the link will simply show your order as paid.

Once payment is complete, your order will be sent to fulfillment. If payment isn't completed, the additional items won't be added to your order.

Yes. Any active discount code can be applied during the 1-hour edit window. Enter the code on your order edit page and it will adjust your total automatically.

Note: Discount codes cannot be stacked.

If you cancel within the 1-hour window, you'll receive a full refund to your original payment method. Refunds typically appear within 3-5 business days, depending on your bank.

Unfortunately, no. Once the window closes, your order is sent to our warehouse and can no longer be changed. If you've made a mistake and the window has passed, please contact our customer support team as soon as possible. We'll do our best to help, though we can't guarantee changes once an order is in fulfillment.

Orders are processed and leave our Southern California warehouse within 2–3 business days (excluding weekends and holidays). Once your order ships, you'll receive a confirmation email with a tracking number.

Orders will not ship on the following holidays:

• Memorial Day
• July 4th
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
• New Year's Eve & New Year's Day

• Free on all U.S. orders over $200
• $10 flat rate for orders under $200
• Estimated delivery: 3–7 business days after processing

• Next Day — $35
• 2-Day — $25
• 3-Day — $15

Please note: Expedited orders must be placed by 10:00 AM PST to ship the same day. Orders placed after 10:00 AM PST will ship the following business day.

Carriers sometimes mark packages as delivered prematurely. We recommend the following steps:

1. Double-check the shipping address on your order confirmation
2. Check with neighbors in case the package was left with them
3. Wait up to 3 business days, as delayed deliveries do happen

If your package still hasn't arrived after 3 business days, contact the carrier directly to file a claim. You can also file a claim through our order management page.

File a claim directly through our order management page. For additional assistance, reach our Care Team at care@matethelabel.com.

Yes, MATE ships worldwide through our trusted partner, Global-e.

We ship internationally via DHL Express:

• Orders under $200 USD: flat rate of $15 USD
• Orders over $200 USD: free shipping

Note: Amounts shown reflect the USD equivalent in your local currency.

• Processing: 2–3 business days
• Shipping: 2–5 business days

Orders may occasionally be held at customs, which can cause additional delays beyond our control.

Track your shipment using the Global-e tracking portal. You'll need your order number and the email address used at checkout.

Yes. International orders may be subject to duties and taxes based on the order subtotal and destination country. Depending on your location, these fees may be:

• Included in the item price
• Charged at checkout
• Payable upon delivery

By placing an international order, you agree to pay any applicable fees levied by your destination country. We recommend contacting your local customs office for details before purchasing.

Yes. Returns are accepted on non-final sale items in original condition: unworn, unwashed, and with tags attached. Please note that we are unable to process exchanges for international orders.

To initiate a return:

1. Visit our returns portal
2. A return slip will be sent to your email address
3. Postmark your return within 45 days of your order date

Once received and inspected at our warehouse, refunds are processed within 10 business days to your original payment method.

We gladly accept returns and exchanges on items not marked Final Sale within 30 days of purchase, as long as they are in original condition: unworn, unwashed, and with tags attached.

Visit our returns portal to get started. Have the following ready:

• Your order number (found in your MATE order confirmation email)
• The email address or shipping zip code associated with your order

Note: International customers use the same returns portal.

Once you have completed the returns process in the portal, you will receive a link to your shipping label or QR code.

If you've already initiated a return, you can select View return details to access your label, QR code, and drop-off locations.

We offer several options so you can choose what works best for you:

• Instant Exchange: Swap for another size, color, or style and get your new item shipped right away. A $1 hold is placed on your card until your original item is sent back. You have 14 days to ship your return before the hold is charged.
• Standard Exchange: Swap for a different size, color, or style. Your replacement ships once your return is received and processed.
• Shop Now (Instant Credit): Receive instant store credit equal to your return value to shop for something new right away.
• Store Credit: Return your item for store credit equal to the full return value, usable on a future purchase. Credit is issued once your return is received and inspected.

1. Start your return in the returns portal and select the boxless option.
2. At the end of the returns portal process, you will receive a link to your QR code. This will also be emailed to you.
3. Bring your unpackaged item(s) and QR code to any participating drop-off location.
4. Staff will scan, pack, and ship it back for you. No label or box is required.

You will receive a confirmation once your return is on its way, and your refund or exchange will be processed at that point.

• Free when you choose an exchange or store credit.
• $9 deducted from your refund if returning for a cash refund, to cover the cost of the return shipping label.
• Free if you opted into return coverage at checkout.

Please note: Original shipping fees and protection plan charges are non-refundable.

• Final Sale items: All items marked "Final Sale" are ineligible, with no exceptions for sizing, fit, or fabric. Our Customer Care team is happy to answer questions about a style before you buy.
• Socks and intimate bottoms: Not accepted for return for quality assurance reasons. If it is your first time purchasing either and you are not fully satisfied, email care@matethelabel.com and we will do our best to help.

Here is what to expect after we receive your return:

• Processing time: 7 to 10 business days from receipt.
• You will receive an email confirmation once your refund has been processed.
• Bank processing: Allow an additional 4 to 6 business days for the refund to appear in your account.
• If it has not shown up after we have processed it on our end, please contact your bank directly.

Reach out to care@matethelabel.com and our team will see what we can do.

Free Returns + Package Protection is an optional add-on available at checkout that provides peace of mind throughout your entire order experience. It includes two components:

• Free returns for exchange, store credit, or refund. If you are not completely satisfied, you receive free return shipping on your order.
• Package Protection. If your package is lost, stolen, or damaged in transit, your order is covered.

Package Protection covers your order if it is lost, stolen, or damaged in transit, and is insured by Shipsurance. If you received the wrong item, a defective item, or an item is missing from your order, please submit a claim through our customer portal or reach out to our Customer Care team at care@matethelabel.com and we will make it right.

Yes. When you add Free Returns + Package Protection at checkout, your return shipping is free, whether you choose an exchange, store credit, or a refund. Without it, a $9 return shipping fee is deducted from refunds.

You can file a claim here. Please note that you will only be able to file a claim if you added Free Returns + Package Protection when placing your order.

If you chose not to add it at checkout, returns can still be made according to our standard policy, but the standard return shipping fee will apply and your package will not be protected against loss, theft, or damage. If you have an issue with your order, please reach out to our Customer Care team at care@matethelabel.com and we will do our best to help.

Our e-Gift Cards are delivered via email and are available in the following amounts: $25, $50, $100, $150, $200, or $500. You can purchase one here. Gift cards can be personalized with a message and sent immediately or scheduled for a future date.

A few important things to keep in mind:

• Your payment method is charged at the time of purchase
• e-Gift cards are final sale and non-refundable
• e-Gift cards cannot be used to purchase other e-Gift cards
• e-Gift card codes are applied at checkout and cannot be retroactively applied to completed orders
• Please allow up to one business day to receive your gift card

Enter your gift card code here to view your current balance. If you are unable to see your balance, please contact care@matethelabel.com.

The Detox Your Closet™ program is open to all customers.

Not all donated clothing finds a second life. When clothing is handled as mixed, unsorted material, it can be difficult to match individual items with buyers and markets that actually want them.

With a Take Back Bag, our recycling partner hand-sorts and grades each item into hundreds of categories so it can be matched with a market where there is demonstrated demand. Reuse is prioritized first, while items that are not suitable for reuse are evaluated for material recycling. Landfill is reserved as a last resort for material that cannot be recovered.

You will also receive $20 in MATE shopping credit for every Take Back Bag you purchase and register.

We partner with Trashie on the Detox Your Closet™ program. Trashie works with sorting facilities that hand-sort and grade collected items to identify the best available next use, prioritizing reuse first, followed by material recycling.

The Take Back Bag is made with 50% post-consumer recycled content and is fully recyclable. We recycle 100% of the Take Back Bags sent back to us.

The $20 cost covers shipping from you to our recycling partner. You will receive $20 in MATE shopping credit as soon as you register your bag.

Take Back Bags ship from our Southern California warehouse like any other MATE order. Orders are processed and leave our warehouse within 2 to 3 business days, excluding weekends and holidays.

We will email you a tracking number once your order ships. Delivery typically takes 3 to 7 business days depending on your location.

Once you receive your Take Back Bag, scan the QR code on the bag to register it and receive your $20 MATE shopping credit right away.

When you are ready to send your bag back, fill it with your accepted items and bring it to an eligible FedEx location. You will use your QR code at the FedEx location to complete your return.

Take Back Bag returns are QR-code only, and there is no option to generate or print a shipping label. Not all FedEx locations accept QR-code Take Back Bag returns, so please check the FedEx location finder before you go to confirm you are visiting an eligible location.

If you experience any issues with your return, please contact help@trashie.io and the Trashie team will help resolve the issue.

We accept items that are ripped, damaged, torn, or stained. Just make sure they are clean before sending them back.

What cannot be reused or recycled?

A small percentage of material cannot safely or practically be recovered. This generally includes items that are:

• Moldy or significantly water damaged
• Contaminated with oil or grease
• Contaminated with biological material
• Severely soiled or otherwise unsalvageable
• Made from materials for which there is currently no viable reuse or recycling pathway

Approximately 5% of collected material falls into this category and is sent to a permitted landfill. Landfill is reserved as a last resort after items have been evaluated for available reuse and recycling pathways.

Our recycling partner hand-sorts and grades every item to determine its highest and best available use. Reuse is prioritized first, followed by material recycling, with landfill reserved only for material that cannot safely or practically be recovered.

Items go through multiple rounds of sorting into approximately 613 individual grades and categories. This detailed sorting allows items to be matched with markets that have demonstrated demand for them rather than being sold as unsorted mixed bales.

100% cotton and cotton/polyester blends have some of the most established recycling pathways and can become things like industrial wiping cloths, filling, recycled fiber, or recycled yarn. More complex blended materials can be harder to recycle at scale, and Trashie continues to work with recycling partners on emerging solutions.

Approximately 5% of collected material cannot be safely or practically recovered and is sent to a permitted landfill.

You will receive your $20 MATE shopping credit as soon as you register your Take Back Bag. Your bag does not need to reach our recycling partner first.

No, you will need to purchase a new Take Back Bag each time. You will receive $20 in MATE shopping credit for every bag you purchase and register.

Detox Your Closet™ has replaced reMATE.

Email community@matethelabel.com with your Instagram handle, location, and a note on why sustainability matters to you. We will get back to you if it is a good fit

We do not offer private labeling at this time. If you are interested in collaborating with MATE, please email community@matethelabel.com.

You can check our LinkedIn page for current openings. We're always happy to hear from passionate and talented individuals.

You can reach our support team by emailing care@matethelabel.com.

Our support team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST.

We aim to respond to all inquiries within 1-2 business days. During sale events and holiday periods, response times may be longer than usual.