FAQ about MotherTongues T-shirts: Fair Trade, ordering and sizing

What kind of T-shirts are used?

MotherTongues only use great quality t-shirts - we search high and low to find the best quality possible for not the highest price possible.
All t-shirts, tote bags, gift bags and aprons are 100% organic cotton, made with fair labor principles. Since clothing can't be certified Fair Trade yet, we want to make sure that the T-shirts we use come from companies that use fair labor and environmentally friendly principles to improve the life for their customers, their employees, communities and the environment. Because we think that is just the right thing to do.
The Fair Trade labeling organization, TransFair USA, is currently developing standards for garments for release hopefully in the upcoming year. All three companies that supply MotherTongues will be applying for Fair Trade certification at that time.

Where is it made?

Our t-shirts, tote bags, and gift bags come from two companies: the one manufactures in India and the other in Pakistan. Here is a breakdown of what is made where:
Tote bags: Pakistan.
Gift bags: India.
Ubuntu Hoodies: Pakistan.
All Ubuntu t-shirts: India.
All Abrazo t-shirts: India.
All Satyagraha t-shirts: India.
Shalom - Salam: Short sleeve t-shirts: Pakistan. Long sleeve t-shirts: India.
All Gezellig t-shirts: Pakistan.
All Dadirri t-shirts: Pakistan.
All Himdag t-shirts: India.
Lagom: Unisex t-shirts: India. Women's t-shirts: Pakistan.
Zen: Unisex s/s t-shirts: Pakistan. Women's and long sleeve t-shirts: India.
Philotimo polo shirts: Pakistan.
Sisu: Women's t-shirts: India.
Slow Food Aprons: Pakistan.

Socks: Made in the USA.
Scarves: Made in Costa Rica.

All of our screenprinting is done locally in Michigan. We're currently switching over to water-based screenprinting.

Why buy organic cotton?

Eco-friendliness: Each T-shirt made from 100% organic cotton saves 1/3 of a pound of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Person-friendliness: These Ts are made with Fair Trade labor.
Skin-friendliness: Organic T-shirts are so soft and comfortable, you'll want to wear it every day!

What is Fair Trade?

The word "fair" can mean a lot of different things to different people. "Fair Trade" means that trading partnerships are based on reciprocal benefits and mutual respect; that prices paid to producers reflect the work they do; that workers have the right to organize; that national health, safety, and wage laws are enforced; and that products are environmentally sustainable and conserve natural resources.

Read more about Fair Trade and Green Businesses on the following sites: Fair Trade Resource Network, Fair Trade Federation, Co-Op America.

What type of payments are used?

We accept credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Discover) as well as PayPal for payment.
The MotherTongues site has secure (128-bit SSL) order processing.

Is PayPal safe?

PayPal protects your financial information with industry-leading security and fraud prevention systems. Your financial information is not shared with the merchant (i.e. MotherTongues) when you use PayPal. Once the payment is complete, you will get an email receipt for the transaction.

How much is the shipping costs?

- For the USA: $4 flat rate for first item, only $1 for each additional item.
- For Canda: $6 flat rate for first item, only $1 for each additional item.
- Everywhere else: $10 flat rate for first item, only $1 for each additional item.

- FREE shipping on orders over $99 - anywhere, anytime! Buy 4 t-shirts or more and shipping is FREE!!!

What about sales tax?

Buyers that are Michigan residents will be subject to a sales tax of 6%.

What is the MotherTongues shipping policy?

We ship A.S.A.P. after payment is received, Monday to Thursday. That usually means same day or next day, excluding weekends. We use USPS First Class Mail, with delivery confirmation on all US deliveries. For 2 or more shirts, Priority Mail Flat Rate will be used if it is cheaper or comparable to First Class Mail.

What is the exchange or refund policy?

Exchanges (if the shirt doesn't fit)
- Send the new shirt(s) back, include a note requesting a new size.
- We will send you out the new sizes A.S.A.P.

Refunds
- Send it back within 7 days with a note requesting a refund. Obviously the shirt(s) need to be new, not worn yet, with all tags still attached.
- You will get a complete refund (minus the original shipping costs).

We'd like you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase, so please let us know if there is anything we can help with!

How does the t-shirt sizes work?

Please note that these measurements are for the clothing, not for the body. Actual measurements may vary slightly.

100% organic cotton Ts - unisex

100% organic cotton Ts - women's cut