FAQ'S
Orders, Shipping, and Returns.
What is your shipping and return policy for domestic shipments?
Returns for eligible items in their original, unworn condition within 14 days of delivery are subject to a $20 restock fee. Store credit for eligible items in their original, unworn condition within 20 days of delivery are complimentary. If you have any other questions, contact us at hello@namai-studio.com.
To make a return head to the returns portal and enter the order number. https://namai-studio.loopreturns.com/#/
If you are outside of the return period, list it on The Namai Circle, our resale site: https://namai.treet.co/about/info
How long does it take to receive my order?
Orders are shipped out within 1-2 business days and standard shipping is 3-6 days. Faster shipping is available at checkout at a discounted rate.
Do you cover or replace lost and stolen packages?
We are not responsible for packages that are lost or stolen in transit. In the event that your package goes missing, please contact us immediately so that we can help you file a claim with the shipping carrier.
Do you ship worldwide?
We ship worldwide at a discounted rate of $35.
Is international customs duty included in the price?
Prices do not include duty, and you are responsible for all import duties, tax and administration charges that may be applied by your local customs. These charges vary depending on the country and if you are unsure we would recommend you contact your local customs office for more information. We will not accept any returns due to these fees or any other import issues.
Do you accept international returns?
We accept international returns at the sender's expense if the item is returned within 15 days of receipt. Contact us to notify us of the return and tracking information.
Fit and Sizing
What is the difference in size between the jacket styles?
The Narmada is the classic oversized fit and hits below the hip. The Ishani Jacket is a similar fit but doesn’t have buttons. The Ladhiya Jacket is a cropped version of the Narmada Jacket. The Sai Coat and Jahi Coat are three quarter length, and the Varun Duster Coat is full length.
Are Namai styles all unisex?
Yes, all Namai styles are genderless.
Why do you do “one-size?”
We design things to be one size to minimize waste and overproduction, and because we are a small brand that can’t afford to produce multiple sizes of items. However, if you have purchased a piece and the sizing doesn't work for you, contact us and we can discuss doing a custom piece for you.
What size range is “One Size”
Namai styles are one size and fit approximately women’s size XS-XL. The sleeves are designed to be long so that they fit a variety of people, and because they look great rolled up so the reverse side is visible at the cuff. Please check the measurements before purchasing.
What style has the most flexible sizing?
The Ishani jacket and Jahi Coat styles can fit diverse sizes as the buttonless stand isn’t designed to close at the front.
Which jacket is best for a petite size?
The Ladhiya jacket has a slightly cropped fit and has a little less material under the arms, so it’s suited to someone who wants a cropped fit or is petite and wants a less oversized look.
Where can I try the jackets on in person?
We do pop-up and markets from time to time, they are updated on the visit us page. Follow us on Instagram and sign up to our mailing list to be informed of new events.
Product Care
How do I wash my Namai piece?
All Namai pieces have been machine washed and dried. Since the fabrics are all vintage and contain variations in fraying and antique patina, washing should be tailored to the garment. Patch cleaning is advised, and machine washing on delicate with air drying occasionally. We don’t recommend dry-cleaning due to the chemical nature of the process, and because it contains the same wear on the fabric as a washing machine.
What if my item gets a hole in it?
The vintage kantha quilts that Namai pieces are made from contain a storied history of recycling and mending that have extended the life-cycle of the material before it’s been made into a Namai piece. Part of the fabrics beauty is this history. Mending a Namai piece is recommended to be done by hand, but no rules apply! If you need advice or would like us to repair your piece for free, email bianca@namai-studio.com.
Design and Craftsmanship
What are Namai pieces made from?
Namai pieces are made from vintage Kantha quilts. Kantha refers to the name of the quilt, and also the method of using a running stitch to join multiple layers of fabric together. Kantha quilts are made using recycled scraps and materials from sarees and dhotis, that have been sewn together in layers. Most kantha quilts are composed of five to ten layers of fine cotton muslin, and as the quilt ages the layers can wear away to reveal the underneath fabrics which creates the unique patina found on Namai pieces. Despite the age and fine materials used, kantha quilts are generally robust due to the strength that the running stitch adds. Hand embroideries are often applied on top of the kantha quilt, and multicolored threads are employed to add to the beauty and texture of the finished quilts.
How are the jackets reversible?
The jackets have been designed to be reversible because of the double sided beauty of the vintage kantha quilts that the jackets are made from. Seams are bound with a cotton tape, which is visible on one side of the jackets and accents the graphic nature of the cut. Generous pockets are situated on both sides of the jacket, and the pieces that have buttons have a special two sided button system in place. Two completely different jackets in one!
Why are the jackets one-of-a-kind?
Namai jackets are all completely one-of-a-kind because they are made from vintage kantha quilts. As the quilts are themselves made from recycled fabrics patchworked together, no one is alike.
I've seen a piece that I love, but it's sold out, when will you get another one like it?
Because Namai pieces are on-of-a-kind, once it’s sold out, there won't be another one the same. Having said that, there are always other beautiful pieces, and there’s never just one piece that you’ll love. Sign up to the mailing list top be notified of new drops.
How often is the webshop updated?
Because Namai is slow fashion and produced in very small and limited quantities, the webshop is updated as and when new deliveries arrive, usually one to two times per month. Sign up to the mailing list to be informed of updates.
Do you do custom orders?
We can do custom sizes of Namai pieces, contact us for more information.
Sustainability
Why is Namai a sustainable brand?
Namai is sustainable because it's slow fashion, using repurposed fabrics and manufacturing using principles of zero waste. Namai fabrics are sustainable because they are made from recycled kantha quilts. The kantha quilts are themselves made from recycled sarees and dhotis, so the Namai pieces are the third life cycle of the fabric. Sizing is unisex and one-size to minimize over-production and waste. In addition, we produce small pouches and tote bags from any waste material to ensure that it is truly a zero waste product, and ship using re-usable packaging in 100% recycled boxes.
Who makes the products, and where?
Namai pieces are made by hand in small family run tailoring workshops in Jaipur, India. The vintage kantha quilts are sourced from West Bengal.
What about the carbon footprint of shipping and production?
In order to minimize the carbon footprint of the shipping, there is a carbon neutral option at checkout. For more information see our shipping page.
How will my item be packaged and shipped?
We practice low- waste shipping. Items are packaged in reusable cotton bags and shipped in boxes made from recycled content. For more information see our shipping page.
About the Brand
When was Namai founded?
Namai was founded in 2021, and started selling online in 2022. Read more about the brand history here.
What does Namai mean?
The name Namai (nˈæma͡ɪ) is derived from the Sanskrit word Nama meaning name.
Where is Namai based?
We are based in New York City and Mountaindale in the Western Catskills, New York.
Who is the founder?
Namai was founded by Bianca Kuttickattu. For more information on the brand and Bianca, Click Here
Do you have stores?
No, we don’t presently have stores, but we are stocked in over 45 boutiques worldwide. To see us in person at pop-ups and markets, check the Visit Us page to see upcoming markets and pop-ups.
Gifting
Do Namai pieces make good gifts?
Namai pieces make great gifts,and their timeless, genderless and reversible design ensure that they are treasured for many years. Namai pieces are shipped in reusable cotton bags, if you would like us to include a handwritten note in the box, contact us and we’d be happy to help!
Can I buy a gift certificate?
Yes you can buy a gift certificate here, and multiple certificates can be used for one item if you wish to purchase a different denomination than listed.
What if the recipient wants to return their item?
Returns are free within the US if they are returned in unworn condition in original packaging within 15 days of receipt. Returns can be made to the original card, or be issued as a store credit, just contact us to let us know how you want it returned.