FAQs

Frequently asked questions

General questions

Are all items truly one of a kind?

Yes! Every piece is made from salvaged or pre-loved materials, so no two items are ever identical.

How do I commission a bespoke bag or shirt?

Head to the Bespoke Denim Bags or Bespoke Shirt pages where you'll be able to see the different options available, and let me know what you'd like. Once you've filled in the information form, I'll be in touch to finalise your order.

How long does a bespoke order take?

Timescales vary depending on the piece and the current order book. Typically, you'd need to allow 2-4 weeks from when I receive the clothing items from you. I'll give you an estimated timeframe when your order comes through - if you need something urgently, do let me know and I'll see what I can do.

How do I pay for a custom order?

Once we've agreed on the details, I'll send you a secure payment link. Payment is required before I begin making your piece.

Do you accept returns?

Because each item is handmade and one of a kind, I'm unable to accept returns unless an item arrives damaged or faulty. Please get in touch if you have any concerns. You can see the full refund policy here.

Can I order a gift voucher?

Absolutely - vouchers are available for any amount. Just email me and I will send you a payment link for whatever amount you'd like.

Do you only make bags and shirts?

At the moment, yes. But if there's something else you think I can help you with, do get in touch.

Where do you ship to?

I currently only ship within the UK.

Bags

How much choice do I have?

With 8 different bag styles (some of which have size options), and lots of options for pocket placement and styles, there's bound to be one to suit you and your lifestyle. 

How many pairs of jeans do you need?

All the small and medium bags can be made from 1 pair of adult jeans. The bigger bags often need 2 pairs. If you'd like one of the small/medium bags to be made from 2 pairs (to give some contrast), you are welcome to send me 2 pairs.
If you want a bigger bag but don't have 2 pairs, I keep a stock of pre-loved jeans, so just select that option when you order.
There may be rare occasions when a pair of jeans isn't big enough for your chosen bag - if that's the case, I'll give you some different options - there will always be a way to make it work!

How are the bags fastened?

This is different for every bag style. Some have zips, some have magnetic closures, some are open, and some have the option to either be open or zipped. Details are given on each bag style on the Bespoke Bag page.

How do I get my jeans to you?

Once your order is confirmed, I'll send you the details for how to get me your jeans. Please ensure that your jeans are clean - freshly washed is ideal, if possible.
I recommend using tracked delivery to ensure they reach me safely.

Does my bag have to be made from jeans?

Yes... and no! Jeans are a good base material for bags because the fabric is robust, and there is enough of it to work with. Denim skirts and jackets are also possible candidates for upcycling, but they may not have enough fabric. But let me know what you have and what you'd like, and there will be a way to make it work.
If you have a fabric other than denim that you'd like me to work with, get in touch and I'll see what I can do.

What are your bags lined with?

All bags are lined with reclaimed textiles. This could be donated fabric left over from other projects, or pre-loved furnishing/homeware fabric - in short, quality fabrics that still have years of life left in them. If you have some fabric of your own that you'd like me to use to line the bag, let me know when you order.

Will I get any leftover fabric back?

Bags use a surprising amount of fabric, so there is rarely anything of use left over. 

Why does my bag feel different from the jeans I sent?

In order to give your bag enough structural integrity to make it durable, and to allow for the fact the denim may already have had years of wear, the fabric is reinforced with interfacing before being sewn. Once you start using the bag, it will soften, in the way that jeans do naturally over time.

Can you make a rucksack?

Genuinely the most frequently asked question even before I launched! So it's in development... There's more complexity involved in these bags than my other styles, but I'm working on it. Watch this space.

Shirts

How do I know what size I need?

Sizing of men's shirts is very different from women's wear - different body shapes and proportions are very much at play.

Every shirt has its own unique set of measurements, so do check these before you order. There's more information about sizing here.

Why don't you have very many/any of my size in stock?

I upcycle shirts in batches, so only have a limited number for sale at once. If you don't see what you're looking for in stock, do get in touch as I may have a shirt in your size/preferred colour just waiting its turn to be upcycled.

What about sizing for a bespoke shirt?

The simplest thing to do is to try the shirt on before you send it. If it doesn't fit in its current state, I can't make it any bigger! Having said that, if it's too snug around the hips, it's possible to shorten it to a more boxy length. We'll agree exactly what I'm going to do to it before I take my scissors to it, to make sure you get the fit you want.

What do you do to the sleeves?

The length of the sleeves has not been altered from the original shirt (unless the listing says otherwise), and your shirt will come with a stylish 'Italian roll' on the sleeves. This takes the sleeve length to somewhere between a 3/4 and 'bracelet' length. Keeping the original sleeves means there are multiple ways you can style them yourself - have a look at my Instagram highlight for a number of ways you can wear your shirt sleeves.

Do I have to have a ruffle collar?

In short, no. Removing the collar is always the first step in transforming a shirt, but it doesn't have to replaced by a ruffle - it can simply be left as a collar stand. The ruffle can be incorporated elsewhere (eg - down the button band, or along the bottom) for a different look.

Why does my shirt button up the wrong way around?

Men's shirts button up the opposite way to women's - your shirt retains its original buttons/buttonholes, so it will fasten left over right