Frequently asked question
1. What's our belief on slow fashion?
We believe that every garment deserves time, care, and intention. Slow fashion, at its heart, is a refusal to rush. Because when production speeds up, something always suffers, whether that's the quality of the piece, the well-being of the maker, or the integrity of the craft. We choose to move at a pace that honours every hand involved and every thread used. Our small-batch clothing is produced thoughtfully, without pressure or shortcuts. When fashion is made slowly, it's made with meaning, and that's the kind of clothing we want to bring into the world and into your wardrobe.
2. Are you a 100% sustainable brand?
We believe in being transparent: we don't claim to be a 100% sustainable brand. Not all of our fabrics are certified sustainable. Apart from some sustainable fabrics such as Kala Cotton, Flex Cotton, Cambric Cotton and Modal Silk, we also use a thoughtful blend of materials including cotton, blended silk, chinon, rayon, muslin and others, chosen for their feel, durability, and suitability for our designs. Our deeper commitment lies in how we work. We practice ethical fashion through small-batch clothing production that minimises waste, avoids overproduction, and supports fair wages for our artisans and local dressmakers. Our designs are timeless, built to be worn for years rather than seasons. For us, sustainability is an ongoing, honest journey rooted in mindful production, fair labour, and garments that truly last.
3. Are the dressmakers paid well?
We work with skilled local dressmakers and artisans from various towns and cities across India, producing our garments as small-batch clothing rather than in bulk. This means our makers are never rushed by quotas or tight production deadlines, a reality that stands in direct contrast to fast-fashion systems. Every garment is stitched at a humane, considered pace, with full attention to craft and detail. Working hours are reasonable, and compensation is fair, reflecting the time and skill each piece genuinely requires. We believe ethical fashion must begin with the people who make our clothes, and we are committed to building long-term, respectful relationships with every dressmaker we collaborate with.
4. Do fabric dyes bleed?
Some of our fabrics are coloured using natural dyes such as indigo, madder, and vanaspati, which are plant-based and free from harsh synthetic chemicals. As with all natural dye processes, these colours may bleed slightly during the first few washes. This is completely normal and a natural characteristic of ethical fashion practices that avoid toxic fixatives. To minimise bleeding and preserve the richness of the colour, we recommend washing these garments separately in cold water and keeping them away from direct sunlight. With the right care, your piece will settle beautifully and last for years.
5. Why does the colour or pattern look slightly different from the photo?
Each of our hand block-printed fabrics is crafted using a centuries-old technique in which skilled artisans carefully stamp hand-carved wooden blocks onto cloth, one impression at a time. Because this process is entirely done by hand, minor variations in colour intensity, pattern alignment, or block registration are natural and expected. These aren't flaws. They are the fingerprints of the maker, a hallmark of ethically made clothing by local dressmaker and artisans who bring genuine skill and care to every yard of fabric. We invite you to embrace these subtle nuances as part of what makes your piece genuinely one of a kind.
6. Will the cotton shrink?
We carefully select quality fabrics and work with experienced local dressmakers who follow proper cutting, stitching, and finishing practices. Most of our fabrics are pre-washed or naturally stabilised before garment construction, which significantly reduces the likelihood of post-purchase shrinkage. That said, as with any well-made natural-fibre clothing, a small degree of change may occur if care instructions aren't followed. As part of our slow fashion ethos, we design garments meant to last, so to keep your piece fitting beautifully for years to come, we recommend washing gently in cold water and air-drying wherever possible. Simple care goes a long way.
7. How to contact customer service?
We're always happy to hear from you. If you have any queries related to your order or need assistance, you can reach our customer service team via email at info@silvatein.com or connect with us on WhatsApp at +91 7683884073. As a small, people-first ethical fashion brand, we take every conversation seriously and aim to respond with care and clarity. Our team is available Monday through Saturday, between 10 am and 6 pm. We appreciate your patience and look forward to helping you with whatever you need.
8. Where else can we connect with Silvatein?
We'd love to stay connected with you beyond your order. You can sign up as a member on our website to receive updates on your orders and hear about what's new at Silvatein. We're also present on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Pinterest, where we regularly share new launches, behind-the-scenes glimpses of our local dressmakers and artisans, ongoing promotions, and stories about our slow fashion journey. Following us on social media is a lovely way to stay close to the community we're building, one mindful, beautifully made piece at a time.