Frequently Asked Questions
At Australian Stitch, we want to make your shopping experience simple, clear and stress free. Our FAQs cover everything customers ask about most often, including sizing, shipping, returns, fabric details and care instructions. If you are looking for quick answers or want to learn more about how we design and make our products, this is the best place to start.
Fit & Fabrics
Product Care
Local Production & Ethics
Shipping & Delivery
Do Australian Stitch garments run true to size, and how are they designed to fit?
Yes, our garments generally run true to size.
Because we manufacture locally in small batches, we’re able to keep sizing consistent across styles and restocks. Each piece is designed with real bodies in mind, balanced proportions, comfortable from the first wear. With both fitted and relaxed styles available, you can find the silhouette that suits you best
If you’re between sizes or prefer a more relaxed fit, sizing up is usually the safest option. We always recommend checking the size guide on each product page and comparing it to a garment you already love the fit of.
Which Australian Stitch tee or style is best for my body and the Australian climate?
We design our garments specifically for Australian conditions - breathable fabrics, considered weights, and styles that work across seasons.
Lighter tees are ideal for warmer days or layering, while our heavier styles offer more structure and durability for everyday wear. Boxy fits give a relaxed, easy silhouette, while classic cuts sit closer to the body without feeling restrictive.
If you’re unsure, think about how you’ll wear the piece most often - on its own, layered, dressed up, or lived in day to day. That usually points you in the right direction.
What fabrics do Australian Stitch garments use, and how do bamboo and cotton feel to wear?
We primarily work with bamboo and cotton fabrics, many of which are milled locally in Australia, chosen for their comfort, durability, and how they perform in Australian conditions.
Our bamboo fabric is mechanically processed rather than chemically treated, which means the fibres are physically broken down instead of dissolved using harsh solvents. This results in a soft, breathable fabric that’s naturally moisture-wicking and comfortable against the skin, particularly in warmer weather.
Much of the cotton we use is organic, and we prioritise cotton for its breathability, strength, and ability to wear in over time rather than degrade. Cotton allows air to circulate, making it a reliable, everyday fabric for the Australian climate.
We’re also actively working towards collections that are completely free from synthetic fibres and plastics. While this isn’t always possible across every style yet, it’s an ongoing focus as we continue to build relationships with local mills and expand what’s available to us.
Both fabrics are selected for longevity over trend-driven softness, so your garments are designed to hold their shape and feel good for years, not just the first few
What makes Australian Stitch basics different from other Australian clothing brands?
Our garments are made locally in Melbourne, which allows us to stay closely involved at every stage of production.
Designing and manufacturing in small runs means we can focus on fit, fabric choice, and construction details that actually matter day to day. Rather than chasing trends or releasing new styles constantly, we prioritise well-made pieces that sit comfortably in your wardrobe, wear in over time, and hold their shape through regular use.
For us, it’s about making fewer garments, with more care behind each one.
How long do Australian Stitch garments last with regular wear?
With proper care, our garments are designed to last for years, not seasons.
You may notice fabrics softening and settling over time, which is part of the wear-in process rather than wear-out. Small variations and signs of use are normal and often add to the character of the piece.
We design with longevity in mind, so you can wear your garments often without feeling like you need to “save” them.
How should I wash and care for my Australian Stitch garments?
We recommend washing your garments in cold water on a gentle cycle and air drying where possible.
Avoid harsh detergents and tumble drying, as these can affect fit, colour, and fibre strength over time. Turning garments inside out before washing can also help maintain their appearance.
Simple care goes a long way.
What does “made in Melbourne within 15km” actually mean?
Our garments are made locally in Melbourne, with cutting and sewing carried out in our own Australian Stitch factory. This keeps the core of the making process in-house and allows us to stay closely connected to the people and skills behind each garment.
We work with a small network of local mills and dye houses for specialist stages such as knitting and dyeing. These are long-standing, highly skilled parts of the local rag-trade, and working with them helps keep specialised knowledge, machinery, and jobs alive in Australia.
Keeping production local isn’t just about efficiency or control - it’s about protecting skills that are disappearing and supporting a manufacturing ecosystem that has shaped Australian clothing for generations.
Are Australian Stitch garments fully Australian made?
Our garments are manufactured entirely in Australia, with cutting and sewing done in our Melbourne factory and fabric knitting, dyeing, and finishing handled locally with Australian mills and dye houses.
The one stage that currently takes place offshore is the spinning of cotton fibre into yarn. While much of the cotton we use is organic and grown in Queensland, Australia no longer has spinning mills operating at the scale and quality required. Over time, a lack of sustained government support led to the closure of local spinning mills, leaving a gap in the supply chain.
This is a clear example of why supporting local manufacturing NOW matters. When parts of the industry aren’t supported, critical skills and infrastructure can disappear. We’re transparent about where each stage happens and remain committed to keeping as much of the process onshore as possible as local capabilities evolve.
Why does Australian Stitch manufacture locally instead of offshore?
We manufacture locally because it allows us to stay connected to the people, skills, and processes behind each garment.
Having our own factory in Melbourne means we can oversee quality closely, make adjustments in real time, and ensure garments are made under Australian workplace laws, which set clear standards for wages, safety, and conditions. It also allows us to work collaboratively with local mills and dye houses, rather than relying on long, distant supply chains.
Manufacturing offshore often prioritises scale and cost. Manufacturing locally prioritises accountability, skill, and care. For us, keeping production onshore is about supporting an industry that’s disappearing, maintaining high standards, and making clothing in a way that aligns with our values.
How does Australian Stitch ensure ethical manufacturing in Australia?
All of our garments are made under Australian workplace laws, which set clear standards for wages, conditions, and worker protections.
By manufacturing locally, we’re able to maintain direct relationships with our makers and ensure fair, lawful working conditions without relying on distant supply chains or third-party monitoring.
Is Australian-made clothing more sustainable?
Local manufacturing reduces transport distances, limits overproduction, and allows for smaller, more considered production runs.
While no form of clothing production is impact-free, making locally gives us greater control over waste, quality, and longevity - which are key parts of reducing overall impact.
How long does Australian Stitch shipping take, and can I track my order?
Orders are dispatched from Melbourne, and tracking is provided once your parcel is on its way.
Delivery times vary by location. Orders are processed daily and typically delivered within 2–5 business days, with both standard and express options available for those eager to receive our Australian made quality sooner.
What is Australian Stitch’s returns and exchange policy?
We offer returns and exchanges within 14 days from order date so you can shop with confidence.
If something isn’t quite right, our team is here to help find the best outcome for you.
For a detailed guide & contact information please refer to our Returns & Refund policy
Couldn't find the answer you were looking for?
No worries. If you’ve got a question, need a bit more detail, or just want to talk something through, we’re always happy to help. Reach out to our team and we’ll get back to you with a clear & honest answer. We’re real people who care about making things properly, and we’re here to make your experience as easy as possible.
