Why do many items say "out of stock" or "preorder"?

At Slow Goods, we're a team of three, and all our sewn garments are thoughtfully made by us at our studio in Saint Louis, Missouri. We're always developing new fabrics: new prints, colors, and handwovens. Because we work in small batches, we make most of our garments after you order them. This means no warehouse full of stuff nobody wanted, and very little excess. Just exactly what you asked for, made by hand, on its way to you.

So what does "out of stock" mean? Will it come back?

Maybe, but not always. Here's how it works: rather than having everything available for preorder all the time, we open preorders in batches. This means that at any given moment, some things in the shop will be available to preorder, some will be in stock and ready to ship, and some will be marked out of stock, meaning that preorder opportunity has closed for now.

Some out-of-stock items will return in a future preorder batch. Others won't, because some of what you see in the shop is the last of a particular fabric, and once it's gone, it's gone. If you've been eyeing something, that's worth keeping in mind.

The best way to stay in the loop on when new preorder windows open is to sign up for our newsletter.

How long will my order take to arrive?

It depends on the piece. Estimated preorder production and shipping timelines are listed on each individual product page, and you'll see them again in your cart at checkout, so you'll always know what to expect before you commit.

Can I customize my order?

Yes, and this is one of our favorite parts. When you preorder, we're making your garment specifically for you, which means we can often accommodate small adjustments like a longer or shorter inseam, or longer or shorter sleeve length, at no extra charge.

To request a customization, use the notes field at checkout. Please don't wait to reach out after your order is placed. We can't guarantee that customization requests received after the order is submitted will be able to be accommodated.

If you'd like to confirm that your customization is possible before you order, or if you have any questions at all, reach out anytime at hello@slowgoodsstudio.com. We're happy to help.

Are custom orders eligible for returns or exchanges?

Customized garments are made specifically for you and are not eligible for returns or exchanges. Standard (non-customized) preorders follow our regular return and exchange policy.

What types of fabrics do you use?

We are dedicated to working with only natural fibers – our favorites include Tencel, linen, hemp, and hand woven cottons. We love good textures and ease of fabric care, and we only select fabrics that we want to wear ourselves. Though we may expand our range of fabrics in time, we will always prioritize the most sustainable all natural fibers, low impact print and dye processes, and sourcing from mills and manufacturers that we are exceedingly confident in their dedication to fair wages and ethical workplace practices.

Why small batch? Why not just make more?

Honestly, because making more would mean making things nobody asked for, in hopes that someone eventually wants them. That's how the fashion industry ends up with mountains of unwanted clothing. We'd rather make less, make it well, and make it for someone who already loves it.

Staying small also means we get to keep exploring. Every new fabric, every new print, every new colorway exists because we had the freedom to try something without betting the whole studio on it.

It's a different way of doing things. We think it's a better one.

Still have questions?

We'd love to hear from you. Reach out at hello@slowgoodsstudio.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.