Policies and procedures

As a business Couchman Bespoke is dedicated to reduce the environmental impact and waste created from the production of garments made under its name.  We are committed to highlighting the story of those involved behind the garments and doing all we can to protect the natural environment from the negative impact of the clothing industry.  Our ethical standards encompass all areas from haberdashery, partners we work with and projects we fund as part of our giving back.

Couchman Bespoke are a member of Social Enterprise uk and ESG Mark.  We seek to be transparent about our ethical values across all areas allowing customers to make their own decisions on shopping we us.  It can be impossible to be 100% perfect and we try everyday to improve our impact on the environment around us and engagement with people too.

Refund

Refunds will be given on garments unworn, unaltered and with all original packaging, up to 40 days after purchase.

The sooner the garment is received the sooner the refund can be processed. This can take up to 10 working days depending on your bank. Please keep all postal references in case of issues with the delivery. A paid for return envelope is provided, please keep this safe.

Bespoke garments are non refundable due to them being made to your specific body shape. Made to measure can be viewed before purchase at a market, fair or in the studio year round. If you are unable to travel to London then swatch samples can be sent costing p&p only.

Shipping

Shipping anywhere in the world costs £7 for the first item. Additional items are £3 each. In the UK items are sent 2nd class tracked.

Made-to-measure alterations and Bespoke

We are often at markets and fairs across London or in our studio in Canning Town for a personal touch and feel of the garments.

However if you are unable to visit London, swatches of cloth will be sent out upon request and enquiry into any garment to help you make a decision, at cost of p&p only.

If this is not enough, before any alterations have been made to any garment(s), your garment(s) can be sent out to you. Garment purchase is required and up to this point a refund is still available. However, once you sign over for alterations and bespoke gradings to be done, NO refunds are available.

We work with the finest tailors who are expert in their field, along with our vigorous quality control checks we can ensure the longevity in wear of a garment.

Data Protection

All data collected through email sign ups, bespoke, made to measure and alterations is handled with the greatest care. You are within your rights to not sign up for email newsletters. Nothing is ever knowingly given out to third parties and we will take immediate action if this is breached in anyway. Our computer system is protected with AGV Internet Protection and McAfee Security.

For more information see the Couchman Bespoke privacy policy.

Sustainability

We understand that our responsibility to the wider world as a business goes beyond legal requirements.  For this reason, we are committed to

  • Creating useful products out of our cloth off-cut waste.
  • Educating people about clothing care and repair.
  • Working with partnerships that enhance our people, planet and animal values.
  • Provide an open environment for clients to visit us and for staff to work in.
  • Giving back to projects that help people, planet and animal welfare.

Water usage and pollution are a focus within our business decisions, and we dedicate a lot of time in finding sources who abide to the same or similar ethos.

Credit is given to all who take a part in the manufacture of every garment produced, through personalised garment labelling. It results in quality British tailoring that is stylish and ethical.

Workers

Everyone we work with is given sufficient credit, in pay and verbal expression, for the work they do toward the garment production process.

We currently use individual tailors within Central London to construct our garments in between their own other projects, until we can pay them full time to work directly for Couchman Bespoke.

We are dedicated to work with the Tower Hamlets community and train people in the art of tailoring, design, pattern making and sewing. If you are interested in learning more please email for more information.

Health & Safety

Statement of intent 

Ensure all equipment is stored away in the appropriate draws and locations after use. To remove damaged needles, pins and other equipment as soon as it is found, for recycling. Equipment should be cleaned after use. Keep walkways clear for fire exits.  

Arrangements for health and safety are for areas are checked over each morning and evening. Fire exit signs and alarms are checked by the studio managers.

Repairs

If a garment becomes unwearable due to a manufacturing fault within the first year after purchase, it will be fully repaired to meet our high standards and vigorous quality control checks for free. All non-manufacturing faults will be charged.

In accordance with our sustainable ethics any faults made during the time you own the garment, that are due to wear and tear are eligible for repair and will be charged appropriately. This will also cost the postage of the garment to and from our studio to you.

If the garment is able to be repaired, the time scale is 15 working days. Although if the garment is beyond repair, the garment needs large replacement panels, is worn beyond repair, would cost too much to repair, then we will offer to recycle it and give you 30% off your new purchase.

Garment care

For the most ecological wash, only clean the areas that are most in need, on a regular basis; such as the neck, underarm, wrist and crotch. Use a soft sponge with a hand wash detergent to concentrate the clean; do this for as many wears as you see fit before a main wash. Putting your garment in the freezer over night will kill any bacteria, hang up the garment in the morning to reduce creasing, or hang up in front of an open window. These tips will help to prolong the life of the cloth and therefore the wear of the garment. This is great for all garments.

For a main wash use 30* or less machine wash setting with a medium iron and cloth to press. This is great for MOST shirts and trousers, always check an individual garments care label. Use a light detergent on a gental spin. For stubborn stains concentrate a first clean by hand and then wash with a load. Wash similar colours together.

For all garments containing plastic I ask you to purchase a Guppy Bag. These include polyester, organza, nylon, rayon, faux fur and taffeta as a single fibre or mixed with natural fibres such as cotton, linen and silk.

Plastic Fabric in Fashion

A Guppy Bag is a laundry bag that captures the micro fibres that are shed when washing clothes that contain plastics, these plastic mirco fibres may not seem much but they have been affecting our health since the 1980’s. https://pebblemag.com/magazine/living/plastic-clothes-fast-fashion

Cloth sourcing

All cloth is soucred for its sustainablity and low environmental impact with special attention to non-water polluting types, to the best knowledge available. If you have any further knowledge, recomendations or wish to get involved please do get in contact.

Recycling

Please send back your well used or just unwanted garments for us to de-construct or recycle the cloth into brand new items. As a thank you for your environmental consciousness in recycling your old garments, you can choose from a donation to charity or receive a 20% off voucher code to use on your next purchase. One voucher will be given per person every year, for use as one voucher per transaction.

Charity

As a business Couchman Bespoke is dedicated to reducing the use and pollution of water throughout the production process of garments made. A percentage of all profits made will go directly towards water aid projects around the world. With the aim to bring clean drinking water to all on earth, help in the technology advances to clean up waterways polluted through industry, educate industry about the disruption coursed and in best practices to prevent water pollution.