FAQ
Ordering & shipping
How long does shipping take?
Orders within New Zealand typically arrive within 4-8 business days. We dispatch orders Monday-Friday.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We do. But we need to quote depending on where you live. Reach out.
What's your shipping cost?
We offer a flat rate of $10 within Aotearoa New Zealand, with free shipping on all orders over $299. Because every order deserves to arrive feeling like a gift.
Can I track my order?
Yes! You'll receive a tracking number via email as soon as your order ships.
Products
Are your textiles hand-block-printed?
Many of our pieces are authentically hand-block-printed by artisans using carved wooden blocks and traditional techniques passed down through generations — and it is this process that is at the very heart of everything ColourStory loves. Some pieces in our collection are inspired by this rich tradition and crafted using other artisan methods. Every piece we carry is chosen with the same care and values — slow made, human made, and full of story. If you'd like to know more about how a specific piece is made, we'd love to tell you. Just reach out at hello@colourstory.co.nz
Why do colours vary slightly between pieces?
Hand block printing is an artisanal craft, not industrial production. Slight variations in colour saturation, block alignment, and dye absorption are natural and expected. We consider this part of the beauty—proof of human hands at work.
Are the dyes natural?
Many of our artisan partners use natural dyes, though some use high-quality synthetic dyes for certain colours. We're working toward increasing our natural-dye offerings and will specify this in product descriptions.
How do I care for my textiles?
- Spot clean with a damp cloth
- Hand wash in cold water
- Use mild, eco-friendly detergent
- Flat dry out of direct sunlight
- Iron while slightly damp for best results
- Colours may soften slightly over time (this is normal for textiles)
Will colours fade?
Like all natural-fibre textiles, some gentle fading may occur over the years of use and washing. This is part of the textile's life story. Proper care (cold water, gentle detergent, avoiding harsh sun) helps preserve colour.
What fabrics do you use?
We believe what touches your skin should be kind to the earth, too. Every ColourStory piece is made from natural fibres — cotton, silk, and wool — chosen because they breathe, wear beautifully, and return to the earth when their time is done.
Returns & exchanges
What's your return policy? We want you to love your ColorStory textiles. If you're not satisfied, you can return unused items within 14 days for a refund or exchange. Customer pays return shipping unless the item is faulty.
Can I exchange for a different design? Yes! Email us at hello@colourstory.co.nz, and we'll arrange an exchange (subject to stock availability).
What if my item arrives damaged? We inspect everything before shipping, but if something arrives damaged, please email us within 48 hours with photos. We'll send a replacement immediately.
About our textiles
Where exactly do your textiles come from?
We work with artisan block-printing communities in Rajasthan and Gujarat, India. Specific villages and workshops vary by product—check individual product descriptions for details.
How do you ensure fair wages?
We pay above local market rates and work directly with artisans, eliminating exploitative middlemen. We visit workshops regularly and maintain ongoing relationships with the craftspeople we partner with.
Can I request custom colours or designs?
Not at this stage — our pieces are small-batch and made in limited runs by our artisans in Rajasthan. But we have big dreams! In the future, we'd love to explore pre-orders, made-to-order and work directly with our community to shape new designs and colourways. So please do share your ideas with us at hello@colourstory.co.nz — every suggestion is genuinely read and loved, and if we hear the same wish more than once, you can bet we'll be talking to our artisans about it.
How do you live your values?
Caring for people and the planet isn't a side project for us — it's woven into everything we do. We champion the art of repair and believe that loving your clothes for longer is one of the most powerful things you can do for the planet. We actively encourage our community to mend, restore, and reimagine their pieces rather than replace them.
Do you share tips on repairing clothing?
Yes! We love this. Our journal is home to guides, inspiration, and the beautiful textile traditions — like Kantha and Sashiko — that have celebrated repair for centuries. Because a well-loved, well-mended piece of clothing is always more beautiful than something new. Follow us on socials as we get together in Christchurch for mending and creative workshops.
Do you offer wholesale?
We're open to wholesale partnerships with boutiques and homewares stores that align with our values. Email hello@colourstory.co.nz for our wholesale terms.