FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Cottonique: The Authority in Allergy-Free Apparel is one among the many brands under Essential Layer Inc., (ELI) a company built on the core belief of providing innovative apparel solutions to fill the exact needs of individuals who have no alternatives.

With over six decades of garment manufacturing experience and excellence, ELI remains ever dedicated to creating and supplying superior garments and textile accessories, all the while ensuring the well-being of their employees and preserving the environment.

GENERAL INQUIRIES

How do I make my first online order?

On the product page, click the picture of the item/s you want. Choose your preferred size, check the quantity, and click add to cart. Once done, click the shopping cart icon at the top right corner of the page. 

Don’t forget to review the item/s and sizes you have chosen. After that, you can proceed to checkout. On the checkout page, you will be asked to fill out the shipping information, which includes your email, first and last name, address, postal code, city, region, and phone number in case we need to contact you on matters concerning your order. 

Next, the shipping fee will be calculated based on your shipping address. You will have the option to review and change the shipping address. You will then be directed to the payment page. 

Currently, there are three available payment methods for securing orders on Cottonique

  • Credit Card
  • Amazon Pay 
  • Shop Pay—an accelerated checkout method that allows customers to pay in installments. 

On the right side of the payment page, you can apply gift cards or discount codes. Feel free to enter available promo codes to check if they can be applied to your order.

For faster checkout on your next purchase, click “Remember Me” to save your information. You can also create your own account here.

How long will it take to get my orders?

We usually receive new shipments from our manufacturing facilities within two (2) to four (4) weeks.

A slash in the middle of the size you wanted indicates that it has been sold out already, but do not worry! We’re working diligently to get you the clothing you deserve. 

If you wanted to be the first to know when the size you wanted has been restocked, select your size and click the “Notify Me When Available” option located on the left side of the product page. 

What is the difference between 100% organic cotton and 100% cotton?

The difference between 100% organic cotton and 100% cotton lies in the way the two are grown and produced. 100% organic cotton is grown through environmentally friendly practices without the use of chemicals, synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or other harmful substances. 

On the other hand, 100% cotton is grown through conventional farming practices using the toxic materials mentioned above. Therefore, 100% organic cotton is more sustainable than its conventional counterpart. 

To know more about their difference, you may read our related article: Organic Cotton Farming VS. Conventional Cotton Farming.

Where are Cottonique products made?

Cottonique products are proudly manufactured in our own dedicated facility located in Carmona, Cavite, Philippines. Having our own facility allows us strict control over the entire production process, ensuring hygiene and preventing cross-contamination from allergens often found in shared factories.

Do you have retail outlets where I can purchase your products?

We do not have retail outlets yet. Currently, our primary focus lies on optimizing our e-commerce channels to provide customers with the best online shopping experience by continuously improving our website, expanding product offerings, and ensuring efficient order fulfillment and delivery.

Although we don't have physical stores yet, Cottonique remains committed to delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring a seamless online shopping experience for our valued customers. Our online distribution channels, www.cottonique.com and  www.amazon.com/cottonique, offer a wide range of products and convenient shopping options. 

However, if you see a store that you deem fit to carry the hypoallergenic products you love from us, kindly let us know at customerservice@cottonique.com

Do you have latex-free socks or spandex-free socks?

Yes! Healthy feet are the foundation of a healthy body. That’s why we avoid harmful elastics like latex and spandex in creating our hypoallergenic socks made with 100% organic cotton. They’re available with size measurements based on foot length. 

See what fits your feet here

Do you have any catalogs you could send me?

Unfortunately, we no longer have catalogs. Since we are an e-commerce brand, our extensive collections of allergy-free organic cotton items are already uploaded on our website. Check them out! Who knows, you might like a thing or two!

Do you have clothes that are allergy-free or hypoallergenic?

Of course! Since 2008, we have been at the forefront of allergy-free and skin-friendly garments, designed for those with allergies and sensitivities. Every piece of clothing we create is meticulously crafted without harmful materials commonly found in everyday attire, ensuring a gentle and irritation-free experience. 

From fabric sourcing to final touches, we avoid bleaches, pesticides, irritants, formaldehyde, synthetic textiles, rubber, latex, spandex, polyester, and microplastics. Our allergy-free organic cotton products are not just hypoallergenic, they’re also versatile! 

Clothes from Cottonique are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing them to be layered underneath other clothing as innerwear, worn alone as outerwear, or styled in different ways to suit various occasions. Check our collections here

Is Cottonique committed to ethical and sustainable practices?

Yes, absolutely. Essential Layer Inc., the parent company of Cottonique, is a certified B Corporation. This means we meet high standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. We are committed to fair wages for our workers, using sustainable and biodegradable organic cotton, and implementing energy-saving methods in our manufacturing processes.

ORDERS

When will I receive my order if I order today?

If you place an order today and the product/size is available in stock, you can expect an estimated delivery time of five (5) to six (6) business days within the USA. For international orders, the estimated delivery time is 15 to 25 business days.

If I order an E-Gift card, when can I receive it?

When you purchase an E-Gift card during our regular business hours, which are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, you will receive a confirmation within the same day. The confirmation email will include a link that explains how to redeem the card. You also have the flexibility to forward the said link to the intended recipient at your convenience.

Please note that our customer service is not available on weekends and US holidays. If you wish to forward the card information during a weekend or for a specific holiday, we recommend placing your order in advance during our normal business hours.

Note: E-Gift cards are electronic, so no physical cards will be shipped out as part of the purchase. You may check them out here.

How can I cancel or edit an order?

We can accommodate changes and cancellations to an order as long as it has not been processed yet, usually within two (2) to three (3) hours from the time the order was completed. However, once the order has been processed, we are unable to make any cancellations or modifications. It is important to reach out to us as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your order.

How will I know if my order went through?

You will receive an order number confirming your order was successfully shipped. Once the product is on its way, you will receive another confirmation with the tracking number. Once the product has been delivered, upon delivery, you will receive a final email confirming delivery of the order.

What should I do if I still have not received my order after 3-5 business days since I placed the order?

If this happens, it means that your order has been placed on hold because either the item or one of the items included in your purchase is not yet available. We need to wait for your item to be in stock before your order can be shipped out. Or you can send us an email query about your order at customerservice@cottonique.com.

PAYMENT & REFUND

Do you accept checks as a mode of payment?

Currently, we do not accept checks as a mode of payment. We only accept credit cards (VISA, Discover, American Express, Mastercard). Upon successful transaction, Essential Layer Inc. would be the company name shown in the statement.

When will I receive my refund?

Refunds will be processed within two (2) to (3) business days once the returned merchandise is received and confirmed it is in “Good” condition. It will usually reflect on your statement at the end of your billing cycle. See our Return & Exchange Policy.

Can I use my FSA card to purchase your hypoallergenic clothing?

We regret to inform you that our hypoallergenic products are not regarded as eligible expenses. Generally, clothing is considered a personal expense rather than a medical necessity.

However, FSA rules and regulations can vary. If the FSA provider determines that the service or purchase is medically necessary for you or your eligible dependents, then certain exceptions or specific circumstances may be taken into account. 

To determine the eligibility of clothing for FSA funds, we advise you to review the guidelines given by your FSA administrator and reach out to them for more accurate and personalized information. Visit our website to see the existing promos on our allergy-free organic cotton offerings.

SHIPPING CONCERNS

Do you ship to the UK, Canada, or other countries outside the USA? And how much would the shipping cost be?

Cottonique provides international shipping services to all destinations worldwide that are reachable by our carrier network, including Europe and the United Kingdom. Simply select your country during the checkout process, and the shipping cost will be displayed to you prior to entering your credit card details to finalize your order.

For international orders, we primarily utilize DHL for shipping. Please note that customs or import taxes will be applied upon the parcel's arrival at your location, resulting in additional upfront costs on your part.

How much is the shipping within the USA?

We have free shipping within the USA on all orders over $75. For orders below $75, shipping costs will be shown during checkout.

How are your products shipped?

Cottonique ships orders via USPS, DHL, UPS, or FedEx. We have a third-party shipping partner doing this for us and their system chooses the best available option when the order has been processed. The shipping carrier could only be known once the order has been shipped out and the tracking number will be sent by the system to the email address used in the order.

RETURNS & EXCHANGES

How do I return or exchange a product?

According to our Return & Exchange Policy located at the bottom right corner of our website:

“We would be happy to replace or exchange to you in the unlikely event that you are not completely satisfied with your order within 30 days from delivery. However, for a refund, such must not be removed from their original packaging.”

  • Items that have been opened and returned to us are not repacked but disposed of in order to comply with our company's hygienic standards. Because of this, opened items with a broken seal are only subject to store credit for future purchases or exchanges.
  • Items in unopened (sealed) packaging may be fit for resale and can be returned to us for either an exchange or a refund.
  • All items must be sent back to us at your cost. Please note that this implies that you would be responsible for the cost of returning any merchandise to us.

Meanwhile, refunds will only be credited to the payment card or payment account used for the purchase within 40 days after the order was placed. It is your responsibility to ensure that you take all necessary care when returning goods by post and obtain proof of posting, as we cannot be liable for any goods lost or damaged in transit.

If I exchange an item for another item, when should I expect to receive the new item?

Once we receive the returned item(s), you will get the product within three (3) to five (5) business days.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Where does your cotton come from? And where are your products manufactured?

We source our yarn from organic cotton farms in India that meet recognized standards for sustainable and responsible practices. Our cotton is 100% organic, grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. All garments are made in our dedicated, controlled facility in Carmona, Cavite, Philippines, where we maintain strict hygiene and prevent cross-contamination from allergens.

Are all your products certified organic?

Yes, the main fabric in all our clothing is 100% certified organic cotton. We ensure that all the cotton used in our garments is grown organically. We select organic cotton for its purity, softness, and because it’s cultivated without harsh pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.

Organic cotton production emphasizes strict environmental and social standards, including sustainable farming practices that avoid harmful chemicals and save resources. Our raw materials supplier follows recognized guidelines for organic and sustainable methods. If you want to learn how eco-friendly Cottonique is, you can read: How Eco-Friendly is Cottonique?

Do you use any dye, latex, or spandex in your product?

No. All our garments are latex- and spandex-free to protect sensitive skin, which is a cornerstone of our brand, as we serve many customers with severe latex and spandex allergies.

Our natural-colored products are completely dye-free, bleach-free, and chemical-free, making them the safest option for people with severe allergies.

For our colored products, we use only carefully selected hypoallergenic dyes and safe dyeing methods:

  • For our melange colors, we use 100% organic cotton yarn dyed before knitting, sewn with cotton-wrapped polyester core thread for durability. 
  • For the new colors we recently introduced, we use fiber-dyed 100% organic cotton fibers spun into yarn and sewn with 100% cotton-colored thread, making these garments fully natural and biodegradable.

Note: If you have severe skin sensitivities, please choose our natural-colored collection. 

Are your products free from other allergens like nickel or polyester?

We strive to avoid common allergens.

  • Nickel: Any metal components used (like snaps or sliders, though rare in our designs) are certified nickel-free.
  • Polyester: Our main fabrics are 100% organic cotton. For sewing thread, our standard for Natural colored garments is 100% organic cotton thread. For some of our colored garments, we have used a cotton-wrapped polyester core thread for dye compatibility and strength; however, we’re phasing out its use in some colored garments. We’ve already transitioned many colored garments to 100% organic cotton fiber-dyed yarns spun into fabric and OEKO-TEX certified 100% cotton colored thread, and as older stock is depleted, all products will eventually be sewn entirely from these. We recommend checking individual product descriptions for the most up-to-date information.
What type of dye is used?

Our natural-colored garments are completely dye-free.

For colored products, we use carefully selected low-impact, hypoallergenic dyes that are GOTS-compliant and free from harsh chemicals, heavy metals, and allergy-inducing dyes, ensuring both safety for sensitive skin and environmental care.

These dyes are free from harsh chemicals, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and known allergenic dyestuffs like Azo dyes or restricted disperse dyes. While any dyeing process involves some chemicals, ours are rigorously selected to be as gentle and safe as possible, unlike conventional dyes which can contain many irritants.

  • Older colorways (Melange Blue, Melange Brown, Melange Grey, and Black): Made
    from 100% organic cotton yarn dyed before knitting and sewn with cotton-wrapped polyester core thread for durability.
  • Newer colorways (Melange Black, Heather Grey, Deep Melange Blue, Pebble Melange Brown, Melange Sage Green): Made from fiber-dyed 100% organic cotton fibers spun into yarn and sewn with 100% cotton-colored thread, making these garments fully natural and biodegradable.

Are the dyes used in your products eco-friendly?

Yes, all the dyes used in our colored garments are low-impact and carefully chosen to align with our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. These dyes are designed to reduce water consumption and minimize harmful chemicals during the dyeing process, ensuring they are safe for both wearers and the environment. We ensure that the materials we use meet high standards for sustainability and safety.

What type of thread is used to sew the garments?

To ensure our customers remain comfortable and itch-free, we use 100% cotton thread on our natural-colored items. For some colored products, we use a high-quality, core-spun thread that combines a high-tenacity polyester filament core with a 100% cotton cover. 

Although it's a cotton-wrapped polyester core thread, the actual polyester core content in our colored items is only up to 1% per garment. If you're concerned about the quality and safety of our 100% cotton thread, please see OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certification. For our poly-cotton spun thread, you can also view its certification  here.

We have also introduced new colorways that feature OEKO-TEX®-certified 100% cotton-colored thread, making them fully natural and biodegradable.

If your products are latex- and spandex-free, what holds them?

That's true. Our products are latex- and spandex-free. Still, for them to be functional, especially our undergarments, they still need to offer a bit of stretch without hindering their ability to provide allergy-free comfort to our customers. That's why we use a special elastic made with white rubber tape and wrapped in 100% organic cotton.

This latex- and spandex-free elastic is made with one-third the thickness of standard rubber and achieves that stretchable feel, ensuring an itch-free experience without the natural rubber latex proteins that cause allergy symptoms.

This special material also presents much higher endurance and quality elasticity without any harmful stuff. You could learn more details about our special latex-free elastic through our Latex-Free Rubber Certification. We also have an additional resource about the material we use that you can read here: We Use Latex-Free Rubber For You To Have That Itch-Free Day

If some products have elastic, what is it made from?

We are mindful of the perils of utilizing harsh elastics in underwear products. Thus, Cottonique eliminates the use of harsh elastics like latex and spandex in waistbands and leg openings. 

For products that require some elasticity (like certain bra bands or waistbands where drawstrings aren't used), we use a specially sourced, Cottonique-approved synthetic elastic that is certified latex-free and spandex-free. Importantly, this elastic is fully encased in our 100% organic cotton fabric, so only organic cotton touches your skin. We also ensure these elastics are free from
common rubber accelerators like Thiurams and Carbamates. However, we always prioritize designs with drawstrings or natural shaping where possible.

This latex-free and spandex-free elastic, made with one-third the thickness of standard rubber, achieves that stretchable feel and ensures an itch-free experience without natural rubber latex proteins that cause allergy symptoms. 

This special material also presents much higher endurance and quality elasticity without any harmful stuff. If you want to know more details about our special latex-free elastic, please see our Latex-Free Rubber Certification. You may also read our additional resource about our material here: We Use Latex-Free Rubber For You To Have That Itch-Free Day.

Are your products free from formaldehyde, bleach, and optical brighteners?

Yes. We strictly prohibit the use of formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, chlorine bleach, and optical brighteners in the manufacturing and finishing of all Cottonique products.

How are Cottonique fabrics processed?

We knit and finish our 100% organic cotton fabrics with water and heat (hydrothermal process). This means that we are able to control the shrinkage of the products without compromising the stretch of the fabrics. This is a process unique to our brand, which eliminates the need to use any parabens or formaldehyde in the finishing process. This is not only beneficial to our customers but it also prevents contamination of the water supply. To know more about how we handle our fabrics, please read: The Fabric.  

Are there any oils or turpentine in the finishing process?

In the finishing process, there are no turpentine or oils used. Purity is at the heart of Cottonique's production process.From fabric sourcing to final touches, we meticulously avoid bleaches, pesticides, irritants, formaldehyde, synthetic textiles, rubber, latex, spandex, polyester, and microplastics. Thus, Cottonique remains oil-free and turpentine-free.

How does the product fit? And how do your sizes compare to other companies?

Because we don't use chemicals to enhance the durability of our allergy-free organic cotton clothes, our products have less
stretch or limited elasticity than standard cotton clothing. Therefore, we recommend our customers consult our size guide and consider ordering a larger size to accommodate any potential shrinkage.

Measuring yourself and comparing to our chart is the best way to find your ideal size. Our items come in limited sizes, and you can find the available sizes on each item's page. If a certain size has been displayed with a slash in the middle, it means that the item has sold out. However, you can be the first to know when the size you wanted has been restocked by selecting your size and clicking the “notify me when available” option located on the left side of the product page. 

Why does sizing feel different from other brands?

We understand this can be frustrating and are continuously working to improve sizing consistency. The nature of 100% cotton without synthetic stretch means fit relies heavily on the cut and pattern. We are actively using customer feedback to refine our size charts and grading. If you're unsure, our customer service team is happy to help you select the best size.

Do you offer petite, plus, or other special sizes?

We are aware of the demand for a broader range of sizes, including petite lengths and extended plus sizes. We are actively evaluating customer requests and exploring how we can expand our size offerings in the future.

I’m sensitive to scratchy seams or tags. How does Cottonique address this?

We understand that seams and tags can be major irritants! We prioritize using 100% organic cotton thread and aim for seam constructions (like flatlock seams where appropriate) that are as smooth as possible. We are also transitioning towards easily removable tags or printed labels to enhance comfort. Your feedback on specific products helps us continuously improve this.

What are the removable pads in the Women’s Racer Back Croptop Bra made of?

The removable pads are lightweight polyurethane foam, offering comfort and support for sensitive skin.

What is the plastic in the bra made of?

Polyacetal is the material we use to make
plastic snaps and adjusters.

What are the tiny dark specks in the product that I ordered?

Those are actually cotton seeds inherent to natural cotton material. These are visible simply because we do not use any bleach or textile chemicals on our fabric. This is also to assure you that you are covered with the all-natural goodness of cotton.

How are your products packed?

Previously, our allergy-free organic cotton products are ziplocked and hot-sealed in a reusable Kraft paper stand-up pouch, laminated with layers of lightweight plastic film for durability and flexibility. However, we have made efforts to further reduce our ecological footprint through greener packaging.

In over a decade of working as an environmentally-conscious apparel brand, we have always embraced the idea of sustainability. Cottonique aims to take its environmental responsibility up a notch by introducing our “Earth-First Packaging.” This new compostable packaging consists of an inner layer made of PLA lining made from corn starch and a top layer made of Kraft paper. To significantly lessen the environmental impact of your wardrobe after use, you can take the following actions:

  • Cut the packaging into strips. 
  • Put the pieces into your compost pit/pile. 
  • Watch it safely return to Mother Earth within 180 days. 

To know more about packaging, read: How Eco-Friendly is Cottonique?

Why does the packaging smell like cornstarch?

What could be causing the cornstarch scent in our new eco-friendly packaging is the inner lining made from cornstarch-based PLA. This eco-friendly material is used to enhance sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of our packaging compared to non-renewable, petroleum-based plastics. With the cornstarch-based PLA lining, our packaging leaves a smaller carbon footprint after use, promoting a more eco-conscious approach. So, if you notice the faint smell of cornstarch upon receiving your orders, worry not! It's a sign of nature at work, protecting the garments you love.

What if there are defects like holes in the product I receive?

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced with the hypoallergenic clothes you received from us. Quality is of utmost importance to us, and we strive to ensure that our products meet the highest standards.However, in rare instances, unforeseen issues may arise during the manufacturing or shipping process, leading to defects in the items received. If you receive a damaged product, just send us pictures for documentation and follow our Return & Exchange Policy. We will send replacements free of charge.

PRODUCT CARE

What should I use to wash my Cottonique products?

In washing your product, we recommend that you use dermatologist-recommended organic-based detergents or fabric softeners. 

  • Machine-wash at not more than 40C with a mild, hypoallergenic detergent.
  • Try to avoid the use of chemical-based softeners or chlorine bleach.
  • Do not use fabric softeners and chlorine bleach.
  • Line dry when possible or tumble dry on a low heat setting.
  • It's best to wash it with cold water.
  • Always refer to the specific care label on your garment for the most accurate
    instructions.

Ultimately, we recommend seeking your dermatologist for what he or she may recommend. You can also check our Product Care page for instructions regarding wash and care.

Do Cottonique products shrink?

Cottonique products may experience minimal shrinkage due to the nature of 100% organic cotton fabric. However, since we do not use chemicals to enhance the resilience of our cotton, our hypoallergenic products are designed to have less shrinkage (5%) compared to traditional cotton garments.

How should I wash your organic cotton knitted garments?

In order to preserve the quality, retain shape, and maintain a continuous uncompromised allergy-free experience, we highly recommend hand-washing our organic cotton knitted garments at no less than 30°C with mild detergent. 

  • If using the washing machine, gentle cycle only.
  • Dry on a flat surface, avoiding direct sunlight. 
  • Never wring or hang dry.
Can your products go in the dryer?

Yes, most of our products, excluding knitted garments, can be safely dried in the dryer. Use the lowest setting on the dryer or the delicate setting, and please try to avoid using any artificial softeners.