faq
quick answers about orders, products, shipping and returns. can't find yours? write to us.
customer service
what's the archival promise?
you're buying from a small shop and an independent artist, and we want you to like what arrives. if something's wrong, we'll make it right.
wrong size? exchanging it is free. arrived damaged? we replace it, also free. questions before or after you order? write to us and a person answers.
what are your customer service hours, and how do i reach you?
monday through friday, 9 am to 5 pm et.
use the contact page or write to support@archivalapparel.co. we reply within one to two business days.
what's my order status?
look it up on your account page, signed in with the email you used to order.
can't find it? write to support@archivalapparel.co with your order number.
why hasn't anyone answered my email?
we read everything, but volume varies, so replies aren't instant. expect one to two business days. if it's been longer, check your spam folder, then write again to support@archivalapparel.co.
product questions
what are your shirts made of?
the classic tee and the kids classic tee are 4.2 oz combed, ring-spun cotton. the vintage heavyweight tee and the vintage long sleeve are 6.1 oz garment-dyed cotton. the classic crewneck and the classic hoodie are 8.5 oz midweight fleece, and the canvas tote is 12 oz cotton canvas.
how do your shirts fit?
it depends on the garment:
- classic tee: a tailored fit, true to size. size up if you like it looser.
- vintage heavyweight tee: relaxed and boxy. size down for a closer fit.
- vintage long sleeve: relaxed, like the heavyweight tee.
- classic crewneck: classic fit, true to size and roomy through the body.
- classic hoodie: a generous fit.
- kids classic tee: youth sizes. when in doubt, size up.
measurements for each are in the fit guide.
what printing method do you use?
direct-to-garment (dtg). an inkjet prints the ink straight into the fabric, which gives us fine detail, full color and a soft feel. it's the best way we've found to print detail that lasts.
how should i wash my shirt?
turn it inside out. wash cold with a detergent that has no bleach, and tumble dry low. wash colors apart from whites, especially the first time.
cotton shirts can shrink slightly after a normal wash, so wash cold and dry low. prints fade slightly as the shirt weathers, which is how a good tee ages. more in the garment care guide.
why does my shirt smell strange?
before printing, each shirt gets a setting spray so the design takes and lasts. the spray has an odor, and if the shirt is packed soon after printing, it can linger.
it fades on its own. to speed it up, wash it inside out, cold, and tumble dry low, or rinse it in cold water and hang it dry. still smells? let us know.
why did my shirt arrive with faded spots?
the setting spray can occasionally leave faded-looking spots. they should wash out the first time. if they don't, tell us and we'll fix it.
shipping & delivery
how long will my order take?
every order is printed and packed in the usa in 1–2 business days, then takes 3–6 business days to arrive.
need it by a date, for an event or a deadline? ask us before you order.
how much does shipping cost?
u.s. rates vary by order and show at checkout, before you pay.
how do i get free shipping?
u.s. orders over $75 ship free. your cart tells you when you qualify.
do you ship internationally?
no. we ship within the u.s. only.
returns & refunds
what's the return and exchange policy?
size exchanges are free. if the size isn't right, start an exchange in your account.
returns are open for 30 days from delivery. items must be unworn and unwashed. you'll be refunded what you paid for the returned items; original shipping isn't refundable. an item that has been exchanged can't also be returned for a refund.
defective, or stuck setting up an exchange? use the contact form or write to support@archivalapparel.co.
how long do i have to ask for a refund?
30 days from delivery.
what if something arrives defective?
write to us with a photo and we'll make it right. we never ask you to send damaged items back.
where's my refund?
refunds usually clear on our end in 24 to 48 hours. depending on your payment method and bank, it can take a billing cycle (3 to 4 weeks) to show up.
if it still hasn't after your next bill, let us know.
still need help?
we're happy to help with anything we didn't cover here.










































