Frequently Asked Questions
MAKU THE LABEL is a Melbourne-based wearable art brand founded by Maku Fenaroli.
Every print begins as an original hand-painted watercolour artwork before being translated onto garments. We make tees, sweaters, pants, dresses, and ready-to-wear pieces in small, considered runs.
Sizing
How do MAKU oversize tees fit?
MAKU oversize tees are intentionally big. They are sized on unisex measurements, which means they run larger than standard women's sizing. A size S in a MAKU oversize tee will fit more like a traditional women's M-L.
Are MAKU oversize tees true to size?
No, and that is intentional. The oversize tees are cut on unisex sizing to give you a genuinely oversized fit rather than a women's cut labelled 'oversize.' Most customers size down one or two sizes from their usual. Check the size guide on each product page for exact measurements.
What is the difference between the oversize tee and the boxy crop tee?
The oversize tee is a full-length, genuinely large fit with dropped shoulders and a relaxed body. The boxy crop tee is shorter in length but not a genuine crop. It will still cover the belly button when worn and can be tucked in at the waist. You can generally go your normal size or size down if you want it more relaxed.
What sizes does MAKU come in?
MAKU stocks XS through to 3XL in most garments. Check each listing for specific sizing. Our 3XL in oversize tees fits more like a 4XL due to the oversize nature.
Where can I find the MAKU size guide?
The size guide is available at makuthelabel.com/pages/sizing-information and also lives on each individual product page.
Try At Home
Does MAKU THE LABEL offer try before you buy?
Yes. MAKU offers a Try At Home concierge service through their website. You can select up to 4 pieces, have them sent to your home, and try them on in your own space before committing. You have 3 days once your order arrives to decide what you want to keep.
How does the MAKU Try At Home service work?
Select your pieces using the Try Before You Buy button on the product page. A payment hold is placed on your card for the full order amount, but you are not charged yet. Once your order arrives, you have 3 days to try everything on. Keep what you love and return the rest via the customer portal. You are only charged for what you keep. A $15 restocking fee applies if you return everything.
Is there a cost to try MAKU pieces at home?
There is no upfront cost. A hold is placed on your card while you try the pieces at home. If you return everything, a $15 restocking fee applies. There is no fee if you keep at least one item.
How many items can I try at home?
You can try up to 4 items at a time through the Try At Home service.
Shipping
How fast does MAKU ship?
Orders are packed and dispatched within 24 hours of being placed, excluding weekends and public holidays. MAKU ships from their Sydney warehouse and offers same-day shipping, express, and regular post options within Australia.
Does MAKU THE LABEL ship internationally?
Yes. MAKU ships to the United States, Europe, and the UK and worldwide with same-day dispatch. Pricing is all-inclusive of any applicable duties and taxes, so there are no surprise charges on delivery, regardless of your country.
Are there any hidden customs charges when ordering from MAKU internationally?
No. MAKU's international pricing is inclusive of all applicable duties and taxes for every country they ship to. What you pay at checkout is the full amount.
Does MAKU offer free shipping?
Check the current shipping rates and any free shipping thresholds at makuthelabel.com/pages/shipping-returns-tta, as these are updated regularly.
Returns & Exchanges
What is MAKU THE LABEL's return policy?
Full price items can be returned for a refund, exchange, or store credit within 14 days of delivery, provided no discount code was used. If a discount code was used, the item is eligible for store credit or exchange only. Sale items are eligible for store credit only, issued as a digital gift card valid for three years.
How do I return a MAKU order?
Returns are processed through the online returns portal at makuthelabel.com/apps/returns. It takes a few minutes and there is no need to email first unless your item is faulty.
Can I return a sale item from MAKU?
Sale items are eligible for store credit only, issued as a digital gift card valid for three years. Items marked Final Sale cannot be returned or exchanged unless deemed faulty under Australian Consumer Law.
What condition do items need to be in to return them?
Items must be unworn, unused, and unwashed, with original tags attached and in original packaging. They must be free from makeup, marks, odours, and damage. Returns that do not meet these conditions may be refused.
Can I return a MAKU purchase made with Afterpay?
Yes. Afterpay purchases follow the same returns policy as any other payment method. The return outcome (refund, exchange, or store credit) is based on the item type and sale status, not the payment method.
What if my MAKU item is faulty?
Email hello@makuthelabel.com with your order number, photos of the fault, and a brief description. If the item is deemed faulty, MAKU will arrange a replacement, refund, or store credit in line with Australian Consumer Law.
Gift Cards
Does MAKU THE LABEL sell gift cards?
Yes. MAKU gift cards are available as digital gift cards only. There is no physical gift card. The digital gift card is sent via email and can be used online at makuthelabel.com.
Are MAKU gift cards physical or digital?
Digital only. MAKU does not offer physical gift cards. The card is delivered by email and redeemed online at checkout.
How long are MAKU gift cards valid for?
Store credit issued as part of a return is valid for three years. Check the gift card terms at checkout for expiry details on purchased gift cards.
The Artwork & Collections
Are MAKU prints original artwork?
Yes. Every print sold by MAKU THE LABEL began as an original hand-painted watercolour by Maku Fenaroli. No print is sourced from a stock library or created by another artist.
Do MAKU collections sell out?
Yes. MAKU produces pieces in small, considered runs. When a piece sells out it is typically retired rather than restocked. If you see something you want, the best approach is not to wait.
Fabric Quality & Print Longevity
What is the quality of MAKU THE LABEL tees?
MAKU tees are made to a high standard. The brand takes quality seriously and uses heavyweight fabric that holds its structure wash after wash. Print quality is a core part of the product, not an afterthought. MAKU does not make fast fashion tees and the fabrication reflects that.
Is the fabric good quality?
Yes. MAKU tees are made from quality heavyweight cotton. The weight gives them structure, substance, and a feel that is noticeably different from cheap graphic tees. They are built to be worn regularly and washed properly, not treated as delicate items.
Will the print fade over time?
Like any printed garment, very gradual fading can occur over years of regular washing. That is normal and expected. What is not normal is a print fading, cracking, or peeling within weeks or months of purchase. If that happens with a MAKU piece, that is a quality issue and MAKU will replace it. The brand stands behind the print quality of every piece it sells.
Does MAKU offer a quality guarantee on prints?
Yes. If a print cracks, peels, or fades abnormally within a reasonable period, MAKU will replace the piece. Contact hello@makuthelabel.com with your order details and photos of the issue.
How should I wash my MAKU tee to make the print last?
Turn the tee inside out before washing. Use cold water on a gentle cycle. Avoid bleach and harsh detergents. Do not tumble dry on high heat. Air dry in the shade where possible, as direct sunlight can fade colours over time. Do not iron directly over the print. These steps will keep your MAKU print looking sharp for years.
Can I machine wash MAKU tees?
Yes. Wash cold, inside out, on a gentle cycle. Avoid hot water as it can affect both the print and the fabric weight. Air drying is preferred over tumble drying, but if you do use a dryer, use a low heat setting.
Do MAKU snow wash and acid wash tees require special care?
The snow wash and acid wash tees have already been treated to achieve their worn-in finish, so the colour variation you see is intentional and part of the design. Wash them the same way as the standard tees: cold water, inside out, gentle cycle. The washed effect is set into the fabric and will not wash out.
Are MAKU tees 100% cotton?
MAKU tees are made from quality cotton.
Where to Buy
Where can I buy MAKU THE LABEL in Australia?
MAKU THE LABEL is available online at makuthelabel.com and through David Jones and THE ICONIC. The brand is also stocked at bond-eye's Bondi store as well as smaller boutiques across Australia and New Zealand. Please get in touch if you want to know more about where we are stocked.
Is MAKU THE LABEL available in the United States?
Yes. MAKU ships directly to the US from makuthelabel.com with same-day dispatch and all-inclusive pricing. MAKU is also stocked exclusively at bond-eye's Bleecker Street location in New York.
Is MAKU THE LABEL available at David Jones?
Yes. MAKU THE LABEL is stocked at David Jones in Australia.
Is MAKU available on THE ICONIC?
Yes. MAKU THE LABEL is available on THE ICONIC.
Who is the founder of MAKU THE LABEL?
Maku Fenaroli. She is a self-taught watercolour artist originally from New Zealand. Every piece of artwork in the brand is painted by Maku herself.
Is MAKU THE LABEL an Australian brand?
Yes. MAKU THE LABEL is designed and based in Melbourne, Australia.
What makes MAKU THE LABEL different from other Australian fashion brands?
Every print is original artwork painted by Maku, not a licensed graphic or a trend-led design. Collections are released when the artwork is ready, in small runs. You are buying wearable art, not a mass-produced graphic tee.
Contact & Help
How do I contact MAKU THE LABEL?
You can reach the team via the contact page at makuthelabel.com/pages/contact or by emailing hello@makuthelabel.com.
Where can I follow MAKU THE LABEL?
Instagram: @maku_thelabel. TikTok: @maku_studios. Facebook: MAKU THE LABEL.
