I hate that I have to write this review.
I was charmed by this company's stated missions and goals. Unfortunately, the quality of their work does not reflect their social aspirations.
I recently bought two bralettes, each with matching panties. I was disappointed as soon as they arrived. I communicated the issues to their customer service with the following:
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It's honestly tough to photograph, because it isn't one big issue. It's many small issues over and over again. Loose threads, messy seems, uneven fabric cutting, stitch tension all over the place. I understand these are handmade items that will have some variation, but this kind of general poor quality isn't what I would hope for from a bra that cost $65. That's almost Thistle and Spire prices. I have nothing but respect for the inclusive work you're trying to do. I hope we can come to some sufficient conclusion on this. Thank you for your assistance in this matter
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After reaching out to customer service, I received this reply, which states that the issues are typical to their brand.
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Howdy!
thank you for explaining further, and we really do appreciate you sending the photos - they helped a lot!
We reviewed the construction shown, and what we're seeing is consistent with how our pieces are normally made rather than an isolated defect with your order. (ie - zig zag stitching, end seams, small quirks from hand made)
We do want to clarify what we mean when we say Cantiq is handmade, because it is a very literal part of how we operate.
Our lingerie is not produced in a factory or sent out to a large-scale manufacturer. Our pieces are made here at Cantiq in Los Angeles by our very small sewing team - there are only 3 people in the back of house working at sewing machines, cutting, sewing, finishing, and assembling these garments by hand.
Our fabrics and materials are also thoughtfully and ethically sourced, and many of the materials we work with are hand-dyed. We intentionally operate at a very small scale because local production, ethical sourcing, inclusive sizing, and maintaining a hands-on relationship with how our garments are made are central to what Cantiq is!!
That means our pieces will not always have the exact visual uniformity of lingerie coming from a large production facility where thousands of identical garments are being produced through an industrialized manufacturing process (and machines!) You may see small variations in stitching, thread finishing, fabric edges, or placement from one handmade piece to another.
Our pricing reflects that very small-scale, local, ethical production model as well as the labor involved in creating an exceptionally inclusive range of lingerie. (we pay everyone a livable wage here in LA!)
We completely understand that the finishing may not be what you personally expected at this price point, and we respect that. We just want to be transparent that, based on the photos provided, the construction shown is within our normal handmade standard rather than something we would consider a manufacturing defect.
We do also list this online in our FAQ - but are always open to feedback
Thank you!
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They offered no return or exchange. What good would an exchange do anyway, if the pieces I received were exemplary of their work?
I would be embarrassed to be seen wearing this lingerie. I basically threw my money away in exchange for some flimsy material badly stitched together. read more