Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a list of frequently asked questions - if you can’t find your question answered here, please don’t hesitate to email info@tribetropical.com – we’ll be glad to assist you further. 

How can we help?

FAQ

Order Questions

I need to return an item I purchased, what is your policy?

Please see our returns and exchanges policy here: https://tribetropical.com/pages/returns

Can I change or cancel my order once it has been placed?

In order for you to receive your goods as quickly as possible, we have recently streamlined our packing and processing system; goods are now fulfilled and posted from via our remote warehouse team located in Brisbane.

Our warehouse team are super-efficient so will process an order shortly after it is placed; while this ensures speed and efficiency, the downside is that it may not always be possible to make changes or cancel an order after it has been submitted. We will do all possible to assist and request amendments to our warehouse team, however we cannot guarantee that this will be possible. We apologise sincerely if this causes inconvenience however we do offer peace of mind returns if an item is received and needs to be sent back. Please see our returns page for further details. 

I just placed two separate orders – can I combine postage to save on shipping costs?

We love it when customers come back for more and thank you sincerely for your support! As our packing and processing is handled remotely via our warehouse team, it may not be possible to combine orders (please see point 1 above) – we will do all possible to assist but cannot guarantee or promise that two separate orders can be posted together if the orders were processed separately. If it turns out that our warehouse team can assist then we’ll refund the postage cost.   

I have more than one discount code, can I use both codes together?

It’s great to hear that you have more than one code to choose from! Sadly we only allow one discount per order – this applies to subscriber discounts, other seasonal sales or any other promotional codes that we may offer from time to time.

My subscriber discount won’t work on the ‘bundle’ I’m trying to purchase

As our bundles are already discounted, other discount codes won’t work on them, so we recommend using whichever coupon you have holds the highest value. 

You just announced a sale & I just purchased at full price...

We hate it when that happens! That is why we offer a 'price promise' :)

If you purchase items at full price (without discount codes) and your items go on sale within a 7 day window, we will issue you a store credit for the price difference. Excludes gift cards.

I made an order that has in-stock items and pre-order items – what happens in this case?

We have two options: 

1. You can opt to have all items sent together once they’re in-stock (please email us to notify if you’d prefer this option) or 

2. You can opt to have in-stock items sent out, followed by pre-order items once they arrive in. 

If you would like your in-stock items to ship sooner then you will need to place separate orders for in-stock and pre-order/later ship date items, as our program does not allow us to split the order after it has been placed and confirmed. If you need the in-stock items sooner and have placed a combined order please email customer service so we can invoice you for any applicable additional shipping charges and split the order.

Can I add a gift note to my order?

Thanks for choosing to gift Tribe Tropical, this means a lot to us! Our warehouse team will not see any remarks or comments left in the ‘notes’ section at checkout but if you email our customer service team as soon as an order is placed, we should be able to pass on any messages and will try to add a small note with your parcel. We do not include receipts or invoices with orders so there is no concern about pricing being mentioned along with your gift either.  

Do you offer gift-wrapping?

Yes we do! We offer complimentary wrapping of all orders - all of our orders are wrapped in white tissue paper at no extra cost to you.

Why aren’t my items packed in individual plastic bags?

We’re proud to announce that from 2021 we will be using 5 times less plastic by way of eliminating the number of polybags used in packaging of swimwear sent to us from our supplier, which saves thousands of polybags from entering landfill each year. Our suppliers no longer send us individually-bagged items so your items may not be plastic-wrapped individually. 

Polybags used in the textile industry contribute significantly to environmental pollution globally so we’re happy to be able to make this positive change and thank you for your support with this.

I want to buy a Christmas gift, can I receive a return extension?

We’re so happy to hear you’ve chosen to gift Tribe Tropical for Christmas! Yes, we are willing to be flexible with returns over the Christmas period, so long as the items adhere to our returns policy, are unworn, in new condition & with tags attached etc. 

Refunds permitted within 30 days of ordering; store credits will be granted if orders are returned 30+ days after receipt of goods.

Do you post internationally

Yes we do! We post all over the world, so long as Covid restrictions permit – if you have any questions or concerns on this please let us know. 

If you have any concerns regarding import taxes and duties, please reach out as we are always willing to help. 

Product Questions

Do your swimsuits contain chemicals or UV blockers?

Our swimwear is not treated with harmful chemical UV blockers, instead the tight weave of the superior quality UPF50+ fabric we use provides 98% protection from UVA & UVB rays. Our fabrics are also digitally printed which saves energy and water. 

Our fabrics are OEKO-TEX certified, tested for harmful substances and produced sustainably and ethically. OEKO-TEX certification ensures the removal of harmful chemicals, socially-responsible programs for workers and overall environmentally-friendly practices.  

The fabrics we use do not contain any of the following: heavy metals, AZO, PVC, BPA, formaldehyde, DWR.

Are your swimsuits made of recycled fabrics?

Certain components of the fabrics we use are recycled however not all – this is because fully recycled fabrics have substantial minimum order requirements and can only be ordered in significant quantities, defeating the purpose of our mission. In time and as we grow gently, we hope to continue to improve on our product and move towards the best possible options for environmental sustainability. We always use biodegradable packaging wherever possible.

I can’t find size 5 or 7 in your range – do you have these sizes?

Unfortunately we don’t offer these in-between sizes so customers tend to size up or down depending on the age/size of the child.

An average 5 year old will fit a size 6 without issue; if they’re on the petite side then sizing down would be recommended, as our suits are made to be generous (they run big rather than small).

When it comes to swimwear it is better that it fits comfortably rather than too tightly/too snug – this is because stretching out the fabric can reduce its UV-blocking ability. Kids grow fast so it never hurts to size up in our experience as parents! If ever you have specific sizing questions please reach out and we’ll gladly assist.

Will pilling occur on your swimsuits?

Our swimsuits have been tested for pilling resistance independently by SGS, a Swiss company headquartered in Geneva who provide professional testing, inspecting and certification services. Upon testing our fabric, 10,800 revolutions / 3 hours later, our fabric was rated A grade with a score of 4.5 out of 5. 

Our fabric is silky soft so not guaranteed to be completely prone to pilling – if fabric is rubbed on rough pool surfaces, concrete, rocks or other sharp surfaces then pilling may still show on areas such as the backs of lower sleeves, backside/sitting area or front of suit Please ensure care is always taken on rough surfaces. 

How should I wash my Tribe Tropical swimwear?

To ensure longevity of your swimwear, please:

Rinse immediately after use to clean out salt and chlorine.Ideally hand-wash as often as possible as this will ensure longevity of the fabric

(if machine-washing please use a garment bag, cold water & low spin cycle) 

Do not wring, rub, soak or bleach swimwear.Dry in the shade – never tumble dry. Do not leave rolled up wet or store when damp.Do not iron or dry clean.

How do I choose the correct size?

Our children’s swimwear is true to size and corresponds to the age of a child – a size 4 should fit an average 4 year old and so on. 

Our ladies suits tend to run on the smaller side so we recommend sizing up if you’re long in the body or bigger in the bust. 

Please see our sizing page for more details and measurements etc: https://tribetropical.com/pages/size-guide

If the size you purchase isn’t quite right, you’re welcome to return it for another size. 

Will my product look exactly like the product on the website?

We work with seamless patterns so the print placement will vary from item to item. Due to individual calibration, computer monitors and phone displays, as well as photography light and editing, the actual colour of some items might vary slightly so please allow for some variances between prints.  

Where are Tribe Tropical’s products made?

Though we have made numerous attempts to manufacture our goods in Australia, unfortunately it is not possible at this time due to Australia's limited textile industry. Our goods are therefore handmade in China, in a small family-owned factory with whom we are in close contact. 

Our supplier allows us to produce in smaller quantities (therefore maintaining our aim of being a slow fashion / boutique label) unlike many of the larger factories who mass produce their products and have large minimum-order requirements. We choose to produce in China due to their high standards of streamlined production, thoroughness, organisation and professionalism. Our supplier has very high standards in terms of their output, and values the ethical treatment of workers. Our swimsuits are generally 230gsm/m2 whereas most other swimwear brands will range from 180-200gsm/m2, so our quality matches our brand values.   

Though our products are made overseas, our business is built in Australia and supports dozens of other small Australian businesses daily from our warehouse storage and support, to our pattern art work, web design, printing, packaging, marketing, advertising costs, accounting & tax, and via countless other ways. Product manufacturing is a very small part of a huge puzzle! Our customer service is also based in Australia.

Thank you for your support – it allows our small business to support other small businesses here in Australia. 

Do you offer wholesale pricing?

Yes we do! We have a 1 stockist per postcode policy, and work with stores that align with our brand. If you would like to enquire about becoming a stockist of Tribe Tropical, please email wholesale@tribetropical.com for further details.

Do you take custom orders?

While we appreciate your love for our pieces, regretfully we don’t have the capacity to accommodate any custom orders or modifications to any of our current styles. We apologise for any disappointment that this may cause.

Do you have a brand ambassador program?

We do occasional collaborations and tend to run any brand rep/ambassador programs over the spring & summer months. We work with people whose values align with ours. We do not require a huge audience following on social media, but instead prefer to work with people who have a well-engaged audience, who have a genuine interest in supporting our brand and who share the same values, and who can create high-quality content. If ever you would like to learn more please reach out to us!

Why should I choose Tribe Tropical?

We are a 100% Australian owned and operated ‘slow fashion’ label. We make small quantities of the highest quality, which allows us to not only maintain our boutique appeal, but to also minimise our carbon footprint and contribution to landfill. 

We are female-founded and operated by an Australian mother of 3 little girls – our carbon footprint is very small compared to many of our competitors, which is just the way we like it! 

We genuinely care about sun-safety and keeping you protected from harmful UV rays. 

Our patterns are original, unique, inspired by tropical Australia and exclusive to our brand.

Thank you for supporting a small Australian business and for allowing us the privilege of continuing to serve you, and keep your tribe safe in the sun! 

Environmental

What is your policy on plastic?

We use as little paper and plastic as possible in our business and always recycle where able. We don’t print invoices unless requested. We always use biodegradable / compostable packaging wherever possible.

We’re strong advocates for the REDcycle scheme and recycle all of our soft plastics. https://www.redcycle.net.au/

We’re proud to announce that from 2021 we will be using 5 times less plastic by way of eliminating the number of polybags used in packaging of swimwear sent to us from our supplier, saving thousands of polybags from entering landfill each year. 

Polybags used in the textile industry contribute significantly to environmental pollution globally so we’re happy to be able to make this positive change.   

Which sunscreen do you recommend?

We always choose to use reef-safe sunscreen products on ourselves and our children. You can read more about our thoughts on different sunscreens here.

Quality UPF50 swimwear is proven to be more protective than sunscreen - by covering the skin as much as possible with UPF fabric while in the sun, the need for excessive sunscreen use is lessened, thereby minimising chemical impact on our sensitive coral reefs. 

Do you support any charities?

We regularly support local Australian charities and donate to dozens of charity events annually. 

We recently donated to an event run by the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, as well as Dolly's Dream.

We were proud to be part of the 2021 Gold Coast Beach Parade, which donated over $22K to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital on the Gold Coast.

We were also part of Nova FM Radio’s “Nova Bids” charity auction, donating several items which helped to raise funds for the Australian Children’s Hospital Foundation. We also sponsored the Inclusion Foundation’s Christmas event. 

We proudly donate to Kiva Charities also, to support different people in need.

At home we compost, recycle, and have raised our children to pick up any waste they find, and to be mindful of water & electricity consumption. We really are passionate about being as eco-conscious as possible.

Are your swimsuits made of recycled fabrics?

Certain components of the fabrics we use are recycled however not all – this is because fully recycled fabrics have substantial minimum order requirements and can only be ordered in significant quantities, defeating the purpose of our mission. In time and as we grow gently, we hope to continue to improve on our product and move towards the best possible options for environmental sustainability.