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Eco-Friendly Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions


Eco-Friendly Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eco-Friendly?
Going Green...As chefs choose more and more organic foods for their menus, Chefwear has become increasingly interested in producing clothing using environmentally sustainable processes. We are excited to introduce our line of eco-friendly chef clothing that has widespread appeal and the bonus of giving back to the environment. Discover our great new products that feature organic cotton, bamboo and hemp. All are designed to be earth-friendly and to perform to the standards you've come to expect from Chefwear.

 

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What’s the difference between eco-friendly products and regular Chefwear products?
We decided to develop a line of products for our customers that were expressing interest in this particular type of apparel. We knew we could not convert our entire line of Chefwear to eco-friendly but a selection of some of the more popular items was chosen to launch the line this spring.

 

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Why did Chefwear decide to sell eco-friendly products now?
Because our customers asked ....“As Chefs were choosing organic foods for their kitchens we were becoming increasingly interested in clothing which was made using environmentally-sustainable processes,” Rochelle Huppin., President of Chefwear” The features and benefits of the new line of clothing will have wide spread appeal and the best part is that we know they will give back to the environment as well.”

 

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What makes clothing organic or eco-friendly?
The definitions can vary widely. There are USDA standards for certifying cotton plants and the cotton fibers that they produce as being organic because cotton seeds and cotton oils are also important food products. So our new organic cotton Chefwear jacket is made from 100% certified organic cotton.

 

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Will the fact that the clothing is organic raise the cost of the garment?
This is a touchy point that often comes up in the organic industry – clothing and also vegetables, fruit, meat, and everything that can bear an organic label. Chefwear is concerned at the perceived high cost of some organic and natural clothing. We think it’s important that we explain why the cost is a bit higher on these items. Organic cotton is more expensive to grow because they do not use conventional chemical fertilizers to kill weeds and fight insects. Organic cotton is more expensive to harvest because they do not use chemical harvest-aids and is more labor intensive resulting in higher harvest costs.

 

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Are there special care or laundry instructions for Chefwear eco-friendly garments?
For Chefwear products we include instructions with each product. You will find them printed on the outside of the bag. Machine wash inside out in cold water. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low. Remove promptly.Due to the natural dye process used on this garment, color may fade with repeated washings. This is not a sign of defective material; rather it is a sign of its unique and natural qualities.

 

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Other then being environmentally friendly, are there any other benefits to garments being organic cotton?
Besides the quality-of-life benefits from organic cotton, the quality of clothing produced from organic cotton is also substantially higher. Organic cotton plants produce longer-stable cotton fibers which yield stronger yarn and more durable fabrics.

 

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Are any of the items made from recycled fabric?
At Chefwear we are using 3 different types of fabric in our new eco-friendly line, 100% organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp. o The Cotton: Cotton and water. The two usually go hand in hand, but organic cotton is usually rain-fed, not irrigated, so it uses a lot less water. Organic cotton, as you probably know, is grown without the use of pesticides and insecticides. Farmers use composted manures and cover-crops to replace synthetic fertilizers. Innovative weeding strategies are used instead of herbicides. Beneficial insects and trap-crops are used to control pests. Nature's frost and water inducement prepare plants for harvest, instead of using toxic defoliants. o The Bamboo: Bamboo is a grass, and grows like a weed. In fact, it's the fastest growing plant on the planet. It can grow up to three feet in a day. It doesn't need help from pesticides or insecticides, and it usually grows on rain water. Just think of the strength, power and self-sufficiency of this crop. Bamboo generates more oxygen than trees. The pulp from bamboo is ground up, with superior performance, bamboo wicks moisture, keeps you cooler, and is naturally antimicrobial so it doesn't retain odors. o The Hemp: Industrial hemp is also a grass and grows like a weed, because it is one. Like bamboo, it doesn't need any help to thrive. It has no need for pesticides or insecticides, and it grows on rain water. Like bamboo, it offers superior performance compared to cotton: hemp fibers are more durable, provide better UV protection, wick moisture, and are anti-microbial. Hemp is technically superior to cotton for fabric, trees for paper, and corn for biofuel.

 

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What’s so great about hemp?
Hemp has many excellent properties and is being found more and more in quality garments. Hemp is the most environmentally positive crop, actually improving the condition of the soil. It requires no herbicides and is naturally resistant to insects, fungus, and other pests.

 

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How organic are Chefwear products, who are they certified by?
For any product sold in the U.S. – regardless of where it was grown or produced – to carry the USDA Organic logo, it must have been inspected by a certified agent of the USDA certification program. This is the current state of government regulations for organic fibers in the U.S. The same certifications are not currently in place for bamboo and hemp. And to further clarify… The USDA states that 52% of the nation's 2005 crop was genetically engineered, meaning that the seeds have been altered to resist insects in an effort to avoid harmful pesticides. While cotton is a crop that can qualify as "certified organic," there's no "organic clothing" standard set by the USDA that labels a shirt or pants as fully organic.

 

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How does organic translate to good for the earth?
For us at Chefwear, we see this translation as chef’s choosing more and more organic foods for their menus. It was with that we became increasingly interested in producing clothing using environmentally sustainable processes. We are excited to introduce our line of eco-friendly chef clothing that has widespread appeal and the bonus of giving back to the environment.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I process an RMA?
All returns and exchanges require a Return Authorization Number (RAN). Please call 1.800.568.2433 for your RAN.
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How are shipping charges determined?
Shipping charges for all items ordered will be charged in aggregate on the first items shipped. Back-ordered items will be shipped without shipping charges as you will have been billed for total order shipping charges on the invoice for the first items shipped.
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What are shipping and handling rates for UPS Ground?
UPS Shipping and Handling charges for orders totaling $0-38 is $5.50; for orders $39-99 is $8.50; for orders $100-299 is 13.00; for orders $300-499 is $17.00; for orders $500-750 is $22.00; and for orders $751+ add 3% of order.
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Can a package be shipped out of the U.S.A.?
Packages can be shipped to most locations through out the world to which a major carrier, such as UPS, FedEX, or DHL, will ship. The order can be placed online and a shipping quote will be emailed directly to you. You can also contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-568-2433 for further information or to place an order.
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What are the express shipping options and charges?
Packages shipped within the continental U.S. will be shipped via UPS Ground unless otherwise requested. UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS Next Day Air are available by request. The charge for either expedited shipping option is determined by the weight of the package and the destination zip code. The exact charges will be calculated as you are checking out. Orders placed online with expedited shipping will ship out within 1 business day and are not guaranteed to ship on the same day that the order is placed. Orders shipping via UPS Next Day Air on Friday will not be delivered on Saturday, rather, they will be delivered on the next business day, which in most cases is Monday.
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How quickly is an order processed/shipped? When can I expect to receive my package?
An order for stocked merchandise is processed and shipped within 2 business days. The actual shipping time to locations within the continental U.S. can vary from 3-5 business days, depending upon the exact location. You should expect to receive your package within 5-7 days after placing the order. Merchandise ordered with embroidery does require an additional 1-2 weeks for the embroidery to be completed. Special orders and custom items require an additional 4-6 weeks before the merchandise is shipped.
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How long will it take to receive customized purchases?
For custom orders please allow 4-6 weeks. Custom orders must be prepaid and are non-returnable.
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How do I return an item? How do I exchange an item? What are the fees?

Your satisfaction is important to us. Returns or exchanges will be accepted within 4 weeks of receiving your return order. All custom orders and laundered merchandise are non-returnable. Customers are responsible for return shipping charges. Pre-approved returns received after the 4-week cutoff will incur a 10% restocking fee based on the return order value. All returns and exchanges require a Return Authorization Number (RAN). Please call 1.800.568.2433 for your RAN. Send returned items to Chefwear, Attn: Returns and Exchanges, 3111 North Knox, Chicago, IL USA 60641-5200. (For your protection, please insure your return and send it prepaid via UPS or US Mail. Shipping and handling fees are not refundable.


A $5.50 shipping and handling fee will be charged on exchange orders of up to three items and $0.50 for each additional item after that, for the 48 contiguous states. Hawaii and Alaska, please contact customer service for applicable charges.
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How long does a backorder usually take to ship?
Although we take every effort to keep all merchandise in stock, occasionally an item may not be available to ship immediately. In the case of backordered merchandise, any merchandise on the order that is in stock will ship when the order is placed. The backordered merchandise will usually be shipped within 2 weeks at no additional shipping cost.
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Do I have to order the exact same pants/jackets to get the quantity discount?
The quantity discount will be given when merchandise of the same category is purchased in bunches. For instance, any combination of 6 pairs 100% cotton pants, Baggy, Ultimate, Cargo, or Traditional, would be sold at the first price break. The price would vary on the actual pants purchased. Four Star pants would not count toward this example. Jacket discounts are determined in the same manner. For instance, any combination of 16 or more 4 Star jackets, the Button Tab, Cloth Knot, Tunic, Awareness, Short Sleeved, or Black Logo Button, would be sold at the lowest price break. Qualifying merchandise is not required to be the same size or color.
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Explain the sizing chart. Does Chefwear run large, small, or true to size?
Chefwear merchandise, unless specifically designated “Women’s”, is based on unisex sizing. To ensure an accurate fit, it is recommended that the chest, waist, and hips measurements are used to determine the correct size. For jackets and shirts, order the Chefwear size, S, M, L, ect., that corresponds to your chest or hip measurement, whichever is larger. Pants and shorts should be ordered using the larger of your waist or hip measurements to find the correct size on the sizing chart. Chefwear merchandise is designed to run true to size, not extra roomy or tight fitting. Women’s jackets are cut to be more form fitting, with slightly shorter shoulder length and appropriate room for hips.
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Explain the Pint Size sizing chart.
Pint Size Duds are not sized using the conventional small, medium, and large sizes. Rather, Pint Size Duds should be ordered using the child’s clothing size to determine the appropriate Chefwear size.
Chefwear Size
Child Size
T
2T-4T
1
4-5
2
6,6X,7
3
8-10
4
12

 

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Can I have my logo embroidered?
Custom logos may be embroidered on most Chefwear merchandise. To process an order w/ a custom logo please call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-568-2433. Logos will incur a one-time Set Up fee depending on the size and number of colors in the logo. A Run Charge will also be determined by the thread count of the embroidered logo. This charge will apply to every item the logo will be embroidered on, on a per piece basis.
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