FAQ

How are your dresses made?

Every Mary Benson piece is made in small batches rather than mass-produced. We are a very small team and work on each piece carefully, one by one, to create beautiful clothing designed to be treasured for years.

Where are your products made?

Our orders are cut by Mary in her workshop, then sewn by Giovanna in her workshop. Both in York, while prints and fabrics are designed by Mary and printed in London. Our special vinyl printed items and printed with utmost care by Mary. Everything is created with care and attention to detail.

Do you hold stock?

Rarely. Only our sample sale pieces are ready to ship, while everything else is made to order. Product descriptions will always tell you whether an item is in stock or being made especially for you.

How long will my order take to arrive?

Sample sale items are ready-to-ship, and are usually dispatched within a few working days. Made-to-order pieces take a little longer, as they are lovingly created just for you. Estimated lead times are shown on each product page.

Can I return my order?

Yes. We accept returns on some eligible items within 14 days of delivery. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and returned in their original condition. Please see our Returns Policy for full details on each type of piece.

As a small, independent slow fashion brand, we gently encourage thoughtful purchasing wherever possible. Every return has an environmental impact, and an impact on our business, so if you're unsure about sizing, fit, or anything else before ordering, please do get in touch, we're always happy to help you choose the right piece.

Do you offer exchanges?

If you'd like a different size, please contact us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to help.

How do I know which size to order?

Each product page includes a size guide. If you're between sizes or unsure, please get in touch and we'll happily help you choose the best size for your body.

Can you make custom alterations?

Yes, we love helping customers create something that feels truly special. We can often make custom changes to existing designs, such as adjusting lengths, sleeve styles, fabrics, or other details where possible.

While we don't currently offer bespoke sizing or garments made from entirely new patterns, we're always happy to discuss custom requests. If you have an idea in mind, please get in touch before ordering and we'll let you know what's possible.

Can I visit your studio or arrange a fitting?

We do not have a public studio or shop, so fittings and visits are not available at this time.

If you'd like help choosing the right size, we're always happy to guide you through taking your own measurements at home. Alternatively, many local alterations shops and seamstresses offer professional measuring services, which can be especially helpful if you're ordering a custom piece.

Simply send us your measurements before ordering and we'll do our very best to advise on the most suitable size and fit.

How should I care for my dress?

Care instructions are included with every garment. Following these guidelines will help your piece stay beautiful for years to come.

Will sold-out styles return?

Sometimes. We occasionally restock favourite designs or re-release archive pieces, but many fabrics and prints are produced in limited quantities or are made from dead-stock fabric which we sadly can't get hold of again, but this makes them all the more special. Joining our mailing list is the best way to hear about limited editions, new releases and restocks.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide. Shipping costs and delivery times are calculated at checkout based on your location.

Will I have to pay customs charges?

International customers may be responsible for customs duties, taxes, or import fees charged by their country. These charges are not included in our prices.

How can I contact you?

The best way to reach us is by email at customerservice@marybenson.london. As a small independent business, email allows us to keep track of customer enquiries and ensure nothing gets missed.

We do not currently offer telephone support, but we aim to reply to all emails within 1–2 working days and will always do our best to help.

Is your packaging sustainable?

We do our best to use packaging that is recyclable, reusable, or made from recycled materials wherever possible, while still ensuring your order arrives safely.

We also believe that beautiful clothing doesn't need excessive packaging or unnecessary extras. Rather than adding extra decorative packaging for the sake of it, we focus on keeping our packaging practical, thoughtful, and as low-waste as possible.