PRODUCTION INFORMATION
About Raw Materials
- All our products are meticulously hand‑crafted by skilled artisans with every detail made to deliver a luxurious feel. We source premium genuine leather from renowned tanneries worldwide. The texture and tactile experience of real leather cannot be matched by mass‑produced factory goods. We aim to create not merely merchandise, but durable, collectible pieces built to last.
‑ For genuine leather and other natural materials we use, slight variations in grain and pattern may occur between individual items. These subtle differences are inherent characteristics of natural materials.
Production Lead Time
‑ Each of our products has a proven manufacturing process, so we provide an estimated production lead‑time from order confirmation to shipment.
‑ Lead times range from 3‑15 business days. The exact lead‑time for each item is stated in its product description, please check this before placing your order.
‑ In rare cases, sudden surges in order volume may exceed our production capacity. Should this happen and cause delays to your order, we will contact you promptly via email to discuss the situation.
Customization
‑ Most of our items support customization. Available custom options are listed on each product page. If you have requests beyond the listed options, please leave notes in the personalization field. We welcome your ideas and will reach out via email to discuss feasibility.
‑ For text engraving, we offer debossing, gold foil stamping and silver foil stamping. After selecting the text‑customization option, enter your desired text in the corresponding field. We will recommend the most suitable technique and font based on leather properties, and follow‑up with you by email.
‑ Size customization is offered free of charge. To request a custom size, simply input your body circumference measurements in the personalization box, and we will craft a perfectly‑fitted, comfortable piece for you.
HOW TO MEASURE
‑ When purchasing adjustable‑size items: If you do not have a soft measuring tape or cannot take measurements conveniently, you may leave us a note with the wearer’s height, weight and gender. We can estimate the approximate size for you. Exact measurements are not required, as we will build adjustment allowance into your piece. You will be able to tighten or loosen it according to your preference. Please state any special‑size requirements in your order notes.
‑ When purchasing non‑adjustable items: We strongly recommend measuring the wearer before ordering for optimal comfort. Free custom‑sizing service is available. Simply enter your measurements in the custom‑text field at checkout, and we will take care of the rest.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding sizing or fit!
Please see below instructions for measurements for each type of product. If you don't have a flexible measuring tape you can use a string and then place this on a ruler to get the circumference.
Collars
- Wrap the tape around your neck where the collar will sit.
- Keep it level and snug without squeezing.
- For our martingale collars please just measure your neck circumference at the base and we will make it to the correct size. If you have a preference for tighter or looser fit please note this in the customisation section on purchase.
Wrist Cuffs
- Measure around your wrist where the cuff will be worn.
- Keep your hand relaxed and the tape comfortably snug.
Ankle Cuffs
- Measure just above your ankle bone, where the cuff will sit.
- Stand naturally, without flexing your foot.
CARE INFORMATION
Cleaning Your Leather Gear (Not including suede)
We recommend gentle cleaning of your gear after use to remove body oils and perspiration.
- Dip a microfiber cloth in warm water and a few drops of dish soap, and use the cloth to wipe your leather gear.
- Avoid firm rubbing as this may damage softer leathers.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth (no soap this time) to wipe down your item.
- Ensure you dry the leather fully with a clean and dry cloth.
- You may also like to use an appropriate leather cleaner and conditioner (such as those used for horse tack) every 6 or so months for maintenance.
- Never immerse your leather gear in water as this can alter the colour or shape and reduce its resilience.
- Keep leather goods away from corrosive liquids. Do not disinfect them with dish soap, sanitizing agents, and avoid alcohol entirely.
- Exception: As a last resort only — if mould develops, a small amount of diluted alcohol may be used to treat the affected area. Use sparingly and condition the leather afterwards.
- Never wash leather items with water. Do not wear them while bathing. If they get wet accidentally, blot moisture immediately with a clean cloth or sponge, wipe lightly with a damp cloth, and allow to air‑dry naturally. Keep out of direct sunlight.
- Vegetable‑tanned leather is highly durable under regular use. Even sturdy leather may crack without proper long‑term maintenance. Apply leather conditioner when the surface appears dull or dry.
- For long‑term storage, do not compress the items. Store in a well‑ventilated area and air them periodically. If you live in a high‑humidity region, genuine leather (animal‑fiber material) is prone to mildew. Apply conditioner before storage.
- In case of dampness or mildew: wipe off residue with a soft dry cloth. Do not use water or gasoline. Dampen a cotton ball with alcohol only to gently remove mildew spots, blot with a dry towel afterwards, and hang to dry in a cool shaded place. Alcohol is only for emergency mildew treatment — do not use it for routine care.
- Do not follow unverified online advice for leather maintenance. Improper handling may cause irreversible damage to your leather goods.
Storing your leather gear
- Store your leather items in a natural fiber bag or a container with vents in a cool, dry space - away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight to avoid any damage.
- Floggers should be stored by hanging in a cool, dry place to avoid crumpling of the tails.
- Do not store your leather items in plastic or sealed containers as leather is a porous material that needs to breathe in order to stay supple and prevent mould or other damage.
- Avoid contact with oil stains, acidic and alkaline substances during storage. Do not expose to direct sunlight.
Hardware Care-Steel & Brass
- Gently clean with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth (a lint-free one). For buckles you may like to use a soft toothbrush to clean those hard to get to areas. Ensure you dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- If you prefer, you can invest in a stainless-steel cleaning formula to remove grime and prolong the sheen.
Hardware Care-Plated Gold or Rose Gold
- Use a dry polishing cloth to remove grime and oils, ensuring the hardware holds onto its shine.
- If a more thorough clean if required you can also use mild dish soap and warm water. Remove any soapy residue with a damp cloth and dry the rose gold after, giving it a once over with the dry polishing cloth to keep it gleaming.
- Plated gold or rose gold can tarnish over time due to natural oils excreted by the skin, humidity, and skincare creams or perfumes. We recommend not using skincare products in the area prior to wearing any Rose Gold hardware items, and gently polishing after each use.
- Some people are more prone to plated metals tarnishing from skin contact - if you find this is the case we recommend an anti-oxidation protectant spray.
Avoiding oxidation
The natural process of oxidation occurs when metals are exposed to sunlight and air. Oxidation affects metals in different ways, e.g. when silver is exposed to lots of sunlight and air it may turn black over time, whereas gold may develop a dull, brown hue.
SHIPPING INFO
We ship worldwide. Rest assured, all orders are sent in discreet privacy packaging!
Even better — enjoy free shipping on orders over $100. Your handcrafted leather goods will be packaged and dispatched within 1–2 business days after production is complete (please refer to the production lead time on the product page). We are continuously working to reduce shipping times — stay tuned.
Almost all of our shipments are sent via air express courier to get your order to you as quickly as possible. Estimated delivery times for international orders are as follows:
- USA / Canada: Express courier: 1–2 weeks
- Europe: Express courier: 1–2 weeks
- Other regions: Express courier: 2–3 weeks
Actual delivery times may vary depending on customs clearance and local postal services.
RETURNS POLICY
We want you to love your Shadowed Bodies piece as much as we loved making it. Because our gear is handcrafted to order with custom sizing options, our approach to returns is designed to be fair, transparent and respectful of both you and our craft.
Change of Mind
We will gladly accept the return of products* for either exchange or refund, no questions asked. Just contact us within 7 days of receiving your order and we will advise you of the next steps. Please note that for change of mind returns the product must be in original condition and packaging, and unworn.
*Please Note*: Items made to custom sizing specifications are not eligible for change of mind returns or cancellations once production has commenced. This is because each custom sized piece is cut and crafted specifically to your measurements, using materials and time that cannot be recovered.
If you do have any issues with your custom sized item however please do get in contact with us and we will do our best to assist.
Order Changes or Cancellations
As we often start production on orders within 24 hours, if you have a change of mind or would like to cancel your order, please contact us as soon as possible.
Incorrect Size
To respect the time you and we invest in waiting and production, please double‑check your measurements before placing your order. All items are hand‑made. Once an item has been produced and shipped, returns due to incorrect size selection by the customer will not be accepted.
Please note that we offer free custom sizing on all our items, so if you are not sure if the standard sizing will fit, just include your relevant measurements in the customisation section on the product page and we will ensure that it is made to your size (with ample room for adjustment).
Faulty or Defective Items
In the rare event your item arrives damaged or faulty:
- Email us at shadowedbodies@gmail.com within 7 days of delivery.
- Include photos and a brief description of the issue.
- We’ll replace, or refund the item where appropriate.
Manufacturing faults are fully covered - hardware failure, stitching flaws, or structural defects.
Damage from misuse, general wear and tear, or lack of care is not considered a fault. However if you do come across an issue with your gear please get in touch with us and we will do our best to assist.
Refunds
Refunds are issued to the original payment method once the item has been returned or otherwise approved.