The Blackest Co. FAQs: Unfiltered Black-Owned Apparel

Yes. And it's great that you asked! TheBlackest Co. is proudly Black-owned and certified by the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

We know it's more difficult than ever to identify genuine Black-owned businesses and weed out the "blackface" imposters. View our certification profile here.

TheBlackest Co. is a proudly Black-owned small business committed to telling the stories that history books left out. Our work centers on unfiltered Black history - bold, truthful, and designed to spark conversation.

Every design is original - researched, created, and crafted by us. We are not resellers. We don't copy trends or chase clout. We're not trying to be famous. Apparel is our life's work and we take it seriously. Our focus is on accuracy, quality, and impact, and everything is designed, printed, and shipped in the USA.

No. We don't use AI generation tools. Our designs are 100% original, created by our team with over 30 years of hands-on experience in graphic design and apparel decoration.

Because too much of it gets erased or distorted. We believe in honoring our legacy - the victories, the resistance, and the brilliance - by making it visible and wearable every day. It sounds corny but "If you see it, you can be it." Our elders and ancestors knew this to be true.

Every item is made to order, so production takes a little extra time - it ensures quality, reduces waste, and saves water. Typical fulfillment (printing) runs 2 to 5 business days, then shipping adds another 3 to 5 business days, for a total estimate of 5 to 10 business days. These are estimates, not guarantees, and can shift with order volume or season.

We ship via USPS, UPS, and other major carriers. You'll receive a tracking number by email once your package is on the way, not before.

All items are printed and shipped from within the United States.

Not by default. Because each item is made to order, we can't speed up the production timeline - but shipping itself is usually quick once it leaves our hands.

If you're ordering for a special occasion, feel free to reach out after placing your order. We may be able to upgrade the shipping method, but we cannot guarantee delivery dates.

Because each item is made to order, we're not able to accept standard returns or exchanges. We encourage customers to double-check sizing and details before purchasing.

That said, if there's a quality or manufacturing issue with your item - like a misprint, wrong size sent, or anything defective - we will absolutely make it right. Just email us with: 1. a clear photo of the issue, 2. another photo of the entire item, and 3. your order number - and we'll take care of it.

Sometimes carriers mark a package as delivered a little early. We recommend giving it 1-2 business days and checking with neighbors, household members, or around your property - it may have been tucked away or handed to someone else.

If it still hasn't turned up, contact your local post office or carrier directly. We know they often try to shift the blame back to the store, but once a package is marked delivered, it's technically out of our hands due to privacy and property laws. We don't have access to carrier GPS data or delivery notes - they do.

That said, we've been doing this a long time and we know the system. If you're stuck, email us your tracking number and order info - we'll share some tips and try to help however we can.

If your order hasn't shipped yet, no problem - we can update it, just act fast. Reach out to us with your order number and the correct address as soon as possible.

Once it's shipped, we can't guarantee any changes to the address.

We can't change billing info once a transaction is complete. If the charge already went through, that's usually fine - no harm no foul, your card company typically handles any issues from there.

If you still want us to take a look, email us with your order number.

We accept Shop Pay, Shop Pay Installments, all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover), Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and USDC (crypto).

Credit or debit card: At checkout, choose the card payment option and enter your card number, expiration date, and security code.

Shop Pay: Select Shop Pay at checkout. If you have an account, log in and your saved payment and shipping info fills in automatically. New customers can set up Shop Pay during checkout with just a phone number.

Shop Pay Installments: Select Shop Pay at checkout, then choose the installment option. Your order is split into smaller payments over time, subject to approval.

Apple Pay: Select Apple Pay at checkout and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. Available on supported Apple devices and browsers.

Google Pay: Select Google Pay at checkout and confirm using your saved Google account payment method.

Amazon Pay: Select Amazon Pay at checkout and log in with your Amazon account to use your saved payment and shipping details.

PayPal: Select PayPal at checkout. You'll be redirected to log in to your PayPal account and confirm payment, then returned to finish your order.

Crypto (USDC): Select USDC at checkout and follow the prompts to complete payment through your connected crypto wallet. On our end, funds are either converted and paid out in local currency or claimed in USDC, so your order is processed the same as any other payment method.

One of the best ways to find your size is to measure something you already own and love the fit of. Then, compare those measurements to our size chart. Each product page includes a sizing chart with pro tips on how to measure for that specific garment.

Our shirts generally run true to size, but if you're between sizes or prefer a looser fit, sizing up is usually the way to go.

Still unsure? Reach out before ordering - we're happy to help.

We don't cut corners - on quality, labor, or ethics. Every design is original, every item is made to order, and everything is printed and shipped in the USA. We work with partners who pay fair wages and treat people right.

Fast fashion makes its profits by mass-producing cheap products, often with underpaid labor and stolen designs. Whatever doesn't sell is usually tossed in a landfill - wasted materials, wasted labor, and more harm to the planet.

When you shop with us, you're supporting real artists, real stories, and a business built around integrity - not exploitation.

We occasionally offer limited-time sales or promo codes - especially around major holidays or to celebrate new releases. The best way to stay in the loop is to join our email list or follow us on social media.

We also sometimes include exclusive discount codes as a thank-you to customers who leave reviews.

We don't currently offer custom one-off designs, but we're open to bulk orders for schools, nonprofits, or community events - especially if the mission aligns with ours.

If you're interested, reach out with the details (quantities, timeline, purpose), and we'll let you know what's possible.

For best results, wash inside-out in cold water and tumble dry low or hang dry. This helps preserve the artwork and keep your shirt looking fresh over time.

Avoid bleach and don't iron directly on the design.