Frequently Asked Questions
How soon will I get my order?
In stock items ship in 1-2 business days. Bulk orders ship in 4-6 weeks.
How much is shipping?
We are happy to offer free USPS Priority Mail shipping on all orders! Priority Mail typically delivers in 2-4 business days of ship date, but can be delayed, especially around holiday seasons and when extreme weather is impacting the country. If you need faster shipping, Priority Mail Express is available at time of purchase for additional cost.
What's your return policy?
If for any reason you are unhappy with your garment, we offer a 30-day return policy with full refund minus shipping costs. Garments must be unworn and in original packaging to be eligible for returns. Please email us at magdalenarobes@gmail.com to initiate a return.
Are you sure I only need height and chest measurements to get a good fit?
Our robe pattern is based on ancient tunics, which have much more forgiving sizes than we're used to with modern clothes. Our robes are meant to be loose-fitting, and as long as you accurately measure for height and chest, they'll fit the way they're supposed to! (Remember, our infant and child sized robes use a "center back" measurement instead of child height--please see product pages for details on how to take this measurement.)
The tunic robe looks really long--will it look like a dress on me/my son/my godson?
While dresses are the most similar garment that comes to mind when most of us in the modern West think "long tunic", historically the tunic was a unisex garment. In fact, in your local Orthodox church, the priest's sticharion (the white robe he wears as the base of his vestments), the deacon's sticharion (the colorful brocade deacon's vestment), and the altar servers' robes are all the same garment as the baptismal robe, just made with different fabrics and trims. So no need to worry about looking like you or your son/godson are wearing a dress!
Can I wear the robe on its own, or do I need to wear other clothing underneath it?
Since all of our robes are made from lightweight white material, they tend to be a bit sheer. We recommend wearing light-colored garments underneath your robe. A white bodysuit works great for infants, and white or khaki shirt and pants/skirt or dress are perfect for children and adults. In colder months, we recommend a white footed sleeper under infant robes for warmth.
Which fabric is right for me?
We are pleased to offer three different fabrics at Magdalena Robes. Our Pearled Cotton is soft and lightweight with a subtle sheen--it's the material we use for all our Classic garments. Our Deluxe garments are offered in two fabric options: Heritage Linen is lightweight and breathable with that unique lived-in texture particular to 100% linen, while Luster is a structured yet supple genuine silk and cotton blend with a radiant, shimmery finish.
How should I wash my robe after the baptism?
We recommend hand washing in cool water with a mild soap or baby shampoo. However, due to the Holy Chrism that remains on the robe after baptism, robes must be carefully rinsed (and the water disposed of reverently) before washing. Detailed care instructions are included in every order.
Do you sell burial shrouds?
Traditional Orthodox burial shrouds are made in the same style as baptismal robes. Our sizing is roomy and all of our tunic style robes can be used as shrouds. If you are purchasing a robe for an adult baptism, it is traditional to store your robe carefully following your baptism so that it can be used as your shroud when the time comes.