Sheila FAQS
Sheila loves a yarn*. So if you can’t find an answer to your question below, contact us.
Sizing & Fit
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Start with the size guide and the fit notes on each product page. Sheila sizes by your body, not by the label on your last swimsuit. That’s deliberate — measuring against oursize guideis the most reliable way to land your best fit. Our swimsuits are built to be supportive and comfortable. Between two sizes? Size down for a snug, compressive feel. Size up for a relaxed fit with room to move.
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Sheila is size-inclusive by design, not as an afterthought. We make every style in AU 6–24 (US 2–20) — roughly XS to 2XL. Every style is fit-tested across a range of body types, with cup-range guidance on the product pages where it's relevant.
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Most Sheila one-pieces and tops include a shelf bra with removable foam cups that supports up to DDD/F (US) or E (AU) cup. Styles like the Ash Cropped Rash Guard are best suited to A–D cup. Specific bust support details are noted on each product page. If you're between sizes and have a larger bust, sizing up is generally the right call.
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Our sizes are shown in both. The size guide has the full measurements in centimetres and inches, so you can choose by your actual measurements rather than the label.
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Most of our one-pieces and tops have a built-in shelf bra with removable foam cups — real support, with the option to adjust or remove the padding. Support level and recommended cup range vary by style, so check the fit notes on each product page. Several styles support up to a DDD/F (US) or E (AU) cup.
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No. The fabric is thick, and pieces are fully-lined and built to stay opaque in and out of the water — lighter colours included. It's why we chose a heavier recycled nylon over the thin stuff: you shouldn't have to think about it.
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Both. Sheila is built to move — swim, gym, surf, paddle, chase the kids — then keep wearing through the rest of the day. The construction stays put: no riding up, no adjusting, no slipping straps. Swimwear that holds up to real movement, not just standing still on the sand.
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Our online store is the only place in the world to buy original Sheila swimwear. We may host pop-ups in future — subscribe to our emails and follow along on social to know when and where.
General
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Sheila is built around three things most swimwear brands don't do together: UPF 50+ sun protection on every piece (not just select styles), size-inclusive design from AU 6–24 that's fit-tested across body types, and 100% GRS-certified recycled nylon. Every style is also designed to stay put — no riding up, no nip-slips — whether you're swimming laps, surfing or spending the day poolside.
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Yes. Sheila is designed to perform in the water, not just look good beside it. The recycled nylon fabric holds its shape and colour through regular pool use. If you swim in chlorine frequently, we recommend Black Sand — chlorine fades vivid colours over time regardless of fabric quality. Rinse your suit in cool water after every swim to extend its life.
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Yes. Sheila styles are built to handle more than the beach. Pieces like the Bindi Racerback Top and Ash Cropped Rash Guard are designed for active movement — swimming, gym, surfing, paddleboarding and daily wear. The stay-put construction (no ride-ups or slipping) makes them as practical for training as they are for lounging.
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Sheila was founded in Australia in 2023 by Clare Barrins. The brand is designed in Australia, manufactured by trusted specialist swimwear partners in China, and ships from warehouses in Melbourne, Australia and Menlo Park, California.
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Sign up for a back-in-stock alert on the product page and we'll let you know the moment it returns.
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Once an order is placed we generally can't change it. If you need to update your shipping address or cancel, email orders@sheilathelabel.com as soon as you can and we'll do our best.
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Sheila works exclusively with manufacturers who meet high ethical standards. All fabrics are 100% GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified — meaning the recycled content is verified throughout the supply chain — and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, tested against more than 350 harmful substances. Packaging uses 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic mailers and FSC-certified recycled paper. Sheila is female-owned and founded.
Fabric, Care & Sustainability
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Yes. Every piece in the range is rated UPF 50+ — the highest sun-protection rating there is — blocking at least 98% of UV. The protection is built into the fabric itself, not a finish that washes out. Styles with more coverage, like our long-sleeve one-pieces and swim tees, simply put more skin under that protection.
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UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor — it's the swimwear equivalent of SPF for sunscreen. UPF 50+ is the highest rating available and means the fabric blocks at least 98% of the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Unlike sunscreen, UPF protection doesn't wear off, wash off or need reapplying. Every Sheila piece is crafted from fabric rated UPF 50+.
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A luxuriously thick, supportive recycled nylon, blended with elastane for stretch and recovery. The nylon we use is 100% recycled and GRS (Global Recycling Standard) certified — regenerated from waste like fishing nets, carpets, abandoned textiles and plastic that would otherwise pollute the earth, through a process of sorting, cleaning, regeneration and purification. The fabric is also certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, meaning it's been tested for harmful substances.
- Main fabric: 75% recycled nylon, 25% elastane
- Lining: 80% recycled nylon, 20% elastane
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So you can wear it forever: rinse in cool water after every swim, wash in cold water with similar colours, and dry flat in the shade. Avoid rough surfaces and high chlorine levels where you can. Detailed care instructions are on each product page.
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Our recycled nylon is chosen to hold up to sun, salt and seasons — but chlorine is hard on any swimwear over time.If you’re regularly swimming in chlorine, go for Black Sand. Chlorine fades vivid colours over time — no matter how good the colourfastness or fabric — so darker holds up best in the pool. Salt or fresh water? Any colour’s fair game.Rinse in cool water after every swim, wash cold with like colours, and dry flat in the shade. Skip the wringing, hot washes and rough poolside surfaces, and your Sheila will go the distance.
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We're committed to high ethical standards across the business, and we only work with suppliers who share that commitment to sustainability, accountability and transparency. Our swimwear is made from 100% recycled, GRS-certified nylon, certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX (see the fabric question above). Our packaging is recycled and recyclable too — see the next question for detail.
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Sustainability matters to us, packaging included. Our garment poly bags and mailers are made from 100% recycled, ocean-bound plastic. Our logo stickers are 100% FSC-certified recycled paper, printed with water-based inks, and home-compostable after use. Our paper inserts are printed on sustainably sourced paper.
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Sheila is made in China. Our pieces are manufactured with trusted partners who specialise in swimwear and share our commitment to fair, safe and ethical practices. We keep close relationships with them, which gives us visibility across the whole process — from fabric sourcing to the final stitch. For us, sustainability is about people as much as materials.
Shipping
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We deliver within Australia and the United States, using a mix of postal and courier services depending on your location and the option chosen at checkout. We don't currently ship elsewhere — but if you're desperate for some Sheila, reach out via hello@sheilathelabel.com or our Contact Us form and we'll see what we can do.
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Australia: Free standard shipping on all orders, arriving in 2-6 business days from despatch. Express is a flat $20 AUD (1-3 business days). All orders are dispatched from our warehouse in Melbourne, Victoria.
United States: Free standard shipping via USPS Ground on all orders, arriving in 2-6 business days from despatch. Express via USPS Priority is a flat $20 USD (1-3 business days). All orders are dispatched from our warehouse in Menlo Park, California.
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We aim to dispatch within 3 business days of your order. From dispatch, delivery usually takes about 2–6 business days depending on where you are (these are carrier estimates, not guarantees). You'll get an email with a tracking number once your order is on its way.
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It's emailed to you once your order is dispatched. Can't find the email? Email hello@sheilathelabel.com or use our Contact Us form with your order number and we'll sort it.
Returns & Exchanges
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We accept change-of-mind returns on full-priced items bought online within 14 days of your order being marked delivered. For change-of-mind returns, you cover the cost of sending the item back. Full terms are in our Returns Policy. For anything other than change of mind, request a return through your account or email returns@sheilathelabel.com.
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All sales are final but we will offer store credit for sale item returns. If something's faulty, email a photo to returns@sheilathelabel.com and we'll review it.
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Within 14 days of your order being marked delivered, request a return online. On desktop, click the person icon top-right; on mobile, go to Menu > Account. Log in, select your order, choose “request return” and follow the prompts — no account needed, it ties to your email. Our team reviews the request and emails return instructions, then inspects the item on arrival to confirm your refund under our Returns Policy.
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We offer free shipping on all orders, but we don't cover return postage and handling, and we can't refund original shipping (except for faulty items). If you return an order, you pay to send it back. We can't be held liable for items lost in return transit, so we recommend a tracked, registered service — and keep your tracking details.
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Our mailer mags are made to be reused — please send items back in their original packaging where you can. Full details are in our Returns Policy.
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Not directly at the moment — we do a return plus a new purchase instead. Follow the steps in “How do I request a return?” You can either wait for your return to be processed before reordering, or place the new order whenever you're ready.
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We work hard to ship only top-quality pieces, but if something arrives damaged or faulty, email returns@sheilathelabel.com and we'll review it quickly for you.
Payments
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Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Meta Pay.
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Prices show in AUD on the Australian store and USD on the US store — switch between them with the country/currency selector. Payments for both countries are processed centrally in the United States. Because of that, if you're buying in Australia, some banks may add an international transaction fee — worth checking with your bank if you're unsure.international transaction fee. We recommend you confirm with your financial institution whether a fee will apply to your purchase.
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The transaction appears as SHEILA THE LABEL.
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At the very end of checkout — once shipping and payment details are in, you'll see the field to enter your code.
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Not at the moment — we don't currently offer gift cards. If that changes, we'll share the news through our emails and socials.
Try Before You Buy (Australia Only)
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At checkout you'll enter payment details, and we'll authorise your card for the order total to confirm it's valid. This is a hold, not a charge — no funds leave your account at this stage. It simply reserves the potential total until you decide what to keep.
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Only for the items you choose to keep, after you finalise your order in the Try with Mirra Customer Portal. You have 4 days to try everything once it arrives.
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Yes — enter it at checkout when you place the order. The discount applies to whatever you decide to keep.
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In the Try with Mirra Customer Portal — confirm which items you're keeping and request a return for the rest.
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Australia only, and on full-priced items only — it's not available on sale items.
* Yarn: Australian slang for having a chat. No topic is off the table!