Not all artisans or groups we work with can afford certification, and we believe they shouldn't be penalised for that. Our promise is that we make sure each group meets the ethical standards the Mayamiko customers value. Wherever possible, to help you find products that match your values, we have placed logos on individual products. Here are some of the logos you might see across the site.
Having developed alongside our sister charity Mayamiko Trust, fairness and transparency have always been at the core of our approach which is why we go above and beyond to meet, or exceed, the WTFO Principles of Fair Trade. We also follow ILO principles and have documented our own Ethical Promise so you can know exactly what conditions your clothes were made under.
Principle One: Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
At Mayamiko we work to create opportunities for disadvantaged artisans and tailors, focussing on women's empowerment by providing the right skills and opportunities to create a better life for themselves through fair trade.
Principle Two: Transparency and Accountability
At Mayamiko we put transparency and accountability at the core of our business. We know we are not perfect and there are things we need to work on but we always involve our stakeholders in our journey towards full sustainability, traceability and accountability, joining forces whenever we can to learn from others. It takes a village and we know it!
Principle Three: Fair Trading Practices
At Mayamiko we are in it for the long run. Whether it's the Fashion Lab in Malawi, or working with other artisan groups around the world, we want to establish long term relationships that will bring sustainable benefits for the community. This is why we sometimes move more slowly to make sure the relationships are fair, committed and sustainable.
We work together to get the right materials, the perfect design and the best quality so that everyone is enriched in the process. Our long term relationships are based on solidarity, trust and mutual respect - creating fairer trade. We not only recognise, promote and protect the cultural identity and traditional skills of our partners as reflected in their crafts, traditions and heritages, but we also celebrate and honour them by working together to share them with other communities around the world.
Principle Four: Fair Payment
Our payments are negotiated freely and openly with employees and producers. Contracts are regularly reviewed and adjusted in a collaborative and transparent way, based on economic assessments and open dialogue. We do not ask for overtime or weekend working unless agreed freely and appropriately rewarded.
Principle Five: Ensuring no Child Labour and Forced Labour
We do not tolerate any coercion or pressure and we believe that the best place for children to be is in school. We know that working mothers may find it hard to juggle their workload and to help give all women equal opportunities we allow mothers to bring their babies to work where we provide childcare support. We also offer home-work options if the employee finds that this is best for her.
Principle Six: Commitment to Non-Discrimination, Gender Equity and Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Freedom of Association
At Mayamiko we believe deeply in equality and tolerance. We do not discriminate in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, HIV/AIDS status or age.
Our mission is to empower women, so, naturally, our activities focus on helping vulnerable women succeed and flourish. We respect the right of all employees to form and join trade unions of their choice and to bargain collectively, and we enjoy the healthy debates, as they are what allows us to deeply understand our impact and how we can positively increase it.
Principle Seven: Ensuring Good Working Conditions
The safety of everyone involved in our activities is vital, both at work and on the way to and from. We work with our partners and employees to understand challenges and put in place measures to ensure everyone’s safety, together with sensitisation sessions to educate and empower. For example in Malawi, we have organised collective transport all of our employees to ensure ease and safety to those who have to travel in from smaller rural villages.
Principle Eight: Providing Capacity Building
This is one of the main reasons we exist in the first place. We constantly work to develop the skills and capabilities of our employees and artisan partners so they can support themselves and make their own choices about their future. For example, in Malawi we run business management, financial literacy and technical skills training, all at no cost. We also have a clear professional development plan for our permanent employees so that they can continue to develop themselves.
Principle Nine: Promoting Fair Trade
The words ‘fair trade’ have been in our mission statement from day 1. Our work bears testimony to the fair trade principles and the ‘trade not aid’ approach.
Principle Ten: Respect for the Environment
Here at Mayamiko we are committed to causing as little damage to the environment as possible, aiming for zero-waste and even reversing the impacts. From using left-over trimmings to make sanitary pads and giving you the option to plant a tree, to recyclable packaging and the promotion of environmentally friendly dyes, we don't stop!
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Women's sizing at Mayamiko is in line with UK standard sizing. When in doubt or if in between sizes, we recommend going one size up, as the fabric is not stretchy and the fit is snug. You are also welcome to contact us for individual product queries, and we'll do our best to help!
USA | UK/AU/NZ | Italy | France | Germany | Japan | Russia |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 6 | 38 | 34 | 32 | 7 | 40 |
4 | 8 | 40 | 36 | 34 | 9 | 42 |
6 | 10 | 42 | 38 | 36 | 11 | 44 |
8 | 12 | 44 | 40 | 38 | 13 | 46 |
10 | 14 | 46 | 42 | 40 | 15 | 48 |
12 | 16 | 48 | 44 | 42 | 17 | 50 |
14 | 18 | 50 | 46 | 44 | 19 | 52 |
16 | 20 | 52 |
48 |
46 | 21 | 54 |
Women's Dual Sizing Chart
XS/UK6 | S/UK8-10 | M/UK10-12 | L/UK12-14 | XL16 | |
Bust | 80cm | 87cm | 97cm | 102cm | 110cm |
Waist | 62cm | 69cm | 79cm | 84cm | 92cm |
Hips | 86cm | 94cm | 102cm | 107cm | 115cm |
Women's t-shirt sizing
S | M | L | |
Chest | 47.5cm | 50cm | 52.5cm |
Length (from side neck point) | 66cm | 68cm | 70cm |
Women's lounge shorts
With a a drawstring fastening to the front and an elasticated back waist are shorts are fully adjustable. Below is a guide only.
S | M | L | |
UK size | 8-10 | 10-12 | 12-14 |
Men's t-shirt sizing
S | M | L | |
Chest |
47.5cm | 50.5cm | 53.5cm |
Length (from side neck point) |
70cm | 72cm | 74cm |