Got a question? We've got you.
We've pulled together answers to the questions our besties ask us the most.
Orders &Shipping
All standard orders ship within 1-3 business days from our warehouse. During big sales or launch drops it might take a smidge longer - we promise it's worth the wait 😉
All parcels are sent via AusPost Express from our Sunshine Coast, QLD warehouse. Orders are collected daily at 3 PM.
- Free express shipping on all AUS/NZ orders over $125 AUD
- Orders under $125 (AUS/NZ): $11.95 AUD Express
- Same rates apply internationally
You'll receive a tracking link in your confirmation email ✨
- Standard orders
1-3 days - Australia
1-7 days - International
7-16 days - Collected daily
3 PM AEST
We've all been there! If you spot a mistake (wrong size, address typo, item mix-up) please contact us ASAP at hello@empressathleticus.com.au or call 07 5446 1846.
We'll do our best to catch it before it ships - but because we pack orders every day we can't always guarantee changes once your order has been processed.
If it's already shipped, you can start a return once it arrives via our Returns Portal.
Your tracking link is sent automatically in your shipping confirmation email from AusPost. If you can't find it, check your spam folder or email us with your order number and we'll resend it.
Pre-Sales
Pre-sales are our limited edition, made-to-order drops - one new print, one month, never repeated.
- A new print dropsFirst Wednesday of every month at 9AM AEST. Hand-drawn by Ella.
- Made just for youYour order is cut, sewn, and packed individually - nothing made in advance.
- Never coming backOnce the pre-sale closes, that print is gone forever. No restocks.
Pre-sales open on the first Wednesday of every month at 9AM AEST and run for approximately one week - or until stock allocations are filled.
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook to see sneak peeks before each drop. Sign up to our emails to get notified the moment a new pre-sale goes live.
Pre-sale orders are made to order - cut, sewn, and packed just for you. This takes around 15-25 working days before your order ships.
Once dispatched, delivery times are the same as standard orders (1-7 business days AUS, 7-16 international).
Mixed order tip: If your cart has both pre-sale and stocked items, everything ships together once your pre-sale pieces are ready. If you want your in-stock items sooner, place two separate orders.
Active: our original performance fabric. Firm, supportive, sculpted. Designed for movement and maximum tummy control. Matte finish.
Luxe: our softer, more relaxed feel. Still supportive but with a buttery, comfortable hand feel. Great for everyday wear and lower-intensity activity.
Not sure which is right for you? Our fit calculator asks about your preference as its first step.
Unfortunately once a pre-sale closes, that print is gone forever - that's what makes each drop so special.
However! Our Empress Museum holds every print we've ever made, and our community can vote for their favourite to be considered for a future Mystery Print release or reimagined drop. So it's not entirely hopeless 👑
The best way to never miss a drop is to sign up to our emails - you'll get notified the moment a new pre-sale goes live.
At Empress we can offer a custom garment service, but it's not a starting point, it's a next step.
You need to have tried the standard version first. Custom pieces are for women who've worn the standard size and found it doesn't quite work for their body, maybe you're petite and the length is too long, or you need a specific tweak our size range doesn't cover. We need to know what's not working before we can make it work better 💪
Custom garments are full price, always. Because every custom piece is individually patterned, cut, and sewn to your measurements, discount codes, promotions, and sale pricing don't apply. This is a one-on-one service and the time and care that goes into it reflects that.
Custom orders take longer than our standard pre-sale pieces. Because they're made individually rather than in our usual small batch runs, sometimes you'll need to allow extra time on top of the standard 25 working day turnaround.
It's personal and case-by-case. We can't accommodate every request, but we always try our best. Head to our Contact Us page with your details and we'll see what we can do 🤝
Returns &Exchanges
- 30 days to return from delivery date
- Free return shipping for store credit or exchange
- $9.95 label fee for full refunds
- Processed within 5-10 business days of receiving
- Items must be unworn, unwashed, tags attached
- Cannot return: underwear, swimwear, clearance 50%+, personalised items
Not in love? No worries 💕 We accept returns within 30 days of delivery, as long as items are unworn, unwashed, and tags are still attached. If the tags have been removed, the garment is yours and non-returnable.
Please note: For hygiene reasons, underwear, bodysuits, and playsuits cannot be returned - please double-check sizing before purchase.
View our full Returns Policy →
Easy 🥰 Head to our Returns Portal → and follow the steps.
Your order number is a 5-digit code, usually the last 5 digits on your packing slip.
Need a hand? Watch our Returns & Exchanges help video →
We're so sorry! Faulty items are covered under Australian Consumer Law - return shipping is always free for faulty pieces.
Please email us at hello@empressathleticus.com.au with your order number and a photo of the fault and we'll sort it out straight away 💕
Size &Fit
We're proudly size inclusive, offering AU 6–30 (XS through 3X) ✨ Our dream is to keep extending this even further so every body can feel at home in Empress.
Because we use a unique sizing system we always recommend checking our Size Guide and using your body measurements - not your usual retail size.
Forget what you know about sizing - we use a unique system built for real bodies, not outdated fashion standards. The best way to find your size is to grab a tape measure and check your measurements against our Size Guide.
We also built a Fit Calculator that asks you a few quick questions and tells you exactly what size to shop - it takes about 2 minutes.
Still unsure? Email us your measurements at hello@empressathleticus.com.au - our team will personally find your perfect fit 👑
We love manufacturing right here on the Sunshine Coast 🏝️ To meet growing demand we now operate as a dual Aussie-Made & Overseas-Made company - but every piece is made with the same fabrics, threads, and care, no matter where it's made.
- Each product listing clearly states whether it's AUS-Made or overseas (look for the icons in the description)
- Our monthly pre-sales are always Australian made - that's the AUS MADE badge you'll see on drops
To keep your pieces looking and feeling their best: cold machine wash (or hand wash), no tumble dryer, and hang to dry in the shade. Avoid fabric softener - it breaks down the performance fibres over time.
For full care guides by fabric type, visit our Fabrics & Care page →
EmpressRewards
Yes! 👑 Say hello to Empress Rewards. You earn points on every order - those points unlock levels, perks, and Empress Dollars (real discounts you can spend on anything in the store).
Just sign up with your email - it's free to join and you'll start earning points straight away.
OurCommunity
Come join our private Facebook community - 14,000+ members and growing 💕 It's the most supportive corner of the internet. Real women, real bodies, real talk.
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes, and launch countdowns. New collections and pre-sale drops typically go live every Wednesday at 9AM AEST.
The best way to never miss a drop is to sign up to our emails - you'll get first access, exclusives, and 10% off your first order.
The Empress Museum is a gallery of every print we've ever made - all 39+ hand-drawn designs since 2021. You can vote for your favourite and the most-loved prints are considered for a future Mystery Print release or reimagined drop.
It's your chance to bring a retired print back to life 👑
We're real humans. We actually reply.
Mon-Fri · Sunshine Coast, QLD · Usually within 1-2 business days