Our story

Based in Chennai, The Button Thief Co. (tbtc) believes in creating & adding essentials; designed mindfully from natural handwoven fabrics. These everyday-wardrobe pieces value ease and elegance, over form. Just like a sari.

Swathy, our founder, truly adores the sense of comfort and longevity that saris bring. She believed it would only make sense if the blouse compliments this sense of freedom. Thus began the label’s journey as #theblousemakers, from a corner little studio, with a big brown branch and a large white window. Which we've carried with us as we've grown into bigger spaces.

But on a more serious note, we are usually picked for the buttons.

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Our design mission

The fabric, function & fit are the real driving tools of our designs. We understand that good design is the result of paying attention; from how it is made to how it feels. The design process starts with the team thinking about what we really want to wear right now, pertaining more to the season than the trends. We source the most beautiful and sustainable fabrics possible to bring those designs to life every season. Our designs have classic cuts, made to fit comfortably, and basically nothing else.

Produce responsibly

We create small quantities and specifically design our collections in limited batches - this way the pieces we make are unique. We consciously favour and adapt to ethical ways of production. It matters to us how each garment is made and its impact on the environment, and we have intentionally built our supply chain to support responsible production from the fabrics we source to the packaging materials used for shipping the orders.

Why Sustainability

There’s magic that happens when you put on a piece of clothing that’s been made from its simple essence. It lightens you, makes you move effortlessly and truly changes the way you feel about yourself. And this is the real motive behind the blouses we design using naturally-made fabrics. It truly is all about the comfort in freedom.

And, the prices are not cheap. But, ethical work is not cheap, either. As independent boutiques, we offer autonomy to our clients over their purchasing decisions: to identify one’s personal style, develop an eye to buy pieces that compliment it and basically, to demand more quality from their clothes and lifestyle.

Packaging

All our orders are packed in our handmade shopping-envelopes and are sealed with shipping bags made from recycled materials.
And, every envelope comes with a handmade button, of course!

The little things

We do our best to make the most of our leftovers by making shopping totes, buttons, borders, and bows (not yet, but for the sake of alliterations…). These, made by wives, aunts and sisters of our tailors, enjoy the little perks of work-from-home!

Our store

Walk through our store, and we will tell you a story for every piece curated consciously, appreciating the artistry of the human hand. All of our treasures, from yardage to blouses to buttons; are made with finest handloom fabrics, from across the remote lands of India.

THE BUTTON THIEF CO

25, 2ND SEAWARD ROAD
VALMIKI NAGAR, THIRUVANMIYUR,
CHENNAI 600041 INDIA
MOBILE: +91 75500 36598

11 00 - 17 HRS | MON - SAT 

Come, drop by

FAQs

How do I care for my blouse?

Our pieces are crafted with longevity in mind — here's how to make yours last as long as it was designed to.

- Like many khadi blouses, these need washing less than you'd expect. Hang them up to ventilate between wears.
- Hand-wash is recommended. Gently, please.
- Dry-clean when necessary.
- Hang the blouses to air dry. Tumble drying can make the fibres, buttons and threads very angry — or leave them feeling unpleasant in the long run.

What is your exchange and return policy?

Exchanges (change of colour, size, or style) and returns (not in cash) can be made within seven days of receiving your order. The garment must be returned in unused, perfect condition — with labels and original packaging fully intact.

Shipping of returned garments is the client's responsibility. We do not charge additional shipping on exchanges.

To return or exchange, address your parcel to:

THE BUTTON THIEF CO
25, 2ND SEAWARD ROAD
VALMIKI NAGAR, THIRUVANMIYUR
CHENNAI 600041, INDIA

For any questions, reach us at +91 75500 36598.

How do I find my size?

These are the basic measurements we follow. Depending on the style or design of the blouse, measurements may vary slightly. We also provide ample material in each blouse in case it needs to be expanded to the next size.

All measurements are in inches.

What are your shipping details for domestic orders (India)?

We ship Monday through Friday. Orders are dispatched within 3–7 business days from the date of payment — this may vary for custom orders and is subject to stock availability.

Estimated delivery time is 3–4 business days. We're partnered with Professional Couriers and DHL.

Once your order is confirmed, shipment details will be shared via text or email. When your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number by email — we recommend checking it regularly so you're aware of your delivery date. Customers are responsible for managing and receiving their shipments.

If your parcel is lost or damaged in transit, please reach out to us at info@thebuttonthiefco.com and we'll sort it out right away.