Frequently asked questions

How long will my order take?

Orders from our online store and boutique are shipped within 5 - 10 business days (2 calendar weeks), unless otherwise indicated. Our courier then takes an additional 3 to 5 business days for delivery to main metro centres in SA; this means that you will receive your order within 15 business days. Please note that delivery to outlying regions may take longer. 

International shipping can take up to 10 extra business days to arrive.

Couture items have a 4 to 6 week lead-time but exact timelines are confirmed when you order.

View our shipping policy here.

The item I want is no longer available.

Umbhaco standard items: We stock items for the full mbhaco set all year round. If any of the items are out of stock, they will be available again soon. Get in touch if you need to place an order for an item that shows as out of stock and we will sort something out 😉

Online boutique: We stop production on items in our boutique once we reach a certain number. We may in future create variations of the design. You can place an order to have an item that is no longer available custom-made.

What is our refund policy?

We will gladly exchange items in original condition provided you notify us within 5 days of receipt. We offer refunds under appropriate circumstances. Please view our refunds and exchanges policy here.


What size should I get?

We make skirts in 4 sizes: small, medium, large and x-large. If these sizes aren't suitable for you please get in touch and we will always do our best to create something that you are comfortable in. 

  • Small Skirt: waist size 68 to 72cm (around UK size 8 to 10 or EU size 36 to 38)
  • Medium Skirt: waist size 72 to 76cm (around UK size 10 to 12 or EU size 38 to 40)
  • Large Skirt: waist size 80 to 86cm (around UK size 14 to 16 or EU size 42 to 44)
  • X-large Skirt: waist size 90 to 100cm (around UK size 18 or EU size 46)

What is the length of the skirts?

Umbhaco skirt: We make umbhaco skirt in a standard length of 98cm. This will typically sit comfortably between your waist and hip, and should rest just above your ankles. You'll be surprised at how nearly universal this length has been in our nearly 20 years of making umbhaco. But if you run more petite or taller, just get in touch.

Shorter skirts: Our shorter skirts are made to sit on or just below the knee. For size small and medium, the length is 55cm from your waist. For large, it is 60cm and for x-large, it is 65cm.

Summary of Sakhisintu Sizing Information

What is included in the full mbhaco set?

Our full mbhaco set consists of 4 items which come standard with detailing and seashell effect buttons. 

  1. Umbhaco skirt - The skirt is a wrap-around and secured by large press studs.

  2. Incebeta (pinafore) - This is a sort of apron; you can wear this across your bust or fold it at the waist.

  3. Ibhayi (large scarf) - This a large wrap covering that is worn over one or both shoulders.

  4. Inxili (bag) - This is a small bag that is usually slung across your body.

  5. Optional: iqhiya (doek) - This is worn as a headdress. It comes in black with stitch detail and seashell effect buttons.

  6. Optional: plain qhiya - This qhiya is plain black and comes without buttons or detailing.

For beaded or other variations of the umbhaco, contact us.

How to take care of your garment or accessory

Please navigate here for guidelines on how to take care of your garment or accessory which you have purchased from Sakhisintu.

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