FAQ
Short answers to common questions, starting with the idea behind the arc. Everything about orders matches our shipping policy and refund policy, which are the versions that count. If your question isn't here, email kaden@smilingispower.com.
The idea
What is Smiling Is Power about?
Going first. It's easy to believe people got colder, but we think everyone is just waiting for someone else to say hello. In studies of Chicago and London commuters, people expected a conversation with a stranger to be worse than sitting in silence, and the ones who tried it had a better ride. A small smile still lands. Someone just has to start. The one rule we have is give one away. The longer version is on why we exist.
What does the arc mean?
It's a small smile. It sits on the chest of the tees, the hoodies and the crewneck: small on the left chest of a tee, centred on a hoodie or crewneck. It isn't a slogan, and it doesn't tell anyone how to act. It works like a porch light: it just lets people know you're open, and it reminds you to smile first.
Isn't this just “good vibes only”?
No. We're not asking anyone to fake being happy, ignore a hard day, or tell someone who's struggling to cheer up. This is about the small smile, given freely to a stranger, with nothing expected back. On a bad day, the arc isn't asking you to pretend. It's a reminder that the smallest thing you can give still counts.
I'm not outgoing. Is this for me?
Yes. Going first doesn't mean starting a conversation or being the loudest person in the room. It means a small smile with eye contact, the way you'd smile at someone you half recognize. That's all.
What if people don't smile back?
Some won't. People are lost in their phones, look away, or wonder what you're smiling at. That's normal, and it isn't a verdict on you. Give it anyway. You never know who needed it.
Does wearing a shirt actually change anything?
Not on its own. A shirt can't make anyone smile. What it can do is remind you to go first, and give the people around you a small signal that you're open. The smile is still yours to give.
What is the Twenty-Strangers Challenge?
One day, twenty strangers. Smile first at each one and count how many smile back, using the tally on the Give One Away page. The tally lives in your browser, and nothing is sent anywhere unless you share it. Then tell us your number, whatever it is.
The products
Where are things made, and what are they made of?
The tees, hoodies and crewneck are printed to order in Los Angeles. The tees are heavyweight 100% cotton, 260 gsm, with a relaxed, slightly boxy cut. The Arc Hoodie is a 430 gsm cotton-blend fleece pullover with an oversized cut. The Washed Hoodie is a 340 gsm vintage-washed fleece with a raw frayed hem; its Black, Gray and Blue colors print in Los Angeles, and its other seven colors print at our partner facility overseas. The Arc Crewneck is a 350 gsm fleece sweatshirt with a ribbed crew neck and a relaxed, roomy cut.
Why does a tee cost $38?
You're paying for a heavyweight 260 gsm cotton tee, heavier than most everyday tees, printed to order for you in Los Angeles by a small brand. That's in line with what other kindness and positive-message brands charge. And any two pieces ship free in the US.
How do I pick a size?
Measure a piece you already own and compare it to the tables in the sizing guide. The tees are relaxed and slightly boxy: your usual size for the intended fit, or one size down for a closer one. The hoodies and the crewneck are cut roomy: your usual size is relaxed, so size down if you like it closer. Still unsure? Email kaden@smilingispower.com and we'll tell you which size to pick.
How should I wash it?
To keep the print looking its best, wash it inside out in cool water on a gentle cycle, skip the bleach, tumble dry low or hang it to dry, and don't iron over the print. The Washed Hoodie is washed to look lived in, so every piece's shade and fade is a little different.
Who is behind Smiling Is Power?
Kaden, the founder. It's a small, founder-run brand in Fort Worth, Texas, and every message goes to a real person.
Ordering and delivery
How long until my order arrives?
Every piece is made after you order it. Tees, hoodies and the crewneck are printed in Los Angeles in 1 to 2 business days, then US shipping takes 3 to 5 business days, so most US orders arrive 4 to 7 business days after you order. The Washed Hoodie in Brown, Gray Green, Pink, Purple, Army Green, Gray Apricot or Gray Camel prints at our partner facility overseas and takes about 2 to 3 weeks to arrive. You get an email with tracking the moment your order ships.
How much is shipping?
A flat $5.95 anywhere in the United States, and free on US orders of $75 or more. Canada is $9.95. Australia and New Zealand are $11.95.
Do you ship to my country?
We ship to the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. We don't currently ship to the UK, Europe or other countries. If you're somewhere else, email us and we'll tell you what's possible.
Will I pay customs or import fees?
Orders ship from Los Angeles, so orders to Canada, Australia and New Zealand cross a border and may be assessed duties or taxes on arrival; those are charged by your country, not by us. Allow 7 to 14 business days in transit after production.
Can I cancel or change my order?
Yes, within 12 hours of purchase, before production begins. Email us with your order number. After that, the item is already being made for you and we can't stop it.
Tracking says delivered, but the package isn't here.
Give it 48 hours; carriers sometimes scan early. Check with neighbors and your carrier. If it's still missing after that, email us and we'll help sort it out.
Returns
Can I return or exchange something?
If it doesn't fit, we'll swap it. Email kaden@smilingispower.com within 30 days of delivery with your order number and the size you need, and we'll print the right size and ship it to you free. Keep the first one and give it to someone it fits. That's one free size swap per customer.
Because each piece is printed to order and can't be restocked, we don't take returns for a change of mind. Not sure of your size? Use the fit and sizing guide, or email us and we'll tell you which size to pick.
My order arrived damaged, misprinted or wrong.
That one is on us. Email kaden@smilingispower.com within 30 days of delivery with your order number and a photo, and we'll replace it or refund it at no cost to you.
Getting started
What's the best way to start?
Today. Smile first at the next stranger you see. If you want to make it a practice, take the Twenty-Strangers Challenge. And if you'd like a reminder you can wear, start with the Arc Tee: any two pieces ship free in the US, one to wear and one to give away. Every day you wait is another day of waiting for someone else.
Do you do team, school or bulk orders?
Ask. For a group of people who want to wear the arc together, we can usually do something. Email us with the rough quantity and the date you need it by.
How do I contact you?
Email kaden@smilingispower.com and include your order number if you have one. We answer every message, usually within one business day.