From Order to Your Door: How Bear & Roo Actually Works

A simple look at what happens from the moment you click “order” to the moment it arrives.

I get asked about this more than almost anything else.

How does this work exactly?

What happens after I order?

How do I measure myself?

So today I’m answering all of it in one place.

First, Let’s Talk About Ordering

When you place an order at Bear & Roo, nothing gets pulled from a shelf.

There is no shelf.

Your piece doesn’t exist yet when you order it.

It gets cut and sewn specifically for you, in your size, with your inseam, after your order comes through.

That’s what made-to-order actually means.

It’s slower than grabbing something off a rack.

But it’s also the only way I can make clothing that actually fits real bodies instead of average ones, and allow the multiple colour, size, inseam, and rise options.  I also allow customizing to add length to tops and sweaters with a simple checkbox.

How to Measure Yourself (Without Stressing About It)

I know measurements can feel intimidating.

Most of us have a complicated relationship with numbers.

But here’s what I want you to know: the measurements aren’t about judging your body.

They’re just information I need to cut your piece correctly.

You’ll need a soft measuring tape. That’s it.

For most pieces, the key measurements are your waist, hips, and inseam, if you are measuring for tops then you will need full bust and underbust

Waist: measure at the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button.

Hips: measure at the fullest part, usually about 8 inches below your waist.

Inseam: stand with your feet together and measure from the top of your inner thigh down to your ankle.

Full Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust while wearing a bra (noting too compressed)

Under Bust: Measure around your ribs under your bust line

Don’t pull the tape tight. Just snug.

And if you’re unsure, just reply to any of my emails. I help people with this all the time.

What Happens After You Click Order

Your order comes through and I get to work.

I cut your fabric.

I sew your piece.

I press it, check it, and package it.

My daughter usually helps with the final packing and shipping side of things, which I love.

Your piece then ships out and makes its way to you.

The turnaround is 5 to 8 weeks for regular in stock options,  each month I offer Pre Orders, those can be extended to 12 weeks due to the nature of the fabric.  

I know that feels long compared to next-day shipping from big retailers.

But those retailers have warehouses full of pieces made months ago in sizes that may or may not fit you.

I have 6 sewing machine and a commitment to making your piece right.

Why This Model Matters

I started Bear & Roo because I was tired of clothing that fit nobody well.

Made-to-order is slower and harder than keeping inventory.

But it means every piece that leaves my studio was made for a specific person.

You’re not the afterthought.

You’re the whole point.

Jen O’Rourke, founder and maker at Bear & Roo