CILI (pronounced CHIL-ee) is wearable art.
We do not print; we remove pigment. Every piece is painted freehand using a reductive bleach process. This chemical reaction carves the image into the fiber of the fabric, meaning the art has zero “hand-feel” and will never crack or peel. It breathes with the garment.
Because bleach reacts uniquely to every dye lot, small tone variations are normal—and the reason collectors love them. Even if a motif reappears, the reaction, coverage, and garment base make every single piece a 1-of-1.
We work exclusively on one type of canvas:
1. Hand-Picked Vintage & Upcycled: We personally hunt for vintage blanks (Nike, Carhartt, etc.) sourced for their fade, patina, and soul. These carry the history of their past lives. Buying from “The Pile” means the item is in-hand and ready to bleach.
2. No Wholesale Blanks: We do not use brand-new, mass-produced garments. Every piece we sell is upcycled to reduce waste and ensure character.
Trust the inches, not the tag.
A “Large” from 1995 fits differently than a “Large” from 2025. Because we work with vintage garments that have been washed for decades, sizing fluctuates wildly.
We provide Pit-to-Pit and Length measurements for every item. We strongly recommend measuring a hoodie you currently own and love to ensure the perfect fit before securing a piece.
In-Stock / The Pile: These pieces are on hand. After art completion they ship within 1–3 business days.
The Hunt (Sourcing Protocol): If you commission a specific vintage blank we don’t currently have, we activate our 7–21 Day Sourcing Protocol. We use this time to scour our network for your specific request.
Note: If we cannot locate a vintage blank meeting our quality standards within 14 days, we will contact you to discuss alternatives (closest match) or a full refund. We never switch garments without approval.
While we use corrosive elements to create the art, every CILI piece undergoes a museum-grade neutralization process before shipping. The chemical reaction is halted, and the pH is balanced.
To preserve the artwork and the vintage fabric:
With proper care, the artwork settles into a subtle patina over time.
Due to the bespoke and commission-based nature of our work, all sales are final.
We do not accept returns for sizing issues (please check the measurements!) or for the natural distress inherent to vintage garments. If there is a manufacturing defect or we made an error, please contact us within 7 days of delivery.
Yes, in a limited queue. You can commission a piece on a Sourced Vintage Blank or send in your own garment.
START YOUR CUSTOM REQUEST → See the Customs FAQ for detailed pricing and timing.
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