Frequently Asked Questions
Orders
Most Santos pieces are ready-made and ship quickly. Once your order ships, you’ll receive a confirmation email with tracking details.
If you haven’t received a shipping confirmation yet or have any questions about your order, feel free to reach out to us at info@santosbymonica.com — we’re happy to help.
Ready-made items ship within 1–3 business days. All orders are carefully packed and shipped from New York City, and you’ll receive tracking as soon as your order is on its way.
If you need an item sooner, please contact us at info@santosbymonica.com before placing your order. While expedited shipping isn’t always guaranteed, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request whenever possible.
Items listed as pre-order or back-order are either in limited production or temporarily sold out. These pieces require additional time before shipping.
Your card will be charged at checkout, and your order will ship within the timeframe listed on the product page. You’ll receive a confirmation email after purchase and tracking details as soon as your order ships.
The estimated production timeline will always be listed on the product page.
BIOMATERIALS WE USE
We design with biomaterials to reduce environmental impact without compromising quality, durability, or design. Our material choices are guided by performance, longevity, and responsible sourcing — selecting fibers and finishes that use fewer resources and support more regenerative systems.
The cactus used in our cactus-based biomaterial is grown and harvested in the Mexican state of Zacatecas, where the plant is native. It looks and feels similar to traditional leather, while using significantly less water — approximately one-fifth of the water required to produce animal leather.
Cactus grows solely on rainwater, naturally regenerates soil, and has strong CO₂ sequestration capacity, making it a more responsible alternative within the leather category.
Our cactus-based biomaterial is designed for daily wear and tested for durability, flexibility, and longevity. With proper care, it performs similarly to traditional leather while offering a lower-impact alternative.
Only the mature leaves of the cactus are harvested. The plant itself is not damaged and continues to grow, allowing for repeated harvests over time without replanting.
Any organic cactus material not used in our biomaterial production is directed to other industries, including food and beverage, allowing multiple uses to coexist within a single crop system.
In addition to cactus fibers, our cactus-based biomaterial includes a bio-based polyurethane (PU). This component is water-based, non-toxic, and compliant with REACH European Union standards and California Proposition 65.
This blend allows the material to meet durability and performance standards required for everyday use.
Our cactus-based biomaterial is partially biodegradable, and the remaining components are highly recyclable. Because it relies on non-toxic elements, it also has a lower environmental impact at end of life compared to conventional coated materials.
Yes. In addition to cactus-based biomaterials, we also work with other innovative fibers depending on the product category, including:
- TENCEL™ — a plant-based fiber derived from responsibly sourced wood pulp, used in select apparel and linings for its softness, breathability, and lower-impact production process.
- Banana-based biomaterial — derived from agricultural waste fibers, currently used in bag charms and ongoing development as part of our material exploration.
We continuously research and test new biomaterials to expand our use of lower-impact alternatives while maintaining quality and longevity.
To care for items made from our cactus or banana biomaterials, we recommend wiping them regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid contact with grease, dirt, and rough surfaces. While our handbags are designed to be durable, we recommend avoiding overloading to maintain their shape over time.
Our biomaterials are water-resistant but not waterproof, and heat-resistant, but like any natural or plant-based fiber, they should not be exposed to temperatures above 248°F (120°C) for extended periods.
Extra care should be taken with light-colored items. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme sunlight and humidity.
returns + exchanges
We want you to feel confident choosing your Santos bag.
Handbags are eligible for exchange or store credit within 14 days of delivery, provided the item is unused, unworn, and returned with original tags and packaging intact. Store credit is valid for 12 months, giving you time to find the perfect piece.
If you have any questions before purchasing, we’re always happy to share additional photos or videos — just email us at info@santosbymonica.com.
Apparel items are eligible for exchange or store credit within 14 days of delivery, provided the item is unused, unworn, and returned with original tags and packaging intact. Store credit is valid for 12 months, giving you time to find the perfect piece.
At this time, we do not offer refunds on apparel, as many pieces are produced in limited runs. If you’re unsure about sizing, feel free to reach out before ordering — we’re happy to help you choose the best fit.
Items purchased during a sale or marked down from their original price are consideredfinal saleand are not eligible for return or exchange.
If your item arrives damaged or you notice a manufacturing issue, please email us at info@santosbymonica.com as soon as possible with your order number and a photo of the issue.
We’re happy to repair or resolve most manufacturing faults, and we’ll work with you to find the best solution.
Handbags
Yes. The Agave Triangular Tote features a magnetic snap closure that helps keep your belongings secure while maintaining the bag’s open, sculptural silhouette.
The interior also includes a slip pocket for easy access to essentials.
Yes. The Dolores Square Tote comfortably fits a13” or 16” laptop, along with everyday essentials — making it a practical option for work, travel, or daily use.
Our bags are designed to feel substantial but lightweight, balancing structure with comfort for everyday use.
Yes. We regularly share styling photos and videos on our product pages and social channels. If you’d like to see a specific style worn or styled differently, feel free to email us and we’ll gladly help.
Apparel
You can find our size guide chart here.
