Clothing & Apparel Return Policies
Review tags-on conditions, unworn garment restrictions, hygienic liners, and return mailing fees.
Category Comparison Matrix
| Retailer | Return Window | Receipt Required | Opened Items | Return Postage Fee | Policy Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 30 Days | Optional | Allowed | Free returns | View Policy |
| Walmart | 90 Days | Card Lookup | Allowed | Free returns | View Policy |
| Target | 90 Days | Card Lookup | Allowed | Free returns | View Policy |
| Costco | Lifetime | Optional | Allowed | Free returns | View Policy |
| Old Navy | 30 Days | Mandatory | Restricted | Free returns | View Policy |
| Nordstrom | Lifetime | Optional | Allowed | Free returns | View Policy |
| Kohl's | 90 Days | Card Lookup | Allowed | Free returns | View Policy |
| Lululemon | 30 Days | Mandatory | Restricted | Free returns | View Policy |
| Cat and Jack | 90 Days | Mandatory | Allowed | Free returns | View Policy |
| Shein | 30 Days | Mandatory | Restricted | $7.99 mail fee | View Policy |
| Nordstrom Rack | 30 Days | Mandatory | Restricted | $9.95 mail fee | View Policy |
| Zara | 30 Days | Mandatory | Restricted | $3.95 mail fee | View Policy |
| Macy's | 30 Days | Card Lookup | Restricted | Free returns | View Policy |
Clothing returns split into two very different worlds. On one side are the department stores and warehouse clubs, where windows are long and condition rules are forgiving. On the other side is fast fashion, where windows are short, tags are sacred, and mailing something back can cost you money. Knowing which world your retailer lives in tells you most of what you need to know before you buy.
The forgiving camp: department stores and warehouse clubs
Nordstrom famously has no fixed deadline at all — returns are handled case by case under a customer-satisfaction philosophy, and the store can even look up purchases without a receipt. Costco accepts clothing back at any time under its satisfaction guarantee, tags or no tags, because your membership card is the receipt. Kohl's gives you a 90-day standard window with card lookup if you've lost the receipt, and Target covers its own brands — most famously Cat & Jack kids' clothing — for a full 365 days, even worn or outgrown.
The catch in this camp is usually the exception, not the rule: Macy's requires tags attached and unworn condition within its 30-day window, and Nordstrom will refuse returns where it suspects wardrobing or other abuse.
The strict camp: fast fashion and athleisure
Zara gives you 30 days — measured from the shipment date for online orders, not the day the package arrives — and deducts $3.95 if you return by mail instead of in store. Shein is online-only, so every return goes through the mail: the first return label per order is free, but later returns from the same order cost $7.99, and each item must go back in its original barcoded ziplock bag. Old Navy and Lululemon both run 30-day windows and both insist on unworn, unwashed items with the original tags attached — Lululemon won't accept a return at all if the hangtags are gone.
Final-sale sections are the other trap in this camp: Lululemon's "We Made Too Much" rack, Old Navy prices ending in .97, and Shein clearance items are all non-returnable.
Clothing & Apparel Retailer Listings
Amazon
Most items purchased on Amazon can be returned within 30 days of shipment. Exceptions vary by product category, and third-party marketplace seller policies may differ.
Walmart
Walmart offers a standard 90-day return window. Electronics and marketplace items must be returned within 30 days, wireless phones and marketplace electronics/luxury within 14 days, and major appliances within 2 days (not returnable in store). Marketplace items may incur a restocking fee up to 20%.
Target
Target provides a standard 90-day return window. Target Circle Card holders get an additional 30 days (120 days total), and Target owned brands (like Cat & Jack) carry a 1-year guarantee. Electronics and Target Plus items must be returned within 30 days, while Apple products and mobile phones have a 14-day limit. Opened media and airbeds are exchange-only, and gift cards, trading cards, and open breast pumps are final sale.
Costco
Costco offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee with no return deadline for most items. Returns are accepted at any warehouse or online, and return shipping is free for eligible online returns.
Old Navy
Old Navy items can be returned within 30 days of purchase or shipment. Returns are free inside physical store locations or by mail using a prepaid shipping label.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom handles returns on a case-by-case basis with no strict return window or deadline. Items must be in reasonable condition, and Nordstrom reserves the right to refuse returns if abuse is detected.
Kohl's
Kohl's offers a 90-day standard return window, which is extended to 120 days for purchases made with a Kohl's Card. Premium electronics, watches, and Sephora at Kohl's items must be returned within 30 days. Baby registry items have a 365-day window. Beverages, trading cards, and open breast pumps are non-returnable. Threshold delivery items are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
Lululemon
Lululemon has a standard 30-day return window. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have original price tags attached. Shoes can be worn but must be returned inside their original box. Customized items are final sale.
Cat and Jack
Cat & Jack children's apparel is a Target-owned brand, which uses Target's standard return policy rules (90 days). However, all Target-owned brands carry a 1-year satisfaction guarantee, allowing returns of outgrown or worn items within 365 days if you have the receipt.
Shein
SHEIN allows returns within 30 days of purchase. Electronics must be unused and in original packaging. Underwear, bodysuits, lingerie, jewelry, cosmetics, pet products, free gifts, customized items, and clearance items are strictly non-returnable.
Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack allows returns of unworn, unused items within the designated return period (standard is 30 days). Original packaging and hangtags must be intact, and proof of purchase is strictly required.
Zara
Zara allows returns within 30 days of the shipment date (for online orders) or purchase date (in-store). Items must be unworn, undamaged, and have all tags attached. Returns made in-store are free; online returns shipped by mail are subject to a $3.95 fee.
Macy's
Macy's allows returns within 30 days of purchase. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have all original tags attached. Gently used cosmetics and fragrances are accepted. Holiday purchases made Oct 10 - Dec 25 are extended to Jan 31.
Related Categories
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