Amazon Clothing Return Policy: Ultimate Guide

CLOTHING (2)

As the most prominent online retailer in the world, it probably won’t come as a shock to learn that Amazon holds a huge 34.5% share of the online clothing market.

If you’ve purchased clothing from Amazon but are looking to make a return, perhaps the size isn’t quite right or the quality is poor, then you’ll need to get up to speed with their return process.

Most online companies have a limited returns window and if you miss it, you may not be able to return the product at all so it’s important to check what a company’s return policy is either before you purchase or as soon as you decide you want to make the return.

This is especially true for clothing which is the most returned class of products by far.

To help you there, we’ll explore Amazon’s return window, how to make a return, when to expect a refund, and much more.

Let’s take a look…

What is Amazon’s Clothing Return Policy? In Short

In short, you can return clothing to Amazon up to 30 days after receipt of the goods for a full refund or exchange. This is extended to 90 days for baby clothing. Clothing should be returned in a like-new condition.

You can return clothing to Amazon for all sorts of reasons such as:

  • If it doesn’t fit right
  • If the quality is poor
  • If it’s defective
  • If you’ve changed your mind
  • If it’s an unwanted gift
  • Duplicate order
  • Mistaken order

Amazon provides a full list of reasons when you make your return:

reasons for making return to amazon

Can You Return Worn Clothing to Amazon?

Amazon generally asks that you return clothing in an unused and undamaged condition so it’s like new.

However, you shouldn’t have any issues returning a garment if you’ve worn it to try it on and realize it doesn’t fit.

The policy is designed to prevent you from returning clothing with clear signs of wear.

For example, if you buy a new jacket, where it once, and find it doesn’t fit, you should be fine when making your return.

If you wear that same jacket ten times and scuff the elbows, then Amazon may refuse your return.

Amazon is generally very flexible when it comes to returns, especially if the item is defective so reach out to them using Amazon’s help center if you’re in doubt about your return.

You should note that Amazon will still often accept your return outside the 30-day window if the product has developed a fault.

How to Return Clothing to Amazon

You must return clothing to Amazon using the online returns process. There is no way of returning it in person.

To initiate a return, do the following:

  1. Log on to your Amazon account
  2. Go to the orders and returns section in the top right corner on desktop (on the mobile app go to your orders and click on the garment you want to return)
  3. Choose return and replace items (if on mobile just click the underwear you want to return)
  4. Pick an option from the drop-down menu as to why you want to return the product (we have put a screenshot of this above)
  5. Complete the next steps regarding the reasons for the return
  6. Pick the method of return
  7. Print the return label, package your garment up in the original package, and include the return label with your return

Can You Return Clothing to Amazon for Free?

clothing from amazon

Yes, Amazon generally provides at least one free option for items weighing under 50 lbs in weight (which will normally apply to all clothing). They provide a free return label with USPS.

They also don’t charge a restocking fee and you should receive back your initial delivery charges in most cases, although items from the Drop Collection have a return shipping charge applied to them which will be deducted from your refund.

This is because Drop Collection items are made on demand.

How Long Will it Take to Get a Refund From Amazon When Returning Clothing?

Amazon says to expect to wait up to 14 days before your refund will be issued but this can sometimes be a bit longer during busy periods (Christmas etc…).

This is because Amazon requires time to receive your clothing, to check it, process it and issue the refund.

You will be notified by email when the refund has been issued.

What to Do After 30 Days – Can I Still Return Clothing to Amazon?

If you’re outside of the 30 days then we’d recommend speaking to someone over at Amazon’s help center.

They may be able to extend the returns window slightly if it’s only just expired.

If your item has developed a fault then, again, we’d recommend speaking to someone over at Amazon’s help center. If the product is faulty, they will generally exchange products outside the 30-day window in our experience. They are usually very efficient when it comes to this.

Another option is to simply sell your clothing. Websites such as:

Are all great places to sell used clothing.

How Does Amazon’s Clothing Return Policy Compare?

We’ve taken a look at some of Amazon’s key online competitors to see how their clothing returns policies compare.

Here is what we found:

Competitor Return Policy
CostcoReturn any time (100% satisfaction guarantee)
Walmart90 days
NordstromReturn any time (100% satisfaction guarantee)
Target90 days
Macy’s90 days

Final Thoughts

Amazon’s 30-day clothing return policy is far from generous and is one of the least favorable around.

However, most people will forgive them given the convenience Amazon provides together with the excellent selection it has.

They also provide free returns delivery and are pretty flexible outside the 30-day window, especially when it comes to faulty items.

About the author

Oliver graduated from law school in 2008 and has practiced exclusively in the field of civil litigation for the last 10 years. He has a wealth of experience and expertise in litigation involving large financial losses and a special interest in consumer law. He has achieved numerous 7 figure settlements and has been involved in multi-billion dollar class-action consumer lawsuits against companies such as the Volkswagen Group. Away from the law, he is a consumer information and personal finance writer, having been featured in key publications such as Yahoo Finance, GO Banking Rates, NewsBreak, MEL Magazine, and many more.



-Chief Editor and Founder

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