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Lululemon vs Athleta Return Policy

Side-by-side comparison of return policies, conditions, and refund methods.·Last updated: 2026-03-19

Quick Summary

Lululemon offers a 30 days from delivery date for online purchases or purchase date for in-store purchases. return window, while Athleta offers 30 days from delivery date for online purchases or date of purchase for in-store purchases.. Lululemon requires a receipt, and Athleta requires a receipt. Lululemon offers a holiday return extension. Athleta offers a holiday return extension. See the full breakdown below.

Lululemon Holiday Extension

Purchases made between November 1st and December 23rd are eligible for returns until January 23rd.

Athleta Holiday Extension

Items purchased online or in stores between October 15 and December 24 may be returned through January 15 of the following year, or 30 days from the delivery/purchase date, whichever is later. Proof of purchase is required. This extension excludes items shipped and sold by third-party sellers.

Return Conditions

Lululemon

  • Product must be unworn and unwashed.
  • Hang tags must be attached.
  • In original packaging (if applicable).
  • Accompanied by proof of purchase (packing slip, paper/online receipt, delivery confirmation, or profile purchase history).
  • Shoes can be worn but must be returned in the original box.

Athleta

  • Items should be unwashed and unworn.
  • Items must be in their original condition.
  • The 'Give-It-A-Workout Guarantee' allows returns within 30 days if the product does not perform as expected.

Exceptions & Restrictions

Lululemon

  • Gift cards are final sale.
  • Sale items from "We Made Too Much" are final sale, unless you are a lululemon member (can return for gift card in-store).
  • Customized products are final sale.
  • Underwear and face masks are final sale.
  • Swimwear can only be returned if unworn with the hygienic liner intact.
  • Items that have been hemmed or altered are final sale.
  • Returns cannot be processed at lululemon outlet stores.

Athleta

  • Final sale items cannot be returned or exchanged.
  • Items marked 'mail only' have specific limitations.
  • Swimwear, Sunglasses, and Masks may have limitations.
  • Items purchased in the Encore Market cannot be returned or exchanged.
  • Athleta items cannot be returned to Old Navy, Gap, or Banana Republic stores.
  • Items sold and shipped by third-party sellers cannot be returned to Athleta stores.
  • Electronic gift cards cannot be canceled or returned after their delivery date.

Refund Methods

Lululemon

  • Original form of card payment.
  • Lululemon gift card (for gift returns, or if refund is provided beyond 30 days, or without proof of purchase).
  • Online purchases made with Klarna or PayPal must be returned via the online portal for a refund.
  • Fast Track refund option for 3 or fewer new items dropped off at FedEx or USPS, receiving an e-gift card within two hours.

Athleta

  • Original form of payment (e.g., credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Afterpay).
  • Gift card.
  • Merchandise Return Card (for in-store returns or instant online credit option).
  • Reward points will be credited back to your Rewards account if used.

Online / Mail Returns

Lululemon

  • Online purchases can be returned by mail or in-store.
  • Initiate a return online via the returns page/portal, enter order ID and billing email, select items, print prepaid label, pack and drop off.
  • Return shipping is free.

Athleta

  • By mail using a prepaid UPS return shipping label, generated through the interactive returns process.
  • Via Happy Returns™ third-party drop-off locations, which do not require packaging, labels, or printing (a QR code is needed).
  • To an Athleta store.

In-Store Returns

Lululemon

  • Items can be returned in person at any standard lululemon store (not outlet stores) in the country of purchase.
  • Bring the item, proof of purchase (receipt or order confirmation), and original payment method.
  • For online purchases returned in-store, the refund can be issued right away to the original payment method.

Athleta

  • Returns can be made to any Athleta store.
  • Bring the item along with the receipt, Rewards Phone Number, or the credit card used for the purchase.
  • Free returns and exchanges are available in-store.

Gift Returns

Lululemon

  • Gifts can be returned in-store or by initiating a return online.
  • An order ID, packing slip, or gift receipt is required.
  • Refunds for gift returns are issued as a lululemon e-gift card.
  • Exchanges for gifts must be done in-store.

Athleta

  • For gifts purchased online, the order number (found on the shipping invoice or confirmation email) and the recipient's email for the refund are required.
  • For gifts purchased in-store, an associate may be able to look up the transaction using the giver's phone number or email to issue a gift card for the original amount. Without a receipt or lookup, a merchandise credit for the item's current selling price may be issued, potentially requiring a driver's license.
  • Unused physical gift cards can be returned for a refund to the original payment method.

Membership Benefits

Lululemon

  • Lululemon members can return sale items from "We Made Too Much" for a lululemon gift card in-store.

Athleta

  • Some Encore Members, specifically Premier Members, may have extended return windows for merchandise credit, up to 45 days after purchase or delivery.
  • Rewards members receive free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more.
  • Opening a new Athleta Rewards Credit Card offers 20% off the first purchase of Athleta items and free shipping on orders of $50+.

Damaged or Defective Items

Lululemon

  • Lululemon offers a Quality Promise to replace or offer a reasonable solution for items that are not performing as intended within one year of purchase.
  • Items impacted by ordinary wear and tear, personal preference, misuse, or accidents are not eligible for Quality Promise returns.
  • Beyond one year, clear product defects are considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Proof of purchase or identification is required for Quality Promise returns.

Athleta

  • Items that are damaged or defective may be returned or exchanged at any time.
  • For damaged or defective items, customers should contact customer service.

Price Adjustments

Lululemon

Not available

Athleta

  • A one-time price adjustment can be requested if the price of an item drops within 14 days of the original order date.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for price adjustments.
  • Items purchased with a promotional code or other discount are generally not eligible, unless only a free shipping discount was applied.
  • Price adjustments for online purchases must be requested through customer service (via chat or phone) and cannot be made in-store.
  • Alternatively, customers can return an item and repurchase it at the lower price in-store if within the return window.

Exchange Policy

Lululemon

  • Exchanges are allowed within 30 days of purchase.
  • Items must meet the same conditions as returns (unworn, unwashed, tags attached, original packaging).
  • Exchanges can only be done in-store.
  • If in-person exchange is not an option, consider returning for a refund and placing a new order.

Athleta

  • Free exchanges are available in-store or by mail using a prepaid return shipping label.
  • For online exchanges by mail, the item is returned first, and then a second transaction completes the exchange.
  • If exchanging by mail, find the desired item online and contact customer service to order the replacement.

Additional Notes

Lululemon

  • All returns are handled on a case-by-case basis and ultimately at lululemon's discretion.
  • Potential fraud or abuse of this policy, including excessive or unreasonable returns, may result in the rejection of future transactions or returns.
  • Free returns are offered for all items.
  • Lululemon is not responsible for wrong items or personal possessions accidentally sent back during the return process.

Athleta

  • Original shipping and handling charges for online orders are not refunded when returned by mail.
  • Athleta offers free hemming on pants, skirts, and dresses in-store; a receipt or tags are not required for this service.
  • Some zip codes are eligible for fee-free drop-offs and immediate refunds via third-party services like Closo.