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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
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.