Athleta Return Policy
Last verified: 2026-03-19
athleta.gap.com/customer-service/return-policy-faq
Return Conditions
- 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.
Refund Methods
- 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.
Exceptions & Restrictions
- 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.
Online / Mail Returns
- 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
- 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
- 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 & Rewards Benefits
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
What Redditors Are Saying
How did I miss the change in Athleta's return policy?
I bought an outfit to wear at a specific event thinking it would be perfect. Said event was 2 months out. Just found out the outfit isn't appropriate for the event so I went to the store to return it today only to find out that I was past the 30 day return policy and I couldn't return it. 30 days?!
Athleta Return Policy Changing (?!)
I just spoke with a customer service rep who helped me with an exchange – but she also told me that starting January 31, the Athlete return policy is going to be 30 days. That is such a bummer! I always appreciated the 60 days (I get that the previous 1-year policy was excessive) because sometimes b
Athleta refused to refund on missing item
I ordered eight items but one, a $31 shirt, was missing. I immediately reported it to Athleta within two hours of the items being delivered. However, three hours later, I received an email stating that my claim was reviewed and denied. When I called their customer service, they told me that they hav
PSA to anyone new to Athleta...Online/mail-in returns are abysmal, don't do it - just return your items in store
I read on the website that sometimes it takes up to 10 business days for returns to process, but I didn't honestly expect it to take the entire 10 days. I checked posts online from the past couple of years and most people reported receiving their refunds in 10 business days or less. I'm currently at