William Lipovsky
Several retailers, such as Gap, J.Crew, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom, will accept clothing returns without tags; others, including H&M and Zara, will not. Policies vary by retailer, and some stores make it easier than others to return items without tags. Below, we have the list of the most popular U.S. stores that do and do not accept returns without tags, including all of the details of their policies.
Stores That Let You Return Clothes Without Tags
Many stores will allow you to return clothing without the tags, but it may be more of a hassle than if the price tags were still in place. In general, stores with a big emphasis on customer satisfaction have the most relaxed return policies. Specialty stores and “fast fashion” are less likely to allow tagless returns.
Some major stores get burned by shoplifters or by “wardrobbers” — people who buy clothes they can’t afford and plan to return after a single wear. To cut down on fraud, these stores won’t accept returns without tags at all. Others state upfront that they may decline any return that seems suspicious.
To get the best chance of a full refund, bring the tags if you have them, and bring your receipt or shipping invoice for mail orders. Many stores require ID, so it’s a good idea to have that on hand too. Try to be patient if the return process takes a while; getting upset or being rude might make the salesperson or manager refuse your return altogether.
According to the customer service representatives we spoke with, these major clothing stores will accept returns of clothes without price tags.
Amazon
- Time to return: 30 days from receipt of delivery for a full refund on items shipped from Amazon.com; third-party vendor policies may vary. During the holidays, items shipped by Amazon between October 11 and December 31 can be returned until January 31.[1]
- Receipt requirements: Must have an order number; if you don’t have an order number, you’ll need to contact customer service.[1]
- Limits and exceptions:
- Return method: After you follow the prompts on the Amazon Returns Center, you will likely be given an option for a refund, credit, or replacement. You can also contact customer service for special circumstances. The return will be processed after it is received by Amazon.[4][5]
American Eagle (also Aerie, AEO Factory, or Tailgate)
- Time to return: No time limit on returns.[6]
- Receipt requirements: Must have your receipt or order slip.[6]
- Limits and exceptions:
- You can’t exchange any item bought with cash or gift cards without tags, a receipt, or an order number.[7]
- Items you bought online can be returned in-store.[6]
- Shipping costs are non-refundable.[6]
- If you’re in the U.S. or Canada, you must return the item in the same country you bought it.[7]
- Orders shipped to other countries can only be returned by mail.[7]
- The retailer may decline or delay any return or exchange if its system flags a pattern of abuse.[6]
- Return method: If you bought your clothes online or in an American Eagle, Aerie, AEO Factory, or Tailgate store, you can return them to any of those stores. Bring your receipt and the credit or debit card you bought them with. You can also ship back items you bought online. You can print a return label or see the address and shipping instructions on the American Eagle website.
Note: See more in our dedicated article about American Eagle’s return policy.
Belk
- Time to return: 90 days from the date of purchase[8]
- Receipt requirements: Must have your receipt, packing slip, or order confirmation email; a store associate may be able to look up your receipt.[8]
- Limits and exceptions:
- Return method: If you return your clothes within 90 days with the receipt or packing invoice, you’ll get a full refund in your original form of payment.[9] To return online items by mail, see the shipping address.
Gap (Also Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta)
- Time to return: You can return most clothes to Gap stores within 30 days. Items from Athleta can be returned within 60 days. Anything you bought between November 1 and December 24 can be returned by January 15 or 30 days, whichever is later.[10][11]
- Receipt requirements: You must have proof of purchase to get a full refund. That can be an original receipt, a gift receipt, shipping confirmation email, or the card it was bought with. To return a gift without a receipt, you’ll have to show ID. You’ll get a gift card or merchandise receipt for the current selling price.[10]
- Limits and exceptions:
- At Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic, you can’t return swimsuits if the tags were removed.[10]
- At Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic, your clothes must be in new condition, unwashed, and unworn. Athleta clothes have a performance guarantee, so it’s okay to test them out before you decide to return them.[10][12]
- You can’t return items marked “Final Sale.”[10]
- Unless your shipping invoice says “Mail Only,” you can return items bought online to the same brand store (Gap to Gap, Old Navy to Old Navy, and so forth). You can’t return store items by mail.[10]
- You must return items in the same country you bought them.[13]
- Return method: If you have a receipt, shipping invoice, or the original card you bought the items with, you’ll get a refund in the original form of payment. Without a receipt, you’ll get store credit.[10] You can return an online order by UPS or U.S. mail using Gap’s online return process.[14]
Note: You can return most clothes to Gap Inc.-owned stores with or without the price tags. There are some specific rules and exceptions based on the type of clothes and which store it’s from.
JCPenney
- Time to return: Returns can be made within 60 days of purchase with a receipt; no time limit without a receipt.[15]
- Receipt requirements: Can make a return even if you don’t have a receipt[15]
- Limits and exceptions:
- Return method:
- If you have your receipt, you can get an exchange or a refund in your original form of payment.[15]
- If you have a gift receipt, you can get an exchange or a refund on a gift card.[15]
- If you don’t have a receipt, you’ll need to show ID. You’ll get a refund on a gift card for the lowest selling price in the last 45 days.[15]
- You can return items by mail to your nearest return center with your shipping invoice. If you don’t have your invoice, include your name, address, phone number, email address, and the date you purchased the item. See your nearest return center (Scroll down to the bottom of the page at the link.).[17]
- You’ll need to contact customer service to process an international return.
J.Crew
- Time to return: 30 days for clothes you purchased in-store or online[18]
- Receipt requirements:
- Limits and exceptions:
- Return method: If you paid by credit card, debit, gift card, or cash, you’ll get your refund in the original form of payment. If you paid by check, you may be able to get your refund in cash when you return your item to a store. Check with your local J.Crew to find out if they offer this service. Orders shipped to the U.S. can be returned by UPS or U.S. mail. You can print a prepaid return label or see the shipping address on the J.Crew website. To ship back an international order, you’ll need to contact customer service to authorize a return.[19][20]
Wondering whether you can return J.Crew items to J.Crew factory and vice versa? See our dedicated article on the J.Crew/J.Crew Factory return policy.
Kohl’s
- Time to return: 180 days from the date of purchase[21]
- Receipt requirements: None. Even without a receipt, you can still get a refund.[21][22]
- Limits and exceptions: Kohl’s has a Hassle-Free Return Policy, so there are only a few exceptions.
- Return method: The refund method depends on whether you have a receipt and what kind:
- If you have your original receipt, you can exchange the item or get a refund in your original form of payment.[22]
- If you have a gift receipt, you can get an exchange or a store credit.[22]
- If you don’t have a receipt, but you paid with a card, the store may be able to look it up for you.[22]
- Without a receipt, you can get an even exchange or a store credit for the lowest price the item had in the last 13 weeks.[21]
Macy’s
- Time to return: You have 90 or 180 days to return most clothing, depending on what is being returned and how it is being returned. Some departments have different time limits.[24][25]
- Receipt requirements: You may receive a refund even if you don’t have a receipt as long as you have the shipping label, packing slip, order number, confirmation email, or you paid with a credit or debit card.[26]
- Limits and exceptions: All items must be in original, saleable condition. There are also limits for different departments and types of clothes.[24]
- The discount shop Backstage doesn’t accept tagless returns or returns without a receipt.[24]
- You can’t return designer items by Alexandre London.[24]
- Designer items by Burberry, Gucci, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, and Tous can’t be returned without tags.[24]
- Dresses can’t be returned without tags.[24]
- Last Act items can’t be returned.[24]
- Shipping is non-refundable.[24]
- Return method:
- You must have a receipt or shipping invoice to receive a full refund.[24] If you are enrolled in eReceipts, you can print a copy of your receipt or the store can look it up for you. You can only sign up for eReceipts in a store.[25]
- Without a receipt or shipping invoice, you may need to show ID. Your refund will be in the form of store credit and for the lowest selling price in the last 180 days.[24]
- In the US, you can return store or online items to your local store.[24]
- In some areas, you can schedule a driver to pick up your return for some items. Log in to your online profile to see if you are able to schedule a Return Pickup. Be advised, that there is a charge for using this service.[27]
- You can return items you bought on the website by mail. Use the online Easy Return process to get started.[24]
- To return international orders, you’ll need to contact customer service.
Nordstrom
- Time to return: Nordstrom accepts or declines returns on a case-by-case basis, and there’s no specific time limit.[28]
- Receipt requirements: You may receive a refund even if you don’t have a receipt, though it may take longer.[28]
- Limits and exceptions:
- Return method: All purchases can be returned to a store or by mail.[28].
- If you have your receipt, you can get a refund to your original form of payment or as a gift card.[28]
- If you have a gift receipt, your refund will go on a gift card.[28]
- If you don’t have a receipt, you’ll need to show ID. Your refund will go on a gift card.[28]
- You need to contact Customer Service to process an international return.
Saks Fifth Avenue
- Time to return: You can return clothes within 30 days at full price. After 30 days you can get a refund for the item’s current selling price for up to a year following the date of purchase.[29]
- Receipt requirements: Must have a receipt, gift receipt, or shipping invoice.[29]
- Limits and exceptions: There are some restrictions on which clothes you can return, and how.
- The items must be in new condition.[29]
- Furs, watches, and jewelry can’t be returned after 30 days.[29]
- You can’t return gourmet, personalized, or monogrammed items.[29]
- Saks doesn’t refund shipping costs. Shipping is free for returns initiated within two weeks of the ship date. After that, the charge is $9.95.[29]
- Return method: Items you bought in a store or online can be returned to any Saks Fifth Avenue store. You’ll get your refund in your original form of payment.[30]
Sears
- Time to return: You can return most clothes within 30 days with a receipt. Shop Your Way members have 45 days.[31]
- Receipt requirement: You must have an original receipt or a gift receipt for all other returns.[31]
- Limits and exceptions: Sears has some strict limits on returns.
- If you bought holiday-themed items before December 24, you can’t return them after Christmas. You can’t return holiday items bought at the after-Christmas sale.[31]
- You can’t return items that have been altered, abused, or visibly worn.[31]
- You can’t return special orders or customized items.[31]
- Sears reserves the right to decline any return or limit the amount refunded.[31]
- Return method: If you have an original receipt, you can exchange the item or receive your refund in the original form of payment. If you have a gift receipt, you can get an exchange or a store credit. You may need to show ID to process your return or exchange.[31]
Target
- Time to return: 90 days for most clothes; 120 days for clothes purchased with a Target RedCard; and one year for Target Owned Brand clothing.[32][33]
- Receipt requirements: As long as you have a valid receipt you’ll receive a full refund. If you don’t have your original receipt, the store may be able to look it up for you or issue a refund in the form of a store gift card.[34]
- Limits and exceptions:
- Your clothes must be in new condition. If the item is damaged or does not have a receipt, your return might be denied.[34]
- You can’t return items bought in one country to a store in another country.[34]
- Clothes from a holiday-themed or limited-edition collection may have a modified return policy.[34]
- Return method: In most cases, you’ll receive a refund in your original form of payment. Some payment types have different refund options:
- If you paid cash, you can choose a refund as cash, a credit to your RedCard, or a Target GiftCard.[34]
- If you paid by check, you’ll get store credit for returns before the check clears. You can get your refund in cash if it’s been more than 10 days.[34]
- If you paid by a third-party debit card, your refund will be credited back to your card.[34]
- If you paid by a third-party gift card, you can get your refund put back on the card, as cash, or as a Target GiftCard.[34]
- If you paid for an online purchase by PayPal, you’ll get cash for refunds in the store or an eGiftCard for returns by mail.[34]
- If you paid by RedCard, a Target debit or credit card, or a third-party credit card, you can either get your refund put back on your card or as a Target GiftCard.[34]
- If you don’t have your receipt and the store can’t look it up, you’ll receive a store credit for your return.[34]
T.J.Maxx
- Time to return: For in-store purchases, you can return most clothes within 30 days for a full refund, with or without the tags. If you bought the item between October 9 and December 24, the holiday return policy gives you until January 26 to return it. After 30 days, or if you don’t have your receipt, you can still get store credit in most cases.[35][36][37]
- Receipt requirements: You may receive a refund even if you don’t have a receipt.[37]
- Limits and Exceptions:
- Return method:
- If you have your original receipt and return an item within 30 days, refunds will be made in the same form of payment that was used to make the purchase.[37]
- If you have a gift receipt, you’ll get store credit.[37]
- If you paid with a check, there is a 10-day waiting period to receive a refund in cash.[37]
- Without a receipt, a valid ID, address, and signature will be required.[37]
Victoria’s Secret
- Time to return: There’s no time limit on returns. However, if you want a refund in your original form of payment, you must return your items within 30 days, with a receipt.[38]
- Receipt requirements: You may receive a refund even if you don’t have a receipt.[38]
- Limits and Exceptions: You can return clothes without the price tags, but the process will likely take longer and original garment label sewn into the clothes must still be attached. There are a few other rules about where and how you can make returns.
- Items you bought in a U.S. store or by mail can be returned to any store in the U.S., but in-store purchases can only be returned in a store.[39][40]
- International purchases must be returned in the country where you bought them.[38]
- If you don’t have a receipt, you must show ID. You’ll get an exchange or refund of the lowest price the item has ever sold for, including coupons or promotions.[38]
- You can return up to $250 in merchandise in a 90-day period.[38]
- Return method:
- With an original receipt or shipping invoice, you’ll get a refund in your original form of payment if you return within 30 days. After 30 days, you’ll get a store credit.[38]
- With a gift receipt, you’ll get store credit for the full amount of the purchase or a refund may be given in the original form of payment if an exchange is made within 30 days.[41]
- With no receipt, you’ll get store credit for the lowest selling price.[38]
- To return U.S. orders by mail, use the return label attached to your shipping invoice. You can print a replacement label or find the mailing address on the website.[42]
- If you’re outside the U.S., use the return label attached to your shipping invoice or print a replacement label. Mail your return through a prepaid, insured, traceable shipping service to:
ATTN: Returns Processing
8695 E. Broad Street
Reynoldsburg, OH 43069
U.S.A.[43]
Note: Victoria’s Secret guarantees you’ll be happy with its clothes. If not, you can return them with or without a receipt and with or without price tags, at any time. See our article on the Victoria’s Secret warranty for all the details on its customer satisfaction policy.
Walmart
- Time to return: You have 90 days to return clothes, with or without tags.[44] Clothing without tags requires proof of purchase to be returned.[45]
- Receipt requirements: You may receive a refund even if you don’t have a receipt, though you will need tags if you have proof of purchase.[44][45]
- Limits and Exceptions:
- You need a receipt for a full refund. You may be able to get a copy of your receipt at the service desk if you paid by credit or debit card and you know the date of the transaction.[44]
- If you don’t have a receipt, you’ll need to show ID.[46] The verification system may or may not accept the return and you may receive a refund at a recent sale price.[44]
- Items bought from Walmart.com can be returned to your local store but not the other way around.[44][45]
- Items purchased from a Marketplace seller through the Walmart.com site may be able to be returned to a Walmart store.[44]
- All returns are subject to local laws and the decision of the local store manager.[44]
- Return method: If you have a receipt, you can get a refund in the original form of payment. Without a receipt, you will get store credit if the refund is over $10. You can get cash if it’s under $10.[46]
Stores That Don’t Let You Return Clothes Without Tags
These stores won’t accept returns on clothes if the price tags have been removed.
- American Apparel
- Dillard’s
- Forever 21
- H&M
- lululemon athletica
- Neiman Marcus
- Topshop
- Uniqlo
- Zara
