If you’ve ever bought an item of clothing that didn’t fit or look right at home, you need to know Walmart’s return policy on clothes. Understanding the rules can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle, whether you shopped in-store or online.
This guide breaks down everything. We’ll cover the time limits, condition requirements, and what you need to bring. You’ll learn how to return clothes with or without tags, with a receipt or without, and even what to do about online orders.
Walmart’s Return Policy On Clothes
At its core, Walmart’s return policy for clothing is designed to be customer-friendly. Most items can be returned within 90 days. The clothing should generally be in new, unworn condition with the original tags attached.
But there are important details and exceptions. Special purchases like clearance items or clothes bought from third-party Marketplace sellers have different rules. Let’s get into the specifics so you’re fully prepared for your return.
The Standard 90-Day Return Window
For most clothing purchases, Walmart gives you 90 days to make a return. This is a generous window compared to many other retailers. The count starts from the date of purchase.
It applies to clothes bought both in Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. Always check your receipt or online order details to confirm your purchase date. This is your starting point.
What You Need for a Smooth Return
To make the process quick, have the right items with you. Being prepared prevents delays at the service desk.
- The Item: The clothing you wish to return.
- Original Packaging & Tags: Ideally, the item should have all original tags attached and be in its original packaging if possible.
- Proof of Purchase: This is your receipt, the packing slip from an online order, or the email confirmation. The Walmart app with your purchase history also works.
- Payment Method: Bring the credit card or debit card used for the purchase if you want a refund to that card. If you paid with cash or a different method, have a valid ID.
Condition of the Returned Clothing
Walmart expects returned clothing to be in resellable condition. This means the store should be able to put it back on the shelf for another customer to buy.
- Unworn & Unwashed: The clothing must not show any signs of wear, washing, or damage.
- Tags Attached: All original manufacturer tags and labels should be intact and attached.
- No Odors or Stains: The item cannot have any perfumes, smoke smells, or stains on it.
If the item fails to meet these conditions, the store may deny the return or offer a partial refund. It’s always best to try items on carefully over your own clothes to keep them pristine.
What About Clothes Without Tags?
Sometimes tags fall off, or you remove them before realizing you need to return the item. Walmart’s policy can be flexible here, but it’s not guaranteed.
You can often return clothes without tags if you have your receipt. The store associate will inspect the item to ensure it’s unworn. The final decision is always at the discretion of the store manager or customer service lead.
Without a receipt, returning tagless clothing becomes much more difficult. You might only get store credit at the item’s current selling price, which could be lower than what you paid.
Refund Methods: How You Get Your Money Back
How you paid determines how you get refunded. Walmart aims to return your money to its original source.
- Credit/Debit Card: Refunds are typically issued back to the same card. It can take 3-5 business days for the funds to appear on your statement.
- Cash: You will receive a cash refund.
- Walmart Gift Card: The refund will be issued onto a new Walmart gift card.
- Walmart Pay or the App: The refund goes back to your linked payment method in the app.
- Check: For checks, you’ll usually receive a cash refund or store credit.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Not all clothing purchases follow the standard 90-day rule. It’s crucial to know these exceptions to avoid surprises.
Clearance and Marked-Down Items
Clothing bought on final clearance may have a shorter return window. Some clearance items are marked as “final sale” and cannot be returned at all.
Always check the receipt or the online product page for any special return notes on discounted items. When in doubt, ask a store associate at the time of purchase.
Holiday and Seasonal Extended Policy
During the winter holiday season, Walmart often extends its return policy. Purchases made in November and December might be returnable until January 31st of the following year.
This is a great benefit for buying gifts. However, the extended policy usually applies to items purchased within a specific date range, so verify the exact dates each year on Walmart’s website.
Walmart Marketplace Seller Items
This is a major exception. Walmart.com sells items from third-party “Marketplace” sellers. Their return policies are set by the individual seller, not by Walmart.
Always check the “seller information” on the product page before buying clothes from a Marketplace seller. Their return window could be shorter (like 30 days), and they may require you to pay for return shipping. Returns for these items are usually handled through the seller, not your local Walmart store.
Step-by-Step Return Processes
Here is exactly how to return your clothing, whether you bought it in a store or online.
How to Return Clothes to a Walmart Store
This is the most common method. Follow these steps for a quick experience.
- Gather Your Items: Collect the clothing, all tags, original packaging (like the plastic bag), and your proof of purchase (receipt, app, or packing slip).
- Visit Customer Service: Go to the Customer Service or Returns desk at your local Walmart. Lines can be long, so try to go during off-peak hours if possible.
- Explain the Return: Tell the associate you’d like to return the clothing. They will scan your receipt and inspect the item.
- Choose Your Refund: Select your preferred refund method based on how you paid. If you don’t have a receipt, you’ll need a valid government-issued ID for store credit.
- Get Your Receipt: You will receive a return receipt. Keep this until you see the refund on your card or account.
How to Return Clothes Bought Online
For items shipped from Walmart.com (not a Marketplace seller), you have two main options.
Option 1: Return by Mail (Free)
- Start Online: Log into your Walmart.com account and go to “Purchase History.”
- Select Item: Find the clothing order and select “Return or Replace Items.”
- Choose Reason: Select your reason for the return from the menu.
- Print Label: Walmart will provide a prepaid return shipping label for you to print. You must pack the item in a box or envelope.
- Ship It: Attach the label and drop the package at a USPS location or other designated carrier.
- Track Refund: Your refund is processed once the return is scanned by the carrier. It can take up to two weeks after they receive it.
Option 2: Return to Store (Often Faster)
You can return any online order from Walmart.com to a physical store, even without the original shipping box. This is usually the fastest way to get your refund.
- Bring Your Items: Take the clothing, all tags, and the packing slip (or use the barcode in your Walmart app).
- Go to Customer Service: Head to the returns desk. The associate will scan your packing slip or app barcode.
- Get Refund On the Spot: Your refund is processed immediately using the method you choose.
Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes returns don’t go perfectly. Here’s how to handle common issues.
Lost Receipt or No Proof of Purchase
Don’t panic if you lost your receipt. Walmart can often look up your purchase.
- With a Card: If you paid with a credit/debit card or through the Walmart app, the associate can look up the transaction using that card.
- Without Any Proof: You may still be able to return the item for store credit. You will need a valid government-issued ID (like a driver’s license). Walmart tracks no-receipt returns by ID to prevent abuse, and there may be a yearly limit on the value of such returns.
- Online Orders: Use your Walmart.com account or the app. Your digital purchase history serves as your receipt.
Returning Gifts of Clothing
Returning a gift is straightforward if you have the gift receipt. The gift receipt allows you to get store credit for the item’s current price, usually on a Walmart gift card.
Without a gift receipt, you can still try to return it with a valid ID for store credit, as mentioned above. It’s polite to let the gift-giver know if your planning to exchange the item for a different size or color.
Defective or Damaged Clothing
If you bought clothing that is defective (broken zipper, ripped seam, faulty dye) or arrived damaged, you have a strong case for a return or exchange.
Even if it’s past the 90-day window, Walmart will often accept returns for defective merchandise. Bring the item and your receipt to customer service and clearly explain the manufacturing flaw. They should help you with an exchange or refund.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience
- Keep Receipts: File your physical receipts or ensure your Walmart.com account is linked to your purchases.
- Leave Tags On: Never remove tags until you are certain you are keeping the item.
- Try On Carefully: Try clothes on over your own undergarments to avoid transferring deodorant or makeup.
- Know the Seller: Always double-check if you’re buying from Walmart or a third-party Marketplace seller online.
- Use the App: The Walmart app stores your receipts and allows for easy in-store returns via a barcode.
- Act Quickly: Don’t let the 90 days slip away. Make a decision within the return window.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I return worn clothes to Walmart?
Officially, no. Walmart’s policy requires clothing to be unworn and unwashed in resellable condition. However, some stores might accept a lightly tried-on item without tags at their discretion, especially with a receipt. It is not guaranteed.
What is Walmart’s return policy for online clothing orders?
It’s the same 90-day policy for items shipped by Walmart. You can return by mail with a free prepaid label or take the item and packing slip to any Walmart store for an immediate refund. Marketplace seller items have their own policies.
How long does a Walmart clothing refund take?
For in-store returns, refunds to a card take 3-5 business days. Cash and gift card refunds are instant. For mail-in returns, it can take up to two weeks after the return is received by the warehouse.
Can I return bras and underwear to Walmart?
Due to hygiene reasons, intimate apparel like bras, panties, and swimwear usually cannot be returned unless the packaging is completely sealed and unopened. Always check the specific item’s policy on the package or website before purchasing.
Does Walmart have a return policy for shoes?
Yes, shoes follow the same 90-day policy. They must be in new condition, in the original box, and without any signs of wear on the soles.
What if I’m returning clothes after 90 days?
After 90 days, the return is typically not accepted under the standard policy. However, you can always speak with a manager, especially if the item is defective. They may make an exception, but it’s not something you should rely on.
Understanding Walmart’s return policy on clothes gives you confidence when you shop. By knowing the 90-day window, keeping your receipts, and ensuring items are in new condition, you can handle any return smoothly. Always check for exceptions like clearance items or third-party sellers, and when in doubt, the Customer Service desk is there to help. With this knowledge, you can shop Walmart’s clothing aisles knowing you’re covered if something isn’t quite right.