Athleta Return Policy: Simplified

Q: Can I return items from Old Navy or Banana Republic to Athleta?

No, items from other Gap Inc. brands (Old Navy, Banana Republic, etc.) cannot be returned to Athleta stores. However, if you return an item by mail within 30 days , you can send multiple brand items in the same package.

Athleta offers a return policy designed to make your shopping experience easy and worry-free. Whether you’re buying online or in-store, Athleta provides flexible options to return or exchange items.

Qucik Overview of Athleta Return Policy

Feature	Details
Return Period	30 days from delivery (online) or purchase date (store)
Return Methods	In-store, mail-in, third-party drop-off, home pickup (for a fee)
Return Cost	Free with prepaid label or in-store return
Eligible Items	Unworn, unwashed items with tags attached
Non-Returnable Items	Final sale items, masks
Special Return Policies	30-day Give-It-A-Workout Guarantee, 1-year Uniform Guarantee
Refund Processing Time	Refund issued once return is processed; card refunds may take up to 10 business days
Third-Party Sellers	Items must be returned directly to the seller

What Can Be Returned or Exchanged

✅ Items Eligible for Return or Exchange

Unwashed and unworn items with original tags attached
Items covered by the Give-It-A-Workout Guarantee (30 days from delivery)
Defective or damaged items (can be returned at any time)

❌ Items That Cannot Be Returned

Final sale items (marked as final sale on product pages and receipts)
Masks

Special Rules for Certain Items

Item	Return Condition
Swimwear	Must have original price tags and hygienic liner
Sunglasses	Must have tags and receipt (return within 30 days)
Maternity Wear	Can only be returned by mail
Items Marked “Mail Only”	Must be returned by mail, not in-store

Special Return Policies

Give-It-A-Workout Guarantee

Athleta allows you to try out your activewear. If it doesn’t perform as expected, you can return it within 30 days of delivery.

Uniform Guarantee (Extended Return Policy)

Athleta offers a 1-year return window for women’s, men’s, girls’, and boys’ uniforms purchased at Athleta, Old Navy, or Old Navy Outlet stores. Returns for quality issues must be made in-store only at Old Navy or Old Navy Outlet (not online).

How to Return or Exchange Items

Athleta offers multiple ways to return or exchange items:

Online Returns

If you bought an item online, you can return it by mail. Here’s how:

Visit the return portal: Go to Athleta’s return page.
Enter your order details: Provide your order number and ZIP code to start the return process as shown in the below screenshot

Print a prepaid return label: Attach it to your package.
Drop off the package: Take it to the nearest UPS location.
If you don’t use Athleta’s prepaid label, you will have to pay for return shipping. Athleta does not refund original shipping fees.
- Return Address:
  100 Gap Inc. Direct Gateway
  Groveport, OH 43125

Third-Party Drop-Off with QR Code

No need for packaging or printing.
Start the return online and choose Express Returns.
Receive a QR code via email.
Take the unpackaged item to a Staples store and show your QR code.

Home Pick-Up (Fee Applies)

You can schedule a home pick-up for your returns.

Steps:

Start the return online and choose Home Pickup.
Receive a QR code via email.
Schedule a pickup time.
Have your unpackaged item ready and show the QR code to the pick-up driver.

In-Store Returns

You can return or exchange an item at any Athleta store. Just bring:

The item you want to return
The receipt, rewards phone number, or the card used for purchase

Refunds will be processed to the original form of payment. If you paid with a card, it may take up to 10 business days for the refund to appear.

Return Policy in a Nutshell

Return Method	Return Window	Eligible Items	Required Documentation
Mail	30 days from delivery date	Most items, excluding final sale	Original packaging (recommended), return label
In-store	30 days from purchase date	Most items, excluding final sale	Receipt, Rewards Phone Number, or Credit Card used for purchase

Refund Process

Refunds are issued to the original payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.).
If you choose Instant Merchandise Credit, you get an eMerchandise Return Card immediately via email.
If the refund is applied to a credit card, the bank may take up to 10 business days to process it.
Shipping fees and handling charges are not refunded.
Athleta does not accept COD deliveries.

If you have any more questions about the returns, you can visit Athleta return policy on their website.

How to Return Items from Third-Party Sellers

Third-party seller items cannot be returned in Athleta stores.
Start the return process online and mail the item back to the seller.
If your item is damaged, contact Athleta customer service at 877-328-4538.

Customer Feedback on Athleta Return Policy

Overall, customers seem to be satisfied with Athleta’s return policy, especially with their “Give-It-a-Workout-Guarantee”, which allows them to try products without worrying about being stuck with something they don’t like. Some customers have mentioned that the 30-day return window can feel a bit short, especially for online purchases where shipping can take time.There are also some concerns about the policy becoming stricter with time. However, many appreciate that Athleta accepts returns even without tags, making the process more convenient.

FAQ’s

Can I return a final sale item?

No, final sale items cannot be returned or exchanged.

What should I do if my item is defective?

You can return or exchange defective items at any time.

Can I exchange an item instead of getting a refund?

Yes! You can exchange items in-store or through the online return portal.

Can I return swimwear?

Yes, but the original price tags and hygienic liner must be intact.

Can I return items from Old Navy or Banana Republic to Athleta?

No, items from other Gap Inc. brands (Old Navy, Banana Republic, etc.) cannot be returned to Athleta stores. However, if you return an item by mail within 30 days, you can send multiple brand items in the same package.

Can I return Athleta items without a receipt?

Yes, you can return Athleta items without a receipt. However, you will need to provide your ID so that Athleta can track your returns. This helps them prevent fraud and ensure that the return policy is not being misused.

Can I return Athleta items that were a gift?

Yes, you can return Athleta items that were a gift. You can return items for a refund within the return window. If you would like to exchange an item, you can do so for free. If you would like a refund, you will be responsible for the cost of shipping.

Contact Athleta

If you have questions or need help, Athleta offers multiple ways to get in touch:

Chat
- Use the chat icon on the website.
- Available daily from 7 AM to 1 AM ET.
Call
- Toll-Free (U.S.): 877-328-4538
- International: 614-744-3960

Tips for Easy Returns

Here are a few tips to make your Athleta returns even easier:

Initiate your return online: This can often speed up the process and provide you with a prepaid shipping label.
Keep the original packaging: This helps protect the item during shipping and can make the return process smoother.
Have your order information ready: This includes your order number, purchase date, and any other relevant details.

How does Athleta’s Return Policy Compare to Others?

Many athletic wear companies have different return policies. Some companies, like Lululemon, have a similar 30-day return window for new, unwashed merchandise. Others, like Nike, offer a 60-day return window. Athleta’s “Give-It-a-Workout-Guarantee” sets it apart by allowing returns of worn and washed items, giving customers more flexibility and confidence in their purchases.

Summary

Athleta return policy is designed with the customer in mind. It offers a generous 30-day return window, multiple return options, and the unique “Give-It-a-Workout-Guarantee” that allows you to truly experience their products before making a final decision.

You can shop at Athleta with confidence and enjoy a hassle-free experience. Happy shopping!

Athleta Return Policy: Simplified

Qucik Overview of Athleta Return Policy