Madewell Return Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Madewell is known for its denim and modern essentials that blend comfort with style. But what happens if something you bought doesn’t work out? I took a close look at Madewell’s return policy to break it down for you in the simplest way possible.

Let’s go over how returns work at Madewell—whether you bought in-store or online—and what to expect when sending items back.

Madewell Return Policy Overview

Here’s a quick summary of Madewell’s return rules so you can see the most important stuff at a glance:

How the Madewell Return Process Works

Returning In-Store Purchases

If you bought something in person at a Madewell store, you can return it to any Madewell location within 30 days of purchase. Just bring the item and your receipt or proof of purchase.

• No return shipping fee, of course.
• Refunds go back to your original form of payment.

Prefer to return by mail instead? That’s also allowed!

You can send back items purchased at a retail store through the mail within the same 30-day window. Just make sure to include a copy of your receipt inside the package.

Mail it to:

Attn: Madewell Returns
8150 Industrial Blvd.
Breinigsville, PA 18031

Be sure to use an insured, trackable shipping method—especially since you’re covering the cost yourself if you don’t use their label.

Returning Online Purchases

For items you bought on madewell.com, the return process is a little different. You have 30 days from the shipment date to return your order.

You’ve got three options:

1. Return by Mail (Using a Prepaid Label)

• Start your return by visiting the Returns portal on their website.
• Fill in the Order number and zip code as shown in the below screenshot

• Print the label, pack your items, and drop the package at your local carrier.
• A $7.50 fee will be deducted from your refund (unless you’re a Madewell Icon member, then it’s free).

2. Return to a Madewell Store

• Bring your packing slip or order confirmation email with the item to any Madewell Store
• Refunds for PayPal, Afterpay, or Apple Pay purchases returned in-store will be given as store credit only.

3. Printerless Drop-Off at USPS

No printer? No problem. Madewell offers a printerless return option:

• Start your return by visiting the Returns portal on their website.
• Fill in the Order number and zip code and follow the instructions.
• Request a QR code instead of a printed label.
• Bring the code to any USPS location, scan it, and hand over your unpackaged item.

Tip: The QR code method is great if you’re on the go or don’t have a working printer.

Items You Can’t Return

Some things are final sale—and Madewell means it. If you buy one of these, don’t expect a refund or exchange:

• Final sale items (clearly marked as such)
• Monogrammed or personalized items
• Swimwear or intimates without tags or hygienic liners
• Worn, washed, or altered items
• Items without proof of purchase

How You’ll Get Your Refund

Madewell refunds go back to your original payment method—like your credit card or gift card—unless they agree to process it another way.

• If you used a gift card, the refund goes back to the same gift card or a new one.
• If you used Afterpay or PayPal and return in-store, your refund may be processed by Madewell instead of the original provider. Additional Afterpay payments may still be required.
• If there are issues—like missing the 30-day window or returning a used or damaged item—Madewell may deny the refund or offer store credit at their discretion.

Return Processing Time

• Allow up to 2 weeks for your mailed return to be processed.
• Once approved, refunds usually hit your account within 3–5 business days.
• You’ll get an email confirmation once your return is complete.

International Returns

Madewell gladly accepts returns for international orders made through their e-commerce partner eShopWorld:

• Items must be returned within 30 days of the purchase date.
• You must wait 48 hours after delivery before submitting a return request.
• You’ll receive a refund for the product price, duties, and taxes in your local currency, using the original exchange rate.
• Return shipping fees and original shipping charges are non-refundable.

Start an international return at: returns.eshopworld.com/eap

Exchanges

Good news—Madewell offers free exchanges for online purchases:

• Must be the same item (style and color), but a different size.
• Items must meet return eligibility: unworn, tags on, etc.
• Final sale, marketplace, personalized items, or items purchased with loyalty points are not exchangeable.

Steps to Exchange

• For U.S. orders start your exchange here and generate a free exchange label
• Or Find your nearest store

Gift Returns

If you’re returning a gift:

• Start your return here and generate a prepaid label online—no printer needed.
• Once received, refunds go to a Madewell e-gift card.
• If you have a gift receipt, you can return in-store for a refund or exchange.

Afterpay Returns

Items bought using Afterpay follow the same return rules:

• You can return by mail or in-store.
• If returned in-store, Madewell will issue the refund—but you may still owe Afterpay for installments depending on timing.
• For more info, visit help.afterpay.com

Price Adjustments

Madewell will honor a one-time price adjustment on full-price items:

• Must request it within 7 days of the purchase or ship date.
• You must have the original receipt.
• Not valid on:
  • Sale items
  • Items bought with a promo code or discount
  • Past purchases

Marketplace Returns

Items from Marketplace vendors (third-party sellers on Madewell.com) follow separate return rules:

• You must return them directly to the vendor, not to Madewell stores or warehouses.
• Follow the return instructions in your original package.
• You’ll get an email when your return is processed and refunded.

Need Help? Here’s How to Reach Madewell

If you’re stuck or have questions about your return, Madewell’s team is easy to contact:

Phone: 866-544-1937
Email: contactus@madewell.com
Live Chat: Available on madewell.com

They’re usually quick to respond. I’d recommend using chat for fast help.

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Returns

As someone who shops (and returns) more often than I probably should, here are a few simple tips to make your Madewell returns go smoothly:

1. Save your receipt or packing slip—you’ll need it to get a refund.
2. Keep items in new condition—no deodorant marks, please.
3. Start your return right away—don’t wait until the 30th day.
4. Use the original packaging when possible.
5. Double-check exclusions—especially with sale or monogrammed items.

These little habits can save you time and money.

Common Questions

Final Thoughts

Madewell’s return policy is pretty shopper-friendly if you stick to the rules. You’ve got 30 days, the option to return in-store or by mail, and a clear list of what’s not allowed. Just be sure your items are in perfect shape and always hold on to your receipt.

Still unsure? Reach out to Madewell’s support team—they’re there to help.

Please Note: Return policies can change over time. While this article aims to provide accurate information based on the policy at the time of writing, it’s always a good idea to double-check the return policy on official Madewell website for the most up-to-date return policy details. For any specific questions or situations not covered here, the official website or contacting Madewell Customer Service directly is the best resource.