Just because I’m a dude that would never pay $58 for a t-shirt, doesn’t mean I don’t get the appeal to shopping at lululemon Atheltica. If the quality is as great as people claim and the clothing is super-comfortable, then it might be worth the money. But in any case, you’re probably here because you need to use the Lululemon return policy for one reason or another and you got questions. Here’s everything you need to know, including information that Lulu themselves won’t even tell you.

Lululemon gives you 30 days from date of purchase to return an item for a full refund.

For an online order you have 30 days from the actual delivery date.

Whether making an in-store return, or returning an online purchase via the mail, they are both completely FREE of charge.

When it comes to exchanges, you can only do an exchange in-store at a Lululemon location.

WILL LULU ACCEPT MY RETURN IF ITEM IS NOT IN-STOCK?

If you’re trying to return something in-store within 30 days, YES the store will take it back for a refund or store credit, it does NOT matter if they currently have the product in-stock or not.

Clothing Can Be Worn But Not “Worn”

They ask that the item is unworn, unwashed, and has tags still attached.

You can take the item home and wear it around a little bit, but don’t go crazy and workout in it.

From what I’ve heard, your mileage will vary on this a little bit if you removed the tags and wear the item and later discover a manufacturing defect.

In this case, you stand a good chance of getting your money back or an “even exchange” at the very least.

See Also: The Lululemon First Responder Discount Gets You an Extra 15% Off

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TRYING TO RETURN CLOTHING THAT’S BEEN WASHED?

Once you wash something, the only way you can return the item is if the color fades or it shrinks substantially. Then it will fall under the Lululemon “Quality Promise” in which case you can get either an exact replacement or store credit.

Lost Your Receipt? You Still Have Options

If you misplace your receipt you should still be able to make a return…in most cases.

Specifically, if you gave them your phone number when checking out IN-STORE, they’ll be able to pull up your transaction history.

I asked a live chat rep from Lululemon what happens if you didn’t tell the employee your phone number…can you still make a return without a receipt?

I was told it will “be up to the store’s discretion if they would be willing to return for store credit. Any time you purchased something in store, they ask for your phone number. This would lead to your profile.”

So get in the habit of being “okay” with giving them your phone number as it’ll make the return process much easier.

For an online purchase, you can access your order history, and online invoice, within your online Lululemon account.

PRO TIP: GET AN EXTENDED HOLIDAY RETURN

Anything purchased between October 5th – December 24th can be returned all the way until January 22nd.

This is very handy when giving gifts for Christmas as the gift receiver has plenty of time to return or exchange the item if needed.

See Also: The Lululemon Employee Discount is AWESOME, But Has Caveats

How To Make a Lulu “LikeNew” Return

When returning items bought through the Lululemon LikeNew website, things work a little differently.

In particular, you CANNOT return these items in-store, you need to visit the LikeNew Return Portal and start your return that way.

Be sure to have your Order Number handy in order to get your return authorization number as well as further instructions.

Only One Item is Excluded from Their Policy

Only Final Sale Items are excluded from their 30 day return policy.

The chat rep I spoke with said that all “marked down items” are considered final sale and non-returnable.

So…apparently if you’re buying something from Lululemon that isn’t sold at full-price you CANNOT return it.

That seems crazy! Is this correct? Does anyone know the real truth?

Before you ask…they WILL accept a return on swimwear as long as the hygienic liner is still in-place.

Also, it’s worth noting that gift cards as well as “we made too much” items are also considered final sale.

See Also: Lulu Military Discount: Very Easy Way to Save 15%

Their Policy on Defective Items

From commenter Becky, when trying to return deflective items via the mail it’s a MAJOR headache.

They asked her for at least 3 pictures of the defective item and she still had to go back and forth with an “educator” to get them to approve the return.

Apparently the stitching was falling apart on $68 pair of shorts and it took her nearly a month to get her money back on a gift card.

Moral of the story: If at all possible, take defective items back to the store where you bought them and deal with the issue face-to-face as you’ll surely get better results.

How To Get a “Fast Track” Return

A Fast Track return is when you get credited within 2 hours of dropping off your return at a FedEx or USPS location.

Only returns that contain 3 items or less are eligible and you’ll be refunded via a Lululemon e-gift card to your email inbox.

The e-gift card is the ONLY return option available with Fast Track and it can be used in-store or online and they NEVER expire.

When you login to your Lululemon account, you’ll see the Fast Track Return option displayed if you’re eligible for this “quick money” return.

See Also: Zara Return Policy: Let’s Muddle Thru The Confusion

Tip To Return or Exchange a Gift

You can either take the item back to a store (with your gift receipt) or hit up a live chat operator and they can help you out if you’re unable to get to an actual Lululemon Athletica location.

Get an Exchange on Final Sale Items

You must be an Essential Member to make it happen.

Join for free and you can exchange sale items as well as return them for store credit.

As long as the store has the item you want to exchange in-stock, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Item you’re bringing back must be new and still have the original tags on it.

This also applies to online purchases.

PayPal Return Processed Via Gift Card

Lululemon is currently unable to process a return via PayPal if you originally used the payment service to make a purchase.

They will however apply a credit on a PayPal return in the form of a gift card.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the Lululemon return policy? Too strict, confusing, or about right?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)