Aeropostale Return Policy and Refund Guide (2026 Update)
We have all been there: you order a stylish new outfit, but when it arrives, the jeans are too tight, or the hoodie just isn't your color. If you are dealing with buyer’s remorse, a wrong size, or a gift that missed the mark, you are probably searching for the Aeropostale return policy.
Navigating clothing returns can be confusing, especially when trying to avoid hidden fees or figure out what happens if you lose your receipt. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the current Aeropostale policy in 2026. We will break down the return window, eligibility rules, exact refund methods, hidden fees to avoid, and step-by-step instructions on how to send your items back.
Note: The information in this guide is based on the latest available policy and may change over time (verified for 2026).
1. Overview of the Aeropostale Return Policy
Under the standard Aeropostale return policy, you can return or exchange any unworn, unwashed items with tags attached within 60 days of the purchase or shipping date. In-store returns are completely free, whereas mail-in returns using the prepaid SmartLabel incur an $8.00 fee deducted from your total refund.
Use this quick-reference table to understand your options at a glance:
| Return Channel | Return Window | Fee | Refund Type | Receipt Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Store Return | 60 Days | FREE ($0.00) | Original Payment Method | Yes (or Card Lookup) |
| Mail-In Return | 60 Days | $8.00 Deducted | Original Payment / E-Gift Card | Online Packing Slip |
| No-Receipt Return | 60 Days | FREE ($0.00) | Merchandise Credit (Lowest Price) | Government ID Required |
| Holiday Purchases | Nov 1 – Dec 25 | FREE in-store | Original Form / Gift Credit | Yes / Gift Receipt |
⚠️ MONEY-SAVING TIP: Do not mail back returns for items valued under $25. The $8.00 prepaid SmartLabel fee will eat up a massive portion of your refund. Instead, drop the items off at any local physical store to get a completely free return.
2. Return Window & Eligibility
To ensure your return is approved without any issues, you must meet the store’s specific timing and condition rules.
The Standard 60-Day Rule
Aeropostale offers a generous return window of exactly 60 days. However, the day the clock starts depends on how you bought the item:
- In-store purchases: You have 60 days from the exact calendar date printed on your physical register receipt.
- Online purchases: You have 60 days from the original shipment confirmation date, not the day you placed the order or the day it arrived at your door.
Aeropostale strictly enforces this rule. Once the 60 days have passed, returns and exchanges are no longer accepted.
Eligibility and Item Conditions
Clothing must be kept in pristine condition. If an item looks worn, smells like perfume or smoke, or is damaged, your return will be denied.
- Condition: Items must be unwashed, unworn, and in original resale condition.
- Tags: All original hangtags must be physically attached to the garments.
- Proof of Purchase: You must bring your original receipt, gift receipt, or online packing slip/shipping email.
3. How to Return Items to Aeropostale
You have two main options when returning items. While both are straightforward, returning items in person is the most cost-effective method.
In-Store Returns (Highly Recommended)
An in-store return is the absolute best way to handle your unwanted items because it is 100% free and processes immediately. You can return both store-bought and online purchases to any physical Aeropostale retail location.
- Gather your unwashed items (ensure tags are attached).
- Grab your original paper receipt, gift receipt, or your online shipping confirmation email.
- Bring the original payment card used to make the purchase.
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID (stores require this to prevent retail fraud).
- Hand the items to the cashier for a free refund.
Note on PayPal/Apple Pay: If you bought an item online using PayPal or Apple Pay and return it in-store, the register cannot process a direct card reversal. Instead, you will receive a merchandise store credit.
Mail-In Returns (Online Orders Only)
If you do not live near a store, you can initiate an online return and send the items back by mail. Remember, items bought inside a physical store cannot be returned by mail.
- Go to the Aeropostale website and navigate to the Returns Portal.
- Enter your order number and billing zip code.
- Select the items you wish to return.
- Download and print the prepaid SmartLabel provided by the portal.
- Pack your items securely in the original bag or a box, making sure to include the original packing slip inside.
- Affix the prepaid label over the old shipping label.
- Drop the package off at a USPS mailbox, Post Office, or FedEx location (check the logo on your printed label).
4. Refund Methods & Processing Time
Aeropostale generally processes your refund method back to the original form of payment (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or gift card).
How Long Does a Refund Take?
Your processing time depends heavily on how you return the merchandise:
- In-Store Returns: Your refund is processed instantly at the register. Depending on your bank or credit card company, it usually takes 3 to 5 business days for the funds to appear in your account.
- Mail-In Returns: Mailing items back takes much longer. It takes roughly 7 to 10 business days for the Aeropostale warehouse to receive and inspect your package. Once approved, it can take an additional 3 to 5 business days for your bank to clear the funds.
5. Exchange Policy
Aeropostale’s exchange policy is very simple, but it comes with one major restriction: exchanges can only be done in-store.
If you need a different size or color and want to do an even exchange, you must visit a local retail store within the 60-day window. Direct exchanges cannot be processed through the mail. If you mail an item back, Aeropostale will issue a refund (minus the $8 fee), and you will be forced to place a brand-new order online for the correct size.
6. Non-Returnable or Restricted Items
Like most teen apparel retailers, Aeropostale has a list of non-returnable items for health, safety, and promotional reasons. Ensure you are not trying to return any of the following:
- Final Sale Clearance: Any item with a price ending in .97 or .98 is considered final sale.
- Intimates & Swimwear: Underwear, brassieres, and swimwear cannot be returned if the hygienic protective liner has been removed or if the tags are detached.
- Cosmetics & Fragrances: Opened body sprays, perfumes, lotions, or cosmetics with broken hygiene seals are strictly final sale.
- Gift Cards: Physical and e-gift cards cannot be returned or redeemed for cash (except where required by state law).
7. Fees, Deductions & Exceptions
Nobody likes hidden costs, so it is important to understand Aeropostale's fee structure before you commit to a return method.
- Return Shipping Fee: Aeropostale does not offer free return shipping by mail. If you use their prepaid SmartLabel, a flat $8.00 fee will be automatically deducted from your refund.
- No Restocking Fees: You do not have to worry about a restocking fee. Aeropostale does not charge any penalties for bringing items back to the store.
- Original Shipping Costs: The shipping fees you paid to get the item delivered to your house are non-refundable. The only exception is if Aeropostale made a mistake (like sending a damaged or incorrect item).
(If you frequently shop at similar stores, you might want to compare this with the American Eagle return policy or the Hollister return policy to see how their fees stack up.)
8. Holiday & Extended Return Policies
To accommodate gift-giving, Aeropostale offers a generous holiday return policy extension.
For the 2026 holiday shopping season, any purchases made between November 1 and December 25 can be returned or exchanged well into the new year. The deadline for these holiday returns is extended all the way to January 31, 2027.
Keep in mind that if you are returning a gift using a gift receipt, the refund will be issued as a merchandise store credit, so the original buyer's credit card will not be credited.
9. Customer Support & Contact Information
If your return package is lost in transit, an item arrived damaged, or you need help generating a return label, customer support is standing by. The fastest way to get help is to have your 9-digit order number ready before you reach out.
- Phone Support: 1-877-289-2376 (1-877-BUY-AERO)
- Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM EST, 7 days a week.
- Live Chat: Available on the Aeropostale "Contact Us" page during standard operational hours.
- Email: You can submit a direct inquiry form through their website’s customer care portal.
10. FAQ Section
Can I return items to Aeropostale without a receipt?
Yes, no-receipt returns are allowed but have limitations. Store associates can try to look up your purchase using the credit card you paid with or your loyalty account email. If they cannot locate the transaction, you can still return the item by providing a valid government ID. However, you will only receive merchandise credit for the item’s lowest recent selling price.
How long does a refund from Aeropostale take?
In-store returns process immediately and usually take 3–5 business days to appear on your bank statement. Mail-in returns take longer-usually 7–10 business days to reach and be inspected by the warehouse, plus an additional 3–5 days for your bank to process the credit.
Can I return online orders in-store at Aeropostale?
Yes! Returning online purchases to a physical Aeropostale store is highly recommended because it is completely free and saves you the $8.00 return shipping fee. Just bring your shipping confirmation email or packing slip as proof of purchase.
What items are non-returnable at Aeropostale?
Aeropostale will not accept returns on final sale items (prices ending in .97 or .98), opened cosmetics or body sprays, gift cards, or any swimwear and intimates that have had their tags or hygienic liners removed.
Does Aeropostale charge a restocking fee?
No, Aeropostale does not charge a restocking fee for returned merchandise. However, if you mail an online order back, you will be charged an $8.00 return shipping fee.
How do I return a damaged or wrong item?
If you receive a defective, damaged, or incorrect item in your online order, do not use the standard online return portal. Call customer service immediately at 1-877-289-2376 so they can waive the return shipping fee and replace the item for free.
Can I return a gift to Aeropostale?
Yes, you can return a gift. If you have a gift receipt, bring the item in-store within 60 days (or by January 31 for holiday purchases), and you will be issued a merchandise store credit for the item's purchase value.
Can I return items with the tags detached?
No. Aeropostale requires all original hangtags to be fully attached to the clothing. If you have cut the tags off, the store will deny your return or exchange.
Does Aeropostale refund PayPal purchases to your card?
It depends on how you return it. If you return a PayPal purchase by mail, the funds go back to your PayPal account. If you return a PayPal purchase in-store, their registers cannot reverse the charge, so you will be issued a physical store credit card instead.
Can I return items to an outlet store?
Yes, but with caveats. Standard retail store items can usually be returned to an outlet, but specific factory or clearance items bought at an outlet store often have stricter final sale policies. Always check with your local outlet location.
Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary by location. Always confirm details on the official Aeropostale website or with your local store. Information verified April 2026.
Found this helpful? Bookmark this page for the latest Aeropostale return policy updates and check our other guides, like the PacSun return policy, before your next teen apparel purchase.
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