Helly Hansen Return Policy: 5 Crucial Rules You Need to Know (2026)
Helly Hansen Return Policy Summary:
- Return Window: 30 days from purchase or shipment delivery date.
- Return Shipping Fee: FREE when using the prepaid UPS/DHL label from the official online returns portal.
- In-Store Returns: Accepted at official Helly Hansen Retail Brand stores (Outlet stores and third-party retailers like REI are excluded).
- Condition: Items must be unworn, unwashed, with all original tags strictly attached.
- Refund Turnaround: 5 to 10 business days for warehouse processing, plus 3 to 5 business days to post to your bank account.
Buying premium outdoor apparel is a big investment. Whether you are purchasing a professional-grade sailing jacket, technical ski pants, or heavy-duty mountaineering boots, you need to know that your gear will fit perfectly and perform under pressure. If it doesn't, understanding the Helly Hansen return policy is critical to securing a hassle-free refund or finding the right size.
When returning high-ticket outerwear, shoppers often worry about expensive return shipping fees, strict tag requirements, and confusing regional rules. This comprehensive guide simplifies the entire return and refund process for 2026.
We will break down exactly how long you have to make a return, explain the critical differences between brand retail stores and outlets, detail the step-by-step online mail-in process, and clarify what happens if you bought your gear through third-party authorized dealers like REI or Nordstrom. Information in this guide is based on the latest available policies and was verified in 2026.
1. Overview of the Helly Hansen Return Policy
Helly Hansen offers a highly structured, customer-friendly return system designed to accommodate both online and in-store shoppers. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return your items for a full refund within a specific timeframe, provided the merchandise is in pristine, resaleable condition.
Here is a quick-reference summary of how Helly Hansen handles returns:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Window | 30 days from the purchase date or online delivery date. |
| Eligible Items | Must be unworn, unwashed, with all original tags attached. |
| Return Methods | In-store at Brand Retail locations, or online via mail-in portal. |
| Refund Methods | Refunded to the original payment method or issued as store credit. |
| Non-returnable Items | Final sale items, gift cards, opened base layers/underwear. |
| Fees | Free return shipping via the portal; original shipping fees are non-refundable. |
To help you figure out exactly where you need to take your return, use this quick decision matrix based on where you bought your gear:
| Purchase Location | Return Window | Can You Return to a Helly Hansen Store? | Return Shipping Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| HellyHansen.com | 30 Days | Yes (Brand retail stores only, no outlets) | Free (via portal) |
| HH Retail Store | 30 Days | Yes (Must be returned to a retail store) | N/A (In-store only) |
| HH Outlet Store | 30 Days | Only at HH Outlet Stores | N/A (In-store only) |
| REI Co-op | 1 Year (Members) / 90 Days | No (Must return to REI) | Free (for members via REI) |
| Nordstrom | Flexible / No Limit | No (Must return to Nordstrom) | Free (via Nordstrom) |
2. Return Window & Eligibility
The Standard Return Window
The standard return window for all Helly Hansen merchandise is 30 days.
- For online orders: The 30-day countdown starts on the exact date your package is delivered to your shipping address.
- For in-store purchases: The 30-day window begins on the day of the transaction printed on your paper or digital receipt.
Eligibility Requirements: Keep Your Tags On
Helly Hansen gear is highly technical and expensive. Because of this, their warehouse inspection team is incredibly strict about the condition of returned items. To qualify for a full refund, your gear must meet the following rules:
- Pristine Condition: Items must be completely unused, unwashed, and free of dirt, pet hair, or odors.
- Original Tags: All original hangtags and labels must still be attached to the product. If you cut the tags off your jacket, your return will likely be rejected and shipped back to you without a refund.
- Complete Sets: All structural elements, such as detaching hoods, powder skirts, and inner fleece lining layers, must be included in the return package.
Pro Tip: Always try on your technical jackets, pants, and boots indoors on clean surfaces. Walk around your house to ensure a proper fit before you remove any manufacturer tags or head outside into the snow.
3. How to Return Items to Helly Hansen
Navigating the return process varies depending on how and where you purchased your items. Below are the precise, step-by-step methods for returning your Helly Hansen gear.
In-Store Returns
If you purchased your gear at an official physical retail store, or if you want to skip the mail wait times for an online order, you can use the in-store return method.
-
Find the Right Store: Locate an official Helly Hansen Brand Retail Store. Use the store locator on the official Helly Hansen website.
- Warning: Brand Outlet stores and third-party retailers like REI or Nordstrom cannot accept standard retail store returns.
- Pack Your Gear: Bring the clean, unworn item with all original tags attached.
- Bring Proof of Purchase: Present your physical cash register receipt or the digital order confirmation email sent to your phone.
- Get Your Refund: The store associate will inspect the item and process your refund directly to your original payment card.
Online & Mail-In Returns
For purchases made directly on HellyHansen.com, making an online return is highly streamlined and completely free if you utilize their official web portal.
Follow these steps to complete a mail-in return:
- Access the Returns Portal: Go to the Helly Hansen Returns Portal on their website.
- Enter Your Details: Type in your order number (for example, US12345678) and the email address you used to place the order.
- Select Your Items: Choose the specific items from your order that you wish to return and select a reason from the dropdown menu (e.g., "Too small" or "Changed mind").
- Generate Your Label: Confirm your submission to instantly generate a free, prepaid shipping label.
- Package Your Gear: Place the unwashed, unworn items with all original tags attached inside the original packaging or a secure shipping box. Include your packing slip inside.
- Attach the Label: Securely tape the prepaid shipping label to the outside of the box. Make sure you cross out or remove any old shipping barcodes to avoid transit confusion.
- Drop It Off: Drop off your package at the designated shipping carrier. In the US and Canada, this is typically UPS or FedEx. For European orders, your label will specify DHL or your local postal service.
4. Refund Methods & Processing Time
If you are eager to get your money back, it helps to understand exactly how the refund method works and the timeline you can expect.
How You Get Paid
Refunds are issued directly to the original payment method used during checkout. If you paid with a Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Apple Pay, the funds will go back to that exact account. If you originally purchased your items using a Helly Hansen gift card, your refund will be issued as a brand-new digital gift card emailed to you.
What is the processing time?
Once you drop off your return package with the carrier, you need to factor in both shipping time and warehouse inspection time.
- Warehouse Processing: It typically takes 5 to 10 business days for the parcel to reach the distribution center and be physically inspected by the Helly Hansen team.
- Bank Processing: Once your return is approved, it takes an additional 3 to 5 business days for the refund to reflect on your bank or credit card statement.
In total, expect the entire processing time to take anywhere between 8 to 15 business days from the moment you hand your box to the mail carrier.
5. Exchange Policy
Helly Hansen’s online store does not offer direct online exchanges.
If you ordered a medium sailing jacket and realize you actually need a large, you cannot click a button to initiate an even swap. The official exchange policy requires you to treat the situation as two separate transactions.
How to get a different size or color:
- Return the Original Item: Use the online returns portal to mail your original, unwanted item back for a full refund.
- Place a New Order: Go to the website and immediately order the new size or color.
Pro Tip: Because high-demand winter gear sells out quickly, it is highly recommended to place your new order immediately rather than waiting for your refund to process. This ensures your replacement gear is secured and shipped to you right away.
If you live near an official physical Brand Retail store, you can bring your online purchase in person to check if they have the alternative size in stock to complete a physical exchange on the spot.
6. Non-returnable or Restricted Items
To maintain strict safety and hygiene standards, certain products fall under the non-returnable items category. Helly Hansen will not accept returns for the following:
- Opened Base Layers & Underwear: Thermal tops, long john bottoms, and active underwear cannot be returned once their hygienic factory packaging has been opened or the seals have been broken.
- Final Sale Items: Products purchased from clearance events that are marked explicitly as "Final Sale" cannot be returned, exchanged, or refunded.
- Gift Cards: Both physical plastic gift cards and digital e-gift cards are entirely non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
- Customized Gear: Any specialized, branded, or custom-embroidered apparel ordered for corporate use, professional sailing teams, or ski patrols cannot be returned.
7. Fees, Deductions & Exceptions
Nobody likes hidden fees when returning a product. Fortunately, Helly Hansen's policy is straightforward.
Return Shipping Costs
For shoppers in major regions-including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom-return shipping is completely free. However, you must use the prepaid shipping label generated directly from the official returns portal. If you take the box to the post office and pay for shipping yourself, Helly Hansen will not reimburse you for that cost.
Restocking Fees
Helly Hansen does not charge a restocking fee for standard returns, meaning you will get the full purchase price of the item back.
Original Shipping Deductions
It is important to note that any standard or express shipping charges you paid on your original order are non-refundable. The only exception to this rule is if the return is necessary due to a shipping error made by Helly Hansen (such as sending you the wrong item).
8. Holiday & Extended Return Policies
If you are buying gifts during the busy winter season, you can take advantage of the Helly Hansen holiday return policy.
Because people buy ski gear and winter coats as gifts well before the holidays actually arrive, the standard 30-day window is extended.
- Items purchased online or at official retail locations between mid-November and mid-December are eligible for an extended return window.
- These holiday purchases can be safely returned for a full refund all the way until January 31 of the following year.
Keep in mind that all standard quality, cleanliness, and tag-attachment requirements still fully apply to holiday returns.
9. Customer Support & Contact Information
If you run into issues generating a prepaid return label, tracking your refund, or resolving a dispute regarding a damaged item, reaching out to Helly Hansen’s customer support team is easy.
- Phone Support (North America): Call 1-866-435-5902. This is the fastest way to get help with a lost package or complicated return.
- Live Chat: Available on the official Helly Hansen contact page. Look for the chat bubble icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.
- Online Contact Form: You can submit an email ticket via the Help Center on their website.
- Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST).
If you have a defect issue that falls outside the 30-day return window, customer support can also help you file a claim under the Helly Hansen Limited Warranty, which covers manufacturing defects for the practical lifetime of the garment (usually 2 to 3 years).
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I return items to Helly Hansen without a receipt?
Helly Hansen is strict about proof of purchase. For online returns, your order number and email address serve as your digital receipt. For in-store returns, you must present your physical cash register receipt. If you received a gift and do not have the receipt, no-receipt returns are handled on a case-by-case basis by customer support and are typically only eligible for store credit at the item's current selling price.
How long does a refund from Helly Hansen take?
The entire process takes approximately 8 to 15 business days. This accounts for 5 to 10 business days of mail transit and warehouse inspection, followed by 3 to 5 business days for your bank or credit card company to post the funds to your account.
Can I return outlet store purchases to a regular Helly Hansen store?
No. Helly Hansen Outlet stores and Helly Hansen Brand Retail stores operate on completely separate inventory systems. Outlet purchases must be returned to an outlet location, and regular retail or online purchases cannot be returned to outlet stores.
Can I return a Helly Hansen jacket bought at REI to a Helly Hansen store?
No. Any Helly Hansen items purchased through third-party authorized dealers (such as REI, Nordstrom, Backcountry, or a local ski shop) must be returned directly to that specific retailer. For example, if you bought gear at REI, you are subject to the REI return policy (which generously gives REI members up to a year to make a return).
What items are non-returnable at Helly Hansen?
You cannot return items marked as "Final Sale," gift cards, personalized/custom gear, or base layers and thermal underwear that have been opened or removed from their factory packaging.
Does Helly Hansen charge a restocking fee?
No, Helly Hansen does not charge restocking fees. As long as your item is in perfect, unworn condition with the tags attached, you will receive a full refund for the price of the item.
How do I return a damaged or wrong item?
If you receive a damaged, defective, or incorrect product in the mail, do not use the standard self-service returns portal. Contact Helly Hansen customer support immediately with your order number and photos of the damage. They will arrange for a free replacement or a priority refund without any out-of-pocket costs to you.
Why won't the returns portal accept my order number?
Make sure you are entering the exact order number found on your confirmation email, including any prefix letters (like "US" or "CA"). You must also use the exact billing email address tied to the order. If you purchased your items from a third-party retailer like Dick's Sporting Goods or Columbia, your order will not exist in Helly Hansen's database.
Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary by geographic location. Always confirm details on the official Helly Hansen website or with your local store associate. Information verified in 2026.
Found this helpful? Bookmark this page for the latest Helly Hansen return policy updates. If you are outfitting yourself for the winter season, be sure to check our other brand guides, including the North Face return policy and the Columbia return policy, before your next outdoor purchase!
