Buying premium sportswear and apparel should be an exciting experience, but sometimes that classic polo shirt doesn't fit quite right, or those new leather sneakers aren't what you expected. When you are spending money on high-quality clothing, understanding the store's return rules is essential to avoid being stuck with items you cannot wear.
If you are looking for a clear, no-nonsense guide to the Lacoste return policy, you are in the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to get your money back smoothly. We will walk you through the standard return window, strict eligibility rules, refund methods, shipping fees, and simple step-by-step instructions for mailing your items back.
Note: The information in this guide is based on the latest available policy and may change over time (verified 2026).
Lacoste Return Policy: Rules, Fees, & Step-by-Step Guide
The Lacoste return policy allows customers to return unworn, unwashed items within 30 days of purchase or delivery for a full refund. Returns are free when utilizing Lacoste's pre-paid return shipping label. Online orders can be returned either by mail or at any official Lacoste Boutique. However, items purchased at Lacoste Outlet locations or third-party retailers must be returned directly to their original purchase channels.
Lacoste Return Policy At-A-Glance
For a quick summary of how returns work, review the table below:
| Lacoste Policy Feature | Rule Details |
|---|---|
| Return Window | 30 Days from purchase (in-store) or delivery (online) |
| Return Shipping Fee | FREE (when using the official prepaid label) |
| Are Exchanges Allowed? | Yes, but only in-store (No online exchanges) |
| Boutique Returns? | Yes, for online & boutique purchases |
| Outlet Returns? | No, Outlet purchases must return to Outlets |
| No-Receipt Returns? | Exchange or Store Credit only (at current selling value) |
The Core Policy: 30-Day Return Window
Lacoste enforces a strict 30-day return window for all standard purchases. If you miss this deadline, your return will be rejected and the merchandise will be sent back to you.
- In-Store Purchases: You have 30 days from the date printed on your physical store receipt.
- Online Purchases: You have 30 days from the date your package was marked as "delivered" by the shipping carrier. Keep your digital receipt email so you can easily track this date.
Holiday Return Extension Details
If you are buying gifts during the winter holidays, Lacoste offers a generous holiday return policy. Items purchased between mid-November and mid-December can generally be returned until January 31st of the following year. Be sure to check the official Lacoste return policy page each November to confirm the exact start dates for the holiday extension.
Eligibility: Can You Return Your Item?
Lacoste is known for having very strict quality control standards. They do not accept items that show any signs of wear, tear, or use.
Return Conditions (Tags, Washing, Footwear)
To ensure your return is approved quickly, your items must meet the following criteria:
- Pristine Condition: Items must be completely unworn, unwashed, and unaltered. They must be free of odors, deodorant stains, and pet hair.
- Original Tags: All original price tags and barcode labels must remain firmly attached. If you detach the tags, the return will likely be denied.
- Footwear Packaging: Shoes must be returned inside their original, undamaged Lacoste shoe box. Do not use the shoe box as your shipping container. Place the shoe box inside a separate, sturdy shipping box.
Tip: If your item arrived damaged, take photos before you start the return process and contact customer service immediately.
Non-Returnable and Final Sale Items
Certain products are restricted for hygiene or personalization reasons. The following non-returnable items cannot be refunded or exchanged under any circumstances:
- Customized Apparel: Any product featuring custom monogramming or "My Lacoste" personalization is final sale.
- Fragrances & Beauty: Perfumes and colognes can only be returned if they are completely unopened and still sealed in their original plastic shrink-wrap.
- Underwear & Face Masks: For sanitary reasons, boxers, briefs, and face masks are final sale once the packaging is opened.
- Gift Cards: Physical and digital e-gift cards cannot be returned for cash (except where required by local state law).
How to Return Online Purchases
If you bought your items on Lacoste.com, you have two simple options for returning them: mailing them back or taking them to a local store.
Method 1: Return by Mail (Step-by-Step)
An online return by mail is highly convenient because Lacoste covers the shipping costs, provided you use their digital portal. Use this checklist to complete your mail-in return:
- [ ] Step 1: Go to the Lacoste Online Returns Portal on their website.
- [ ] Step 2: Enter your Order Number and Billing Zip Code.
- [ ] Step 3: Select the items you want to return and select a reason from the drop-down menu.
- [ ] Step 4: Download and print your pre-paid FedEx or UPS shipping label.
- [ ] Step 5: Pack items securely in the original packaging with all tags attached.
- [ ] Step 6: Drop off the package at any authorized FedEx or UPS drop-off location (matching the carrier on your label).
Method 2: Return to a Lacoste Boutique
If you want your refund faster, an in-store return is your best option. You can take any unworn online order to an official Lacoste retail boutique. Simply bring the item in its original packaging, your digital order confirmation (packing slip or email), and the original payment method. The store associate will process your return on the spot.
Lacoste Store & Outlet Purchases
Shopping at different Lacoste locations comes with specific rules. Where you bought the item dictates exactly where you can return it.
Can you return outlet items to a regular boutique?
No, you cannot. This is a common point of frustration for shoppers. Lacoste separates its retail boutiques from its outlet locations. They use different inventory systems and sell different product tiers.
- Boutique Purchases: Must be returned to standard Lacoste Boutiques.
- Outlet Purchases: Must be returned directly to a Lacoste Outlet store.
This strict channel separation is very common in premium retail. For example, you will find similar restrictions if you read up on the Polo Factory Store return policy.
Returns without a receipt
What happens if you lose your receipt? Lacoste is quite strict, but there is a workaround for no-receipt returns. If you do not have your physical receipt or order number, the store manager may offer you an exchange or issue store credit for the item. However, you will only receive the current selling price of the item, not necessarily what you paid for it. Furthermore, the item must still be unworn and have all original tags attached to qualify.
Lacoste Exchange Policy Explained
The Lacoste exchange policy works beautifully in physical stores but is somewhat frustrating for online shoppers.
- In-Store Exchanges: If you need a different size or color, bring your item to a boutique. As long as the alternative item is in stock, the associate will swap it out immediately.
- Online Exchanges: Lacoste does not offer direct exchanges through the mail. If you bought an item online and need a different size, you must return the original item for a refund and place a brand-new order for the correct item.
How Long Do Lacoste Refunds Take?
Patience is key when waiting for a Lacoste refund by mail. Their warehouse processing time is slower than some competitors.
- Shipping & Transit: 3 to 7 business days for the package to reach the warehouse.
- Warehouse Processing: 10 to 14 business days for staff to inspect the items and approve the return.
- Bank Processing: 2 to 5 additional business days for the funds to clear and appear on your bank statement.
Your chosen refund method will always default to your original form of payment (credit card, PayPal, etc.). If you are returning a gift and have a gift receipt, you will be refunded via a Lacoste store credit gift card.
Fees, Deductions & Exceptions
Nobody likes hidden fees when returning clothes. Fortunately, Lacoste makes the financial side of returns fairly straightforward:
- Restocking Fee: Lacoste does not charge a restocking fee for returned items. You will get the full purchase price of the garment back.
- Return Shipping: Return shipping is 100% free if you use the prepaid label generated from their website. Do not pay out of pocket at the post office, as Lacoste will not reimburse you for third-party shipping costs.
- Original Shipping Fees: If you paid for expedited or standard shipping on your original order, those shipping fees are non-refundable unless Lacoste made a mistake (like sending the wrong item).
Customer Support & Contact Information
If you are having trouble printing a label, need to track a delayed refund, or have questions about a damaged item, Lacoste customer support is highly accessible.
- Phone Number: 1-800-452-2678
- Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (EST) | Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (EST)
- Live Chat: Available directly on the Lacoste website during active customer service hours.
- Best Practice: Always have your 9-digit order number ready before you call or open a chat window.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I return a Lacoste online order to an outlet store?
No. Online Lacoste orders can only be returned via mail or to a standard Lacoste Boutique. They cannot be returned to Lacoste Outlet stores or department stores like Nordstrom.
Does Lacoste offer free return shipping?
Yes, Lacoste provides a free prepaid return shipping label for all domestic orders returned within the 30-day window.
Can I return Lacoste items without a receipt?
If you do not have a receipt, Lacoste can only offer store credit or an exchange at the item's current selling price, provided the item has all tags attached and is unworn.
How long does a refund from Lacoste take?
Once the warehouse receives your mailed return package, it typically takes 10 to 14 business days to inspect the item and issue your refund.
What items are non-returnable at Lacoste?
Customized "My Lacoste" items, opened fragrances, and opened underwear or face masks are considered final sale and cannot be returned.
Does Lacoste charge a restocking fee?
No. Lacoste does not charge any restocking fees on eligible returns.
How do I return a damaged or wrong item?
If your Lacoste order arrives damaged or incorrect, do not use the standard online portal. Call customer service immediately at 1-800-452-2678 so they can authorize a special return and waive any standard processing delays.
Can I return a gift to Lacoste?
Yes, you can return a gift. If you have the gift receipt, your refund will be issued in the form of a Lacoste store credit or gift card, rather than going back to the original purchaser's credit card.
Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary by location. Always confirm details on the official Lacoste website or with your local store. Information verified 2026.
Found this helpful? Bookmark this page for the latest Lacoste return policy updates and check our other guides before your next purchase. If you frequently shop for premium apparel, you might also want to review the Ralph Lauren return policy and the Brooks Brothers return policy to ensure you always know your shopping rights!
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