State & Liberty Return Policy: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Shopping for athletic-cut clothing can be tricky. When you buy athletic-fit dress shirts, stretch blazers, or performance suits, getting the right sleeve length, neck size, and chest taper often takes a try-on at home. If something does not fit the way you hoped, you need to know how the State & Liberty return policy handles your order.
State & Liberty is known for a flexible, customer-first approach. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about State & Liberty returns, including their generous dual return windows, item condition rules, refund timelines, and step-by-step instructions for mailing items back or dropping them off in person. We keep this guide verified and updated for 2026 so you can shop with confidence.
Overview of the State & Liberty Return Policy
Before diving into the fine print, here is a quick summary of how returns and exchanges work at State & Liberty:
| Policy Feature | Policy Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Refund Window | 30 days from the delivery or in-store purchase date |
| Exchange & Credit Window | 90 days from the delivery or in-store purchase date |
| Condition Requirements | Unworn, unwashed, unaltered, with original tags attached |
| Return Shipping Fees | Free for exchanges, store credit, and in-store returns; $7.50 to $9.95 deducted for mail-in refunds |
| Restocking Fee | $0 (No restocking fees on any return) |
| Drop-off Options | Mail (USPS/UPS), Happy Returns Bar (box-free/label-free), or retail stores |
| Non-Returnable Items | Custom-tailored/altered suits, final sale items, opened underwear, and gift cards |
Return Window & Eligibility Requirements
State & Liberty uses a two-tiered system that gives you plenty of time to find your ideal fit while keeping inventory fresh.
Standard Return Window
The brand separates returns into two distinct windows based on how you want your funds returned:
- 30-Day Window for Full Refunds: You have 30 days from your package delivery date (or in-store purchase date) to request a refund back to your original payment method.
- 90-Day Window for Store Credit and Exchanges: If you miss the 30-day mark or simply need a different size or color, the return window extends to a full 90 days. During this time, you can swap your garment for another item or receive digital store credit with no penalty.
Online vs. In-Store Return Windows
State & Liberty maintains identical return timeframes whether you place an order online at stateandliberty.com or buy directly inside a retail showroom. Even better, their systems are linked. If you made an online purchase, you can still return or exchange it at a physical store to avoid shipping transit times.
What Items Qualify for Returns?
Most standard, off-the-rack items in the State & Liberty catalog qualify for a return or exchange:
- Athletic fit dress shirts
- Performance polos and tees
- Off-the-rack stretch suits and blazers
- Casual pants, chinos, and shorts
- Outerwear, overcoats, and vests
- Unopened accessories (ties, pocket squares, belts)
Conditions for Accepted Returns
To make sure your return passes warehouse inspection without delay, run through this quick condition checklist before sending anything back:
- Unworn and Unwashed: Clothes must not show any signs of wear, fabric creasing, or laundry detergent scents.
- No Marks or Scents: Garments must be free of deodorant stains, cologne scents, pet hair, and makeup marks.
- Original Tags Attached: All factory hangtags and labels must remain physically connected to the garment.
- Original Packaging: Whenever possible, return items in their clear garment bags or protective packaging.
- Unaltered State: The item must not have been taken to an outside tailor or hemmed.
How to Return Items to State & Liberty
State & Liberty makes the return process easy by offering three convenient return paths: in-store drop-offs, Happy Returns Bar locations, and standard mail-in shipping.
CHOOSE YOUR RETURN METHOD
│
┌────────────────┼────────────────┐
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
Retail Store Happy Returns Prepaid Mailer
(Instant & (No box/label; (Pack at home;
100% Free) fast scan) USPS/UPS drop)
Method 1: In-Store Returns (Fastest & 100% Free)
If you live near an official State & Liberty showroom, an in-store return is the fastest and most cost-effective option.
- Locate your nearest store on the State & Liberty website.
- Bring your unworn items with all original tags attached.
- Bring your order confirmation email, packing slip, or physical receipt.
- An associate will inspect the clothing and process your size exchange, store credit, or direct refund immediately. In-store returns are always free and avoid mail-in shipping deductions.
Method 2: Online Return Portal (Mail-In & Happy Returns)
To start a return from home, use the self-service web portal:
- Visit the official State & Liberty Online Returns & Exchanges Portal (
stateandliberty.com/pages/returns-exchanges). - Enter your 6-digit order number and the shipping zip code (or email address) tied to the order.
- Select the items you want to return and pick your return reason (such as "Too tight in the shoulders" or "Sleeves too long").
- Choose whether you want an exchange, store credit, or a refund back to your original payment card.
- Select your return drop-off method: a local Happy Returns Bar or a printable prepaid return label.
Method 3: Dropping Off at a Happy Returns Bar
State & Liberty partners with Happy Returns to provide eco-friendly, printer-free returns across thousands of retail locations (often inside The UPS Store, Petco, or local grocery stores).
- After selecting Happy Returns in the online portal, you will receive a digital QR code via email.
- Take your clothing item (no shipping box or printed label required) and the QR code on your phone to the Return Bar.
- A store associate scans the code, inspects the garment, and approves your return on the spot.
- Your replacement order or store credit is initiated immediately.
Method 4: Standard Mail-In Return via USPS or UPS
If you do not have a Happy Returns Bar nearby, you can use the mail-in option:
- Download and print the prepaid shipping label generated by the online portal.
- Carefully fold your items and place them into the original poly-mailer or a clean shipping box.
- Affix the prepaid shipping label securely to the outside of the parcel, covering any older shipping barcodes.
- Drop your parcel off at the carrier specified on the label (typically USPS or UPS).
- Retain your carrier drop-off receipt so you can track the package as it travels back to the warehouse.
Return Label Instructions & Troubleshooting
If you lose your label or cannot get it to print, simply return to the online portal, re-enter your order number and zip code, and hit "Reprint Label." If the system gives you an error, take a screenshot of your order screen and contact support so they can email you a fresh PDF label.
Refunds & Processing Time
Once your return leaves your hands, processing times vary based on the method you selected:
| Return Type | Carrier Transit | Warehouse Processing | Funds Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Returns Bar | N/A (Scanned on site) | Instant verification | Instant (Credit/Exchange) or 2–5 days (Banks) |
| Store Credit (Mailed) | 3–5 business days | 24–48 hours after scan | Issued via email right away |
| Card Refund (Mailed) | 3–5 business days | 3–7 business days | 5–10 business days depending on bank |
| In-Store Return | N/A | Processed on the spot | 1–3 business days for bank processing |
Understanding Refund Deductions
When you request a refund back to your original card using a mail-in return label, State & Liberty deducts a flat return shipping and handling fee (typically $7.50 to $9.95) from your refund balance. However, if you choose store credit or a direct size exchange, this fee is completely waived, making the label 100% free.
When Might a Return Be Denied?
Your return may be delayed or denied if the warehouse team finds:
- Heavy cologne or body spray scents.
- Visible deodorant marks around the armpits or neck.
- Missing branded tags.
- Signs that the garment was tailored or hemmed after purchase.
If an item is rejected, customer service will notify you by email and ship the item back to your address.
State & Liberty Exchange Policy
Because State & Liberty garments are tailored specifically for athletic physiques (broad shoulders, muscular chests, and slim waists), getting the exact fit on your first try can take an adjustment.
The company offers an extended 90-day exchange policy specifically to remove fitting anxiety:
- 100% Free Shipping: All domestic size and style exchanges include free return shipping and free standard delivery on your new item.
- Instant Exchange Dispatch: When you use the portal to swap sizes, your new item is often reserved and processed the moment the return parcel receives its initial scan from the carrier or Happy Returns Bar. You do not have to wait for the package to travel all the way back to their warehouse.
- Comparing Brands: If you frequently shop other performance menswear labels, you will find this process similar to the Bonobos return policy guide and the Rhone return policy, which also encourage size swaps to nail your fit.
Non-Returnable or Restricted Items
While the State & Liberty return policy is generous, some items cannot be returned due to hygiene rules, custom craftsmanship, or deep discount terms:
- Custom Tailored & Altered Garments: Any suit, dress shirt, or pair of pants altered by an in-store tailor or an independent tailor cannot be returned or exchanged. Once fabric is cut, the sale is final. If you want a tailored fit, compare this with the Suitsupply return policy guide to understand how different suit makers handle custom adjustments.
- Final Sale & Warehouse Sale Items: Products clearly tagged as "Final Sale" on product pages or purchased during clearance warehouse sales cannot be returned.
- Underwear and Socks: Due to health regulations, individual pairs of underwear and socks that have been opened, tried on, or removed from their packaging are strictly non-returnable.
- Gift Cards & Mystery Boxes: Digital e-gift cards, physical cards, and promotional mystery grab-bags cannot be redeemed for cash or returned.
ELIGIBILITY SUMMARY
┌───────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ✅ ACCEPTED │
│ • Unworn dress shirts & blazers │
│ • Tags attached │
│ • Off-the-rack standard suits │
│ • Size exchanges within 90 days │
├───────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ❌ NOT ACCEPTED │
│ • Custom tailored / hemmed suits │
│ • Final sale / warehouse items │
│ • Opened underwear or socks │
│ • Worn / washed / cologne-scented │
└───────────────────────────────────────┘
Fees, Deductions & Exceptions
Understanding the fee structure helps you avoid surprise charges when making a return:
Restocking Fees
State & Liberty does not charge a restocking fee on standard clothing returns, blazers, or performance suits.
Return Shipping Costs
- Size Exchanges: $0 (Free)
- Store Credit Returns: $0 (Free)
- In-Store Returns for Refund: $0 (Free)
- Mail-In Returns for Refund: $7.50 – $9.95 deducted from your payout to cover the prepaid shipping label and handling.
International Returns
Free prepaid shipping labels are only available to shoppers in the United States. If you placed an international order (such as from Canada, the UK, or Australia), you are responsible for paying international return shipping, customs duties, and local taxes. Contact international support before mailing your package to ensure it includes the correct customs paperwork.
Holiday & Extended Return Policies
State & Liberty updates its guidelines during the end-of-year shopping season to accommodate holiday gift giving:
- Holiday Return Window: Any eligible purchase made between November 1 and December 24 qualifies for an extended holiday return policy.
- Extended Deadline: Customers and gift recipients have until mid-January (or 30 days post-Christmas, whichever is later) to process returns for a refund or swap items for store credit and alternate sizes.
- Gift Returns: If you received a gift and want to exchange it without notifying the buyer, you can start a gift exchange in the online portal using the original order number and your own shipping address.
Customer Support Information
If you encounter an issue with a damaged item, missing package, or portal error, contact the State & Liberty customer experience team:
-
Email Support:
support@stateandliberty.com -
Live Chat: Available directly on the lower corner of
stateandliberty.com - Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
- Physical Stores: You can call your local State & Liberty retail showroom directly during standard retail operating hours.
Tips for Faster Support:
- Have your 6-digit web order number ready.
- If an item arrived damaged or with a broken button, take clear, well-lit photos before contacting support.
- Use the same email address you used when placing the original order so the agent can quickly find your account history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return items to State & Liberty without a receipt?
For no-receipt returns, State & Liberty store associates can usually locate your purchase history using your full name, email address, or the credit card used during checkout. If the purchase cannot be located in their system, returns are not accepted.
How long does a refund from State & Liberty take?
Once your return package arrives at the warehouse, inspection takes 3 to 7 business days. After approval, the refund method you used (credit card, debit, PayPal) will reflect the funds within 5 to 10 business days depending on your financial institution.
Can I return online orders in-store at State & Liberty?
Yes. You can bring any item purchased on stateandliberty.com to any official State & Liberty showroom for a direct refund, an instant size exchange, or store credit. In-store returns are completely free and bypass mail-in shipping deductions.
Does State & Liberty charge a return shipping fee?
State & Liberty provides free return shipping if you choose a direct size exchange or store credit. If you want a refund sent back to your original payment card via a mail-in return label, a fee of $7.50 to $9.95 will be deducted from your total refund amount.
Can I return a suit that was tailored at a State & Liberty store?
No. Once a suit, blazer, or pant has undergone custom alterations-whether done through State & Liberty's in-house tailoring services or a local tailor-it is considered final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged.
How do Happy Returns work with State & Liberty?
Happy Returns allows you to drop off your return at thousands of Return Bar locations nationwide. You do not need a shipping box or a printed label. Just bring your unworn items and the QR code generated by the State & Liberty returns portal to the counter for an instant scan.
What should I do if my garment arrived damaged or defective?
If your clothing arrives with a defect-such as an open seam, missing button, or fabric blemish-contact support@stateandliberty.com right away. Include photos of the damage. State & Liberty will issue an immediate, free replacement without charging any return shipping fees.
Can a gift recipient return an item for store credit?
Yes. Gift recipients can initiate a return through the portal by selecting the gift return option. As long as you have the order number, you can exchange the item for a different size or receive a digital store gift card without the original buyer being notified or billed.
Are warehouse sale or mystery box items eligible for returns?
No. All items purchased during special warehouse clearance sales, promotional sample sales, or sold as mystery boxes are strictly non-returnable items and cannot be exchanged or refunded.
Final Thoughts & Consumer Advice
State & Liberty provides one of the most balanced return structures in menswear. While they deduct a modest fee for mail-in card refunds, they make size exchanges 100% free and give you an industry-leading 90 days to swap for the right cut.
For the smoothest experience:
- Try on your garments inside on a clean surface right after delivery.
- Leave all tags attached until you are sure the chest, arms, and waist fit comfortably.
- If you need a different cut, opt for a size exchange or use a local Happy Returns Bar to get your replacement faster.
Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary by location. Always confirm current details on the official State & Liberty website or with your local showroom. Information verified for 2026.
Found this helpful? Bookmark this page for the latest updates on the State & Liberty return policy, and explore our other apparel return guides before your next wardrobe refresh!
