Aeropostale is a popular retailer for casual apparel and accessories, especially among teens and young adults. With both online and in-store shopping options, understanding the Aeropostale Return Policy is essential to ensure a smooth experience if you need to return or exchange items. Aeropostale continues to offer flexible return and exchange options, with clear rules for refunds, exchanges, and exceptions.

This guide explains the Aeropostale Return Policy, including refund timelines, exchange procedures, exceptions, and FAQs.

Aeropostale Return Policy: Returns and Exchange Guide

Quick Summary

• Standard return window: 60 days from purchase.
• Refunds: Issued to original payment method within 7–10 business days.
• Exchanges: Available in-store and online for eligible items.
• Sale items: Must be returned within 30 days.
• Condition requirements: Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original packaging with tags attached.
• Gift receipts: Eligible for store credit or exchange only.

Policy Snapshot Table

Policy Area	Key Details
Standard Return Window	60 days from purchase for most items
Sale/Discounted Items	Must be returned within 30 days
Refund Method	Refunds issued to original payment method; store credit with gift receipt
Exchange Policy	Exchanges available in-store and online
Return Shipping	Free in-store returns; mail returns may require shipping fee
Condition Requirements	Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original packaging with tags attached
Non-Returnable Items	Final sale items, gift cards, worn/washed apparel, undergarments
Refund Timeline	7–10 business days for processing

How to Return an Aeropostale Item: Step-by-Step Guide

Aeropostale offers multiple convenient return channels. Follow these steps for a smooth process.

For Online Purchases (Return by Mail):

Step 1: Start Your Return Online
Log into your Aeropostale account and go to “Order History” or visit their Returns Center. Enter your order number and the email address used for the purchase to access your order.

Step 2: Select Items & Reason
Choose the item(s) you wish to return from your order. Select the reason for return from the provided options (e.g., “Fit,” “Style,” “Changed Mind”).

Step 3: Choose Refund Method & Print Label
Select your preferred refund method (original payment or merchandise credit). Aeropostale will generate a free prepaid return shipping label for you to print.

Step 4: Package and Ship
Place the item(s) securely in a shipping box or bag. It’s best to use the original packaging if available. Include the packing slip (if you have it) inside the package. Attach the printed return label securely to the outside. Drop the package at the designated carrier (USPS or UPS).

Step 5: Track and Wait for Refund
Use the tracking number from the label to monitor your return. Aeropostale will send email notifications when your return is received and when your refund is processed.

For Online or In-Store Purchases (Return In-Store):

Step 1: Gather Items & Proof of Purchase
Bring the item(s) in new condition with all original tags attached and your original receipt or packing slip to any Aeropostale retail store.

Step 2: Visit the Store
Go to the register or customer service desk. The associate will process your return. With a receipt, you’ll get a refund to your original payment. Without a receipt, you’ll typically receive store merchandise credit at the item’s lowest selling price within the last 30 days, and you’ll need to show a valid photo ID.

Step 3: Receive Your Refund or Credit
Refunds to cards are processed immediately at the register but take a few days to post to your account. Merchandise credit is issued as a gift card on the spot.

Return Conditions: What “New Condition” Means

To ensure your return is accepted, items must meet these specific condition requirements:

Unworn and Unwashed: Items must show **no signs of wear, washing, or alteration.** This includes no stains, odors, deodorant marks, pilling, or stretching.
All Original Tags: The Aeropostale hangtag and fabric/care tags must be attached securely. Items with removed tags will be denied.
Original Packaging: While not always mandatory for apparel, using the original polybag is recommended. For accessories or footwear, the original box may be required.
Complete Items: All parts must be included (e.g., belts that come with jeans, extra buttons, dust bags).

The Refund Process: Timelines and Methods

Processing Time: For mailed returns, the refund process begins after the return is received and inspected at the Aeropostale warehouse. This typically takes 5-7 business days from the day you drop off the package.

Refund Method & Bank Timing:
Original Credit/Debit Card: Refunds take 3-10 business days to appear on your statement after Aeropostale processes it.
PayPal: Refunds are generally processed within 3-5 business days.
Aeropostale Merchandise Credit/Gift Card: Issued immediately in-store or emailed as an e-gift card shortly after an online return is processed. This is the fastest option.
Cash (with original receipt): Refunded immediately for in-store purchases.

Original Shipping Fees: Standard shipping charges are non-refundable unless the return is due to a defective or incorrect item sent by Aeropostale.

Partial Refunds: If an item is returned in a condition that is not sellable as new (e.g., tags attached but minor wear, missing polybag), Aeropostale may issue a partial refund at their discretion or deny the return. You will be notified if this occurs.

Aeropostale Exchange Policy: Swapping Made Simple

Aeropostale’s exchange policy is flexible, especially with a receipt.

In-Store Exchanges (Easiest Method):

With your receipt and the new, tag-on item, you can exchange for any other item in the store. There is no time limit for exchanges when you have a receipt. You can exchange clearance items for other clearance items or apply the value toward a regular-priced item.

Online Exchanges:

Aeropostale does not have a direct “exchange” button for online orders. The standard process is:
1. Initiate a return for the original item through your online account for a refund.
2. Place a separate, new order for the desired size, color, or item.
This method ensures you secure the new item immediately, as styles and sizes can change quickly.

Exchanges Without a Receipt:

Without proof of purchase, you may only exchange for an item of equal or greater value at the current price. You will need to show a valid photo ID, and the exchange is subject to manager approval.

Exceptions, Special Cases & Important Details

Final Sale Items: Products purchased from clearance sections (online or in-store) that are marked “Final Sale” are non-returnable, non-refundable, and non-exchangeable. All sales are final on these items.
Face Masks & Intimates: For health and hygiene reasons, face coverings and intimate apparel (underwear, swimwear) are only returnable if the original hygiene liner or packaging is intact and unopened. Once the protective seal is broken, these items cannot be returned.
Defective or Incorrect Items: If you receive a damaged, flawed, or wrong item, contact Aeropostale Customer Service immediately. They will provide a prepaid return label and expedite a replacement or full refund, including any shipping charges.
Gift Returns: Items received as a gift can be returned with the packing slip for a refund to the original form of payment. Without the packing slip, they can be returned for merchandise credit at the current selling price.
Holiday Extended Return Policy: Aeropostale often implements an extended return window for purchases made during the holiday season (typically late October through December). During this period, the return deadline is usually extended to January 31st of the following year. This will be clearly advertised on their website.
International Returns: Online purchases shipped to the US from aeropostale.com must be returned to the US warehouse. Canadian purchases from aeropostale.ca must be returned to the Canadian warehouse. In-store returns are typically only accepted in the country of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long do I have to return an item to Aeropostale?
A: With a receipt, you have 60 days from the purchase date to return an item for a refund or exchange. The holiday season may have an extended deadline.

Q: Can I return Aeropostale items without a receipt?
A: Yes, but you will receive merchandise credit at the item’s current selling price, not a cash or card refund. A valid government-issued photo ID is required, and returns without a receipt may be limited in frequency.

Q: Does Aeropostale offer free returns?
A: Yes. Aeropostale provides a free prepaid return shipping label for all online returns. Returns to their retail stores are also free.

Q: Can I return online purchases to an Aeropostale store?
A: Absolutely. This is often the fastest method. Bring the item(s) in new condition with tags, along with your packing slip or order confirmation email, to any Aeropostale store for a free return or exchange.

Q: How do I exchange an item for a different size?
A: The simplest way is to take the unworn item with tags and your receipt to any Aeropostale store for an immediate exchange. For online orders, you need to return the original item for a refund and place a new order for the correct size.

Q: What is Aeropostale’s final sale policy?
A: Any item marked “Final Sale” at the time of purchase (common in clearance) is non-returnable and non-exchangeable. This is final.

Q: How long does an Aeropostale refund take to show on my card?
A: After your return is processed at the warehouse, it takes 3-10 business days for the refund to be issued and appear on your credit/debit card statement.

Q: Can I return swimwear or underwear?
A: Swimwear and intimate apparel are returnable only if the original hygiene liner or protective packaging is intact and has not been removed or tampered with. If it has been removed, the item cannot be returned for hygiene reasons.

Q: What if I lost my receipt and the item is defective?
A: Contact Aeropostale Customer Service. Even without a receipt, they will often make an exception for a clear manufacturing defect and offer a replacement or store credit.

Q: What is Aeropostale’s return policy for international orders?
A: You must return online purchases by mail to the warehouse in the country where you made the purchase. In-store returns are generally not accepted across international borders (e.g., a US purchase cannot be returned to a Canadian store).