The lululemon Return Policy Explained the Easy Way

The lululemon return policy can make your head spin, but once you unravel the confusing twists and turns, you can totally work it to your advantage.

You may be wondering if you can return lululemon items you’ve already worn. And what happens if you miss the return deadline? Can you return Like Newlululemon items at all? Or, can you trade-in your favorite lululemon leggings for a slightly bigger size — even if they were originally on sale?

We studied the lululemon return policy in full, pulled out the most important info, and laid it all out in an easy-to-understand guide. From return policy basics to guidelines for lululemon Outlet purchases, we covered everything you need to know to make lululemon’s return policy work for you.

Don’t miss our lululemon hacks and the best deals from the “We Made Too Much” lululemon sale. Oh, and don’t forget to download the KCL app to stay on top of rare lululemon coupons whenever they drop.

1. How long do I have to return an item to lululemon?

You have 30 days to return any item to lululemon. This 30-day return policy covers leggings, lululemon shoes, yoga mats, and even purchases from their Like New resale shop.

After the 30-day mark (or if your item appears used or worn), you won’t get a full refund for your return, but you can try your luck with what they call a Performance Return (see Tip #6 below) or a Like New trade-in. We’ll dive deeper into those policies further down in this post.

TIP: If you buy lululemon shoes online, you’ll have 30 days to return them starting from the day you actually receive your order — not the day you placed the order.

2. Can I make a lululemon return without a receipt?

You’re technically supposed to provide a receipt when making a lululemon return. But in all reality — as long as you’re not abusing the system, lululemon will give you a refund even without a receipt as long as you present a government ID so they can track any fraud. The only way to claim a refund this way is via a lululemon gift card, not a refund back to your original form of payment.

If you do have your receipt, your refund will be issued via the original form of payment.

But even if you don’t have that slip of paper from the register, they may still be able to look up your receipt. If you have any of these proofs of purchase, you’re all set:

• Purchase history from your lululemon member profile.

• Packing slip.

• Online receipt.

• Delivery confirmation email.

3. How long does it take to get a lululemon refund?

If your refund doesn’t show up on your account or bank statement right away, give it some time. Once lululemon issues a refund, it can take 3 to 10 business days for it to show up on your bank account.

In-store returns have the fastest turnaround time for refunds, but mailed returns take longer. Once your package arrives back at the warehouse, it may not get processed for another three to five days. All of this factors into the overall time it takes for your refund to appear.

TIP: Some banks and credit cards require additional time to process your refund, so it depends on the original payment method you used to make your purchase. If you still don’t see your refund after three to 10 business days, contact lululemon or reach out to your bank directly for more info.

4. Can I return an item that I used or washed?

We totally understand the urge to test drive your new items, but it’s best to play it safe if you aren’t totally in love with them. This is because the vast majority of the time, you can’t return items that have been used or washed.

Try to keep your lululemon purchases in their original packaging with all tags attached until you’re sure you want to keep them. Otherwise, you may not be able to return them.

TIP: Are you a doctor, nurse, or first responder? Be sure to take advantage of the 15% off lululemon healthcare worker discount whenever you shop.

5. Are there exceptions to the lululemon return policy?

You betcha. Some of the policy exceptions work in your favor, like the footwear return policy. Others are a little more of a bummer, like the return policy for the We Made Too Much section. Let’s get into it.

What is the lululemon return policy for shoes?

Most items at lululemon are ineligible for returns after you’ve cut the tags off or worn or washed them. There is one exception: shoes.

If you’ve already worn your new kicks and end up not liking them, you can still return used shoes within the 30-day window. Just explain what happened when you make your return.

Even though the lululemon shoe return policy is a little more generous, you’re still going to need to make the return with the original shoe box. So don’t throw it out until after the 30 days is over!

What items can you never return at lululemon?

The big two items you can absolutely never return to lululemon are gift cards and face masks.

Usually, they don’t let you return items from the “We Made Too Much” section or End-of-Year clearance sales either. But there’s an exception if you’re a lululemon member. lululemon members can return sale items in-store and get store credit. It’s not cash, but it’s something!

6. Is it true lululemon has a lifetime warranty?

Kind of! lululemon backs their durable gear with a Quality Promise. The pledge says that if you aren’t happy with how an item performs, you can get a full refund for it, as long as you’re within the “practical lifetime” of the item.

So it’s not covered for your lifetime, but for however long you’d expect workout clothes to last. That line is super blurry, and it’s going to be judged by each individual representative of lululemon. It’s usually judged liberally, but your mileage may vary.

If you qualify, you’d file for a special type of return known as a Performance Return.

Keep in mind: Your item has to show some sort of product flaw or defect to qualify for a Performance Return. If it looks like you stained, tore, or misused the item in any way, it won’t pass lululemon’s inspection process.

TIP: lululemon might not cover their products for your entire lifetime, but there are other brands out there with true lifetime warranties.

Can I make a Performance Return after 30 days?

Yes. If your item qualifies under the Quality Promise, you can make a Performance Return after the 30-day mark passes. You can request a Performance Return online only.

You’ll need to attach photos of the item you want to send back. lululemon will review your request and respond within 12 – 15 business days. If they approve your request, you’ll get an e-gift card in your inbox.

Does lululemon’s Quality Promise cover Like New items?

No, Like New purchases don’t qualify for a Performance Return. You’ll need to return them within 30 days for a full refund, or trade it in again through the Like New program.

7. Can I return lululemon swimwear?

Yes, you can return lululemon swimwear, but only under the right conditions. You’ve gotta be in that 30-day return window, and it has to have all tags intact — including the hygienic liner in the swimwear bottoms.

TIP: Don’t even try returning underwear unless the package is 100% unopened.

8. Can I return lululemon online orders in-store?

Yes, you can return your lululemon online order in-store. In fact, we recommend you do that.

When you return items in-store, a lululemon associate can issue your refund right away. Also, you won’t have to face potential shipping delays or track your return package to make sure it arrives at their facility.

How to return lululemon items in-store:

1. Bring your items to a lululemon store, and find an associate that can help with your return.

2. Show the associate your original receipt or order confirmation email so they can verify your purchase

3. After that, you should be good to go!

TIP: If you paid online using PayPal, your in-person return will get you a lululemon gift card rather than a PayPal refund.

9. Does lululemon charge for return shipping?

Nope! Lululemon does not charge for return shipping — that is, unless you’re returning a Like New purchase. (See Tip #11 for more info about that.)

Since return shipping is completely free on the vast majority of orders, mailing your return is probably more convenient if you don’t live near a lululemon store. All you have to do is submit your return request online, then drop off your package at a FedEx or USPS location.

How to return lululemon items by mail:

1. Visit the lululemon Returns page on their website.

2. Sign in to your lululemon account (if you have one), or enter your order number and email address.

3. Select the items you want to return.

4. Print your shipping label.

5. Submit your return request and check your email to find your RMA (return merchandise authorization) number — you’ll need this to track the status of your return.

6. Place your items in the reusable shipping bag or box.

7. Attach your shipping label and drop off your package at any FedEx Ground or USPS shipping location.

TIP: While you used to be able to choose a “Fast Track Return” to get your refund super-quick via an e-gift card, lululemon ended that program on Aug. 20, 2023.

10. Can I make lululemon exchanges via mail?

No, you must make lululemon exchanges in-person at a store — even if you originally made the purchase online. This is a pretty standard policy for most retailers these days. It takes a long time (and costs a lot of money) for stores like lululemon to ship your item, process your return, then reship your exchange item, so they try to do it in-store only.

If you need a different style or size, you’ll have to visit a lululemon store to make the swap.

11. Can I return my lululemon Like New purchases?

The Like New program lets you resell new and gently used lululemon items in exchange for an e-gift card. So if you missed the 30-day return mark (or prematurely tore the tags off your items), there’s still hope.

Here’s the catch, though: you can only return Like New items by mail, and you’ll have to cover return shipping costs yourself. You’ll pay a flat rate of $7.50, which gets deducted from your refund.

How to return Like New purchases online:

• Visit lululemon’s Like New returns page on their website (it’s different than the regular returns page).

• Enter your name and order number.

• View your return authorization number and return instructions.

12. What is lululemon’s holiday return policy?

Any items you buy between Oct. 16 – Dec. 24, 2023, can be returned until Jan. 23, 2024, for either an exchange or a full refund. So if that gift doesn’t end up fitting, don’t stress. You’ll still have time to return it.

Related: Here’s what to expect from lululemon Black Friday and lululemon Cyber Monday sales.

13. Can I return lululemon items to lululemon outlet stores?

No, you can’t return lululemon items to lululemon Outlet stores. You can only return lululemon items to a regular lululemon store. If you don’t have a lululemon store near you, mailing back your return is your next best option.

14. How do I contact lululemon customer service?

If you need to get in touch with lululemon customer service, there are multiple ways to do it:

• Live chat on their website.

• Call 1-877-263-9300.

• Email them.

TIP: If you’ve got an iPhone, they’ll let you do a live chat via iMessages.

Read up on more return policies.

If reading the return policy fine print drives you crazy, you can’t miss our comprehensive guide to return and exchange policies. We dug through the confusion and pulled out all the important return policy details at your favorite stores.