Shopping at Aerie is low-risk. You get 30 days for a full cash refund and 60 days for store credit, plus an extra 7 days on top of that for anything you bought online. In-store returns cost nothing. That flexibility makes the Aerie return policy one of the more customer-friendly options in the intimates and activewear space. Here is a full breakdown of how it works.
| Information | Details |
| Website | www.ae.com/aerie |
| Return Time | 30 days (full refund); 60 days (store credit); +7 days for online purchases |
| Return Medium | Both (In-Store and Online by mail) |
| Exchange Period | 30 days in-store; online exchanges require return and rebuy |
| Refund Time | 5 to 7 business days after return received (card); immediate (in-store) |
| Refund Method | Original payment method (within 30 days); AEO Merchandise Return Card (31-60 days) |
| Contact | 1-888-232-4535 |
| Email Support | Via online form at ae.com/help |
Contents
- 1 The Two-Window Return System
- 2 Condition Requirements for Aerie Returns
- 3 Free In-Store Returns at Any AE or Aerie Location
- 4 Returning Aerie Items by Mail
- 5 Holiday Return Extension
- 6 Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items
- 7 What About Exchanges?
- 8 Returning Without a Receipt
- 9 Aerie Price Adjustments
- 10 Social Media Handles
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions
- 12 Conclusion
The Two-Window Return System
Aerie operates on a dual-window structure. Return within 30 days and you receive a full refund to your original payment method, whether that was a credit card, PayPal, or cash. Return between days 31 and 60 and you get merchandise credit in the form of an AEO Merchandise Return Card, which works at any Aerie or American Eagle Outfitters store. After 60 days, returns are generally not accepted, though store managers have some discretion for current-season items.
If you ordered online, add 7 days to both windows. That puts your full-refund deadline at 37 days and your merchandise credit deadline at 67 days from the ship date.
Condition Requirements for Aerie Returns
Aerie inspects every returned item before approving the refund. To pass that inspection, your items must be:
- Unworn and unwashed
- Undamaged, with all original labels and tags still attached
- Accompanied by proof of purchase (receipt, invoice, order confirmation email, or account lookup)
Swimwear and underwear have one additional requirement: the hygienic liner must remain intact and in place. If the liner has been removed or shows signs of tampering, Aerie will decline the return. This rule is firm, not discretionary.
Free In-Store Returns at Any AE or Aerie Location
Walking into a store is always your fastest and cheapest option. Aerie lets you return items at any American Eagle, Aerie, Offline by Aerie, or AE Factory Store location across the US. The return is completely free, processed on the spot, and you get your refund or merchandise credit immediately. You can even cross-return: Aerie items go back to AE stores and vice versa.
Bring your item, your proof of purchase, and the payment card you originally used. The associate will check the item’s condition, scan your receipt, and handle everything from there.
Returning Aerie Items by Mail
Mail returns at Aerie start at the online portal: ae.com/returns. Log into your account, select the order, choose the items you want to return, and print the prepaid shipping label.
A $5.00 return shipping fee is deducted from your refund for most standard apparel returns. That fee is waived in three situations:
- Aerie bras, bralettes, and swimwear shipped back by themselves
- Third-party footwear purchased through Aerie
- Real Rewards Level 3 members and AE Credit Cardmembers
Once Aerie receives your package, allow 5 to 7 business days for the return to be processed and your refund to post.
Holiday Return Extension
Purchases made at Aerie or any AE brand store between October 23 and December 24 are eligible for return through February 1, 2026, regardless of which window applies. The original proof of purchase or gift receipt is required. Final Sale items are excluded from this extension, as with all returns.
Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items
Items marked Final Sale cannot be returned or exchanged under any circumstances. This designation appears on the product page and is typically found on deeply discounted clearance items. Customized products are also non-returnable. Aerie reserves the right to decline returns if fraud or policy abuse is suspected.
What About Exchanges?
In-store exchanges are simple: bring your item and ask for the size or color you want. If the new item is cheaper, the difference goes back to your original payment method. If it costs more, you pay the difference. Online exchanges do not work through the mail portal. If you bought something online and want a different size, you must return the original item and place a new order separately. This is the one friction point in the Aerie return policy
Returning Without a Receipt
No receipt? Aerie and American Eagle associates can often look up your purchase through your Real Rewards account or the payment card you used. If they cannot find the transaction, you are still eligible for an exchange for a different size of the same item. Cash refunds or merchandise credit without any purchase verification are not guaranteed.
Aerie Price Adjustments
If you buy something at Aerie and the price drops within 14 days of your purchase, you can request a price adjustment. Do it in-store with your receipt or via live chat for online orders. Aerie does not price-match competitors since it sells its own brand exclusively.
Social Media Handles
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return Aerie items to an American Eagle store?
Yes. Aerie and American Eagle Outfitters share the same parent company and the same return policy. You can return Aerie items at any AE location and AE items at any Aerie location across the US.
Does Aerie charge for returns by mail?
Most mail returns carry a $5.00 fee deducted from the refund. Returns of Aerie bras, bralettes, and swimwear (shipped without other apparel) and third-party footwear are free. Real Rewards Level 3 members get free returns on everything.
What condition do items need to be in for an Aerie return?
Items must be unworn, unwashed, and undamaged with all original tags attached. Swimwear and underwear must have the hygienic liner intact. Worn or laundered items will be refused.
How long does an Aerie refund take?
In-store refunds are immediate. Mail return refunds take 5 to 7 business days after Aerie receives and processes your package. This does not include your bank’s own posting time.
Can I exchange an Aerie online purchase by mail?
No. Aerie does not process exchanges for online purchases by mail. You must return the item and then place a brand new order for the replacement. In-store exchanges for online purchases are fast and free.
Conclusion
The Aerie return policy rewards customers who act within 30 days with full refunds and no fees at any store. The extra 7-day buffer for online orders and the holiday extension through February 1 give you breathing room. The $5 mail return fee is the one downside, but avoiding it is easy: return in-store or stick to purchases where the fee is waived. Understanding these details before you shop makes the Aerie experience smoother from start to finish.
Disclaimer: The return policy information on ReturnsPolicies.info is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the latest updates. Always verify the current policy directly on the retailer’s official website before making any purchase or return decision. We are not affiliated with any of the retailers mentioned.