Bought a sweater that does not fit? Need to return a pair of jeans before the tags come off? The Old Navy return policy gives most shoppers 30 days from the purchase or delivery date to return unworn, unwashed items with tags still attached. That window covers both in-store and online purchases, and free return shipping is included for online orders.
Old Navy updated its policy in 2025 to add a notable perk for parents: all kids’ clothing and shoes now qualify for returns up to one full year for quality defects. This guide covers every rule, exception, and refund timeline you need before initiating a return.
| Information | Details |
| Website | www.oldnavy.com |
| Return Time | 30 days (most items); 365 days (kids’ clothing/shoes for quality defects); Oct 15-Dec 24 purchases returnable through Jan 15 |
| Return Medium | In-Store and Online (free prepaid shipping for online orders) |
| Exchange Period | 30 days (standard items) |
| Refund Time | Immediate in-store; up to 10 business days by mail; card may take additional 10 business days to post |
| Refund Method | Original payment method; gift card for gift receipt returns; merchandise certificate for no-receipt returns |
| Contact | 1-800-OLD-NAVY (1-800-653-6289) |
| Email Support | Live chat available at oldnavy.com, 7 AM to 1 AM ET daily |
Old Navy’s 30-Day Return Window: What Qualifies
Most Old Navy items follow a 30-day return window. For in-store purchases, the 30 days starts from the date of purchase. For online orders, the clock starts on the delivery date, giving online shoppers a natural buffer based on shipping time.
For a return to be accepted, items must meet these conditions:
- Unworn and unwashed: clothing cannot be laundered or worn beyond trying on at home
- Original tags attached: price tags and brand tags must still be intact
- Proof of purchase: store receipt, packing slip, order confirmation email, or the card used for payment
If you have a gift receipt or invoice, your return is processed as a gift card for the purchase amount. Without any proof of purchase, a manager may still accept the return as a merchandise certificate at the current selling price, though this is at store discretion and the value may be lower if the item is on sale.
The 365-Day Kids’ Clothing Exception: A Big 2025 Update
Starting in 2025, Old Navy expanded its kids’ clothing return window. All Girls and Boys clothing and shoes can now be returned within one year of purchase if they develop a quality defect such as holes, broken zippers, or tears.
This extended policy covers quality issues only. It does not apply to:
- Normal wear and tear or stains from use
- Outgrown items
- Customer damage
- Kids’ accessories like sunglasses, hair clips, or bags
To use the one-year quality guarantee, you need your original receipt or email shipping confirmation. Old Navy will not look up these older purchases by phone number or payment card. Bring the item to an Old Navy or Old Navy Outlet store directly.
Holiday Return Window: Extra Time for Gift Shoppers
Shopping for gifts between October 15 and December 24? Old Navy gives those purchases an extended return window. Items bought during this holiday period can be returned through January 15 of the following year, or within 30 days of delivery or purchase, whichever date is later. This extra flexibility is designed so gift recipients have time to make returns after the holidays.
Defective items have no time restriction at all. If an item arrives with a manufacturing flaw, a broken seam, or a missing button, Old Navy waives the 30-day window and accepts the return at any point.
How to Return Items to Old Navy In-Store
Walk into any Old Navy or Old Navy Outlet store with your item, proof of purchase, and the payment card used at checkout. Associates can usually pull up your purchase using your card or email, which speeds up the process considerably. The refund is issued immediately to your original payment method.
One critical rule: items purchased at Gap, Banana Republic, or Athleta cannot be returned to Old Navy. Even though these brands share a parent company under Gap Inc., returns must be made within the same brand’s stores.
Online purchases can be returned in-store at any Old Navy location, except for items marked as Mail Only. Check your order details to confirm before driving to a store.
How to Return Old Navy Online Purchases by Mail
Online returns at Old Navy are free within the 30-day window. Here is the process:
- Go to your Old Navy account or the returns link in your order confirmation email
- Select the items you want to return
- Choose a refund to original payment or store credit
- Print your prepaid return shipping label or get a QR code for a drop-off
- Pack items securely in the original packaging if possible and include your packing slip
- Drop the package at the designated carrier location
Refunds from mail returns are processed within 10 business days of receipt. Your bank may take up to an additional 10 business days to post the credit to your card statement. Track the package and keep your tracking number until the refund appears.
One limitation: store purchases cannot be mailed back. If you bought something in a physical Old Navy store, you must return it in person.
Refund Methods: Getting Your Money Back
The refund format depends on your proof of purchase and original payment method:
- With receipt, paid by credit/debit card: Full refund to the same card
- With receipt, paid by gift card: Refund to the same gift card or a new one
- With receipt, paid by PayPal or Apple Pay: Refund to your PayPal or Apple Pay account
- With gift receipt or invoice: Gift card issued for the purchase amount
- No receipt: Merchandise certificate for the current selling price, at manager’s discretion
Taxes paid on the original purchase are included in the refund. Shipping fees are not refundable unless the item was defective or Old Navy made an error on the order.
If you used Old Navy Rewards points toward the purchase, those points are credited back to your account within 1 to 2 billing cycles after the return is processed.
Items That Cannot Be Returned to Old Navy
Some items are always final sale or carry specific return restrictions:
- Final sale items: anything marked final sale or ending in .47 or .97 on the price tag in-store cannot be returned
- Face masks: final sale for health and hygiene reasons, no exceptions
- Swimwear: must have the hygienic liner intact and original price tags attached
- Sunglasses: must be returned within 30 days with the original receipt and all tags; defective sunglasses can be returned at any time
- Maternity items: eligible for mail-in returns only
- Gift cards: physical unused gift cards can be returned; electronic gift cards can only be cancelled before delivery
- TikTok Shop purchases: must be returned through the TikTok app, not through Old Navy’s website or stores; exchanges are not available through TikTok
Can You Return Gap Items at Old Navy?
Officially, no. Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta are all separate brands under Gap Inc., but they operate independent return systems. Some store managers may make exceptions, but it is safer to assume cross-brand returns are not permitted and plan accordingly.
Social Media Handles
Follow Old Navy across social media for style inspiration, deals, and customer support:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Old Navy Return Policy
1. How many days do I have to return something to Old Navy?
Most items have a 30-day return window. For online purchases, the 30 days starts from the delivery date. Items purchased between October 15 and December 24 can be returned through January 15 of the following year. Kids’ clothing and shoes with quality defects can be returned within one year of purchase.
2. Can I return clearance items to Old Navy?
It depends on how deep the discount goes. Clearance items ending in .47 or .97 on the price tag are typically final sale and cannot be returned. Items marked final sale online are also not returnable. For standard clearance with regular pricing, the normal 30-day window applies.
3. What happens if I try to return an Old Navy item after 30 days?
After 30 days, Old Navy may offer store credit at the current selling price, but this is not guaranteed. The outcome depends on the store manager, the item’s condition, and whether the item is still in stock. Having your receipt and tags gives you the best chance at receiving credit.
4. Can I return an Old Navy online purchase to a physical store?
Yes, for most online orders. Bring your order confirmation email or packing slip along with the item to any Old Navy store. Items marked Mail Only in your order cannot be returned in-store. Check your order details before heading out.
5. Does Old Navy offer free return shipping?
Yes. Old Navy provides a free prepaid return shipping label for online orders returned within the 30-day window. You can also get a QR code for label-free drop-off at a carrier location. In-store returns are always free and faster for processing.
Conclusion
The Old Navy return policy is built around a clear 30-day standard window with a few key exceptions that genuinely benefit shoppers. The one-year quality guarantee on kids’ clothing is a standout feature for families, and free online return shipping removes a common friction point for online buyers.
The most important things to remember: check every clearance item for a .47 or .97 price tag ending before you buy, keep your tags on until you are sure you want to keep the item, and use the holiday window to your advantage during gift season. When in doubt, return in-store, where associates can pull up your order, process refunds immediately, and handle edge cases more flexibly than the mail-in process allows. Follow those steps and the Old Navy return policy works smoothly every time.
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.