Old Navy Return Policy 2025: Time Limits, Refunds and What You Can’t Return

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Bought jeans that don’t fit or a hoodie that looked different online? Knowing exactly how the Old Navy return policy works can save you time, stress and possibly money. Old Navy’s rules are pretty shopper-friendly if you stay within the deadlines and keep items in good condition.

Below, you’ll find a quick snapshot of the policy, then step-by-step details on time frames, what you can return, refund options and what to do if you’re just past the 30-day mark.

Quick Facts: Old Navy Return Policy at a Glance

Old Navy Return Time Frames

Returns are a big part of modern shopping. In fact, U.S. retailers expect about 15.8% of all purchases to be returned in 2025, totaling nearly $849.9 billion in merchandise. Knowing your deadlines helps you avoid getting stuck with something you don’t want.

Standard Return Window

• 30 days to return most items
• Clock starts:
  • Online orders: on the delivery date
  • In-store purchases: on the receipt date

If you’re close to the 30-day mark, it’s usually best to go in-store for faster processing and a better chance at a flexible outcome.

Extended Holiday Returns

Old Navy gives shoppers extra time during the holidays:

• Items purchased between Oct. 15 and Dec. 24 can usually be returned through Jan. 15 of the following year or 30 days from delivery/purchase — whichever is later.

This helps if you’re gifting clothing that may not be tried on right away.

Kids’ Clothes: One-Year “Kid-Proof” Quality Guarantee

Old Navy now offers an extended return option for kids’ clothing and shoes when there’s a manufacturing defect.

• Up to 365 days from purchase
• Only for quality issues like:
  • Holes, rips, broken zippers or buttons
  • Excessive shrinkage or pilling
• You must:
  • Bring items to an Old Navy or Old Navy Outlet store
  • Have the original receipt or shipping confirmation

This doesn’t apply to:

• Kids’ accessories (sunglasses, jewelry, hair accessories)
• Damage from stains, misuse or normal wear and tear

Old Navy Return Policy After 30 Days

After 30 days, returns are no longer guaranteed — but you might still have options:

• Many stores may offer store credit instead of a refund, at the current selling price
• Manager approval is often required
• Your chances are better if:
  • The item is new, unworn and tagged
  • You have a receipt
  • The item is still in stock

What Old Navy Items Are Eligible for Return?

Old Navy will generally take back most everyday clothing and accessories if they’re in resellable condition.

Items You Can Usually Return

• Unworn, unwashed clothing with tags attached
• Shoes in original condition (box not always required, but helpful)
• Most accessories that are unused and in original packaging
• Online purchases — in-store or by mail — unless marked “Mail Only”

Rule of thumb: If it looks like it could go back on the rack, you’re probably in good shape.

Items You Can’t Return

Some categories are final sale or have stricter rules:

• Final sale items (including many clearance pieces with .47 or .97 endings on the price tag)
• Masks (face coverings are final sale)
• Cut fabric and custom items
• Swimwear without original tags and a hygienic liner
• New sunglasses after 30 days or without tags/case; defective sunglasses can be returned anytime
• Certain maternity and “mail only” items (often must be returned by mail)
• Most used or washed items, unless they qualify under the kids’ quality guarantee

Always skim the product page and your receipt — many non-returnable items are clearly labeled.

How Old Navy Refunds Work

Your refund options depend on how you paid and what proof of purchase you have.

Refund Methods

Refund Timing

• In-store:
  • Refund is processed right away
  • It may take one to three business days for your bank to post it
• By mail:
  • Shipping time back to Old Navy: 3 to 7 days
  • Processing: 3 to 5 business days
  • Expect your refund within about 5 to 10 business days after the warehouse scans your return

Old Navy In-Store vs. Online Returns

You can return most items either in a store or by mail. Here’s how they compare:

Pro Tip: If you’re worried about being just over the 30-day window, in-store returns usually give you the best chance at a positive outcome.

Common Old Navy Return Issues & How To Solve Them

1. No Receipt or Lost Email

Try these steps:

• Ask an associate to look up your purchase using:
  • The credit or debit card you used
  • Your order number or shipping confirmation
• If they can’t find it, you may still get store credit at the current price

2. Final Sale or Clearance Confusion

Clearance is tempting, but often riskier for returns.

• Items ending in .47 or .97 are often final sale in many stores
• Final sale typically means no returns or exchanges
• Ask or check the signage before checking out if you’re not sure

3. Item Damaged or Defective

Old Navy is generally more flexible when the product is clearly faulty.

• Bring the item as soon as you notice an issue
• For kids’ items, remember the one-year quality guarantee for true defects
• Have your receipt or order email handy

4. Old Navy Return After 30 Days

Once you’re past 30 days:

• You’re more likely to receive store credit than a card refund
• The store may base the credit on the current sale price, not what you paid
• Condition and tags matter a lot — new and unworn items have the best chance

How To Start an Old Navy Return

In-Store Return: Step-By-Step

1. Bring the item, your receipt or order email, and the card you used.
2. Head to the Returns & Exchanges counter.
3. Explain if it’s within 30 days or, if not, that you’re okay with store credit if that’s easier.
4. The associate will inspect the item and process your refund or exchange.

Online/Mail Return: Step-By-Step

1. Go to oldnavy.com and log in to your account (or use the guest return link from your email).
2. Open Order History and find the order.
3. Select “Start a Return” and choose:
   • Which items you’re sending back
   • Your reason for return
4. Choose your refund method (original payment or store credit, if offered).
5. Print the prepaid shipping label or get a QR code if available.
6. Pack items securely, including the packing slip.
7. Drop the package at the specified carrier or schedule a pickup if eligible.

Save the drop-off receipt or tracking number until your refund posts.

Final Take to GO: Make the Old Navy Return Policy Work For You

The Old Navy return policy is fairly flexible as long as you stay within the 30-day window, keep tags on and hang onto your receipt or order email. Holiday shoppers get extra time, and parents benefit from the one-year quality guarantee on many kids’ items.

If you value speed and certainty, return in-store whenever possible and act quickly if something doesn’t work out. That way you can swap sizes, snag store credit or get your money back — and keep your closet (and budget) working the way you planned.

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