LOFT Return Policy: What You Should Know Before You Return an Item
Shopping at LOFT means browsing trendy styles, comfortable basics, and wardrobe staples. But if you end up with something that doesn’t quite fit, you change your mind, or you discover a flaw after you take it home—what then? Their return policy matters. Let’s go through all the details: how long you have, what the conditions are, what happens if you miss a deadline, and tips for making your return smooth.
✅ The Basics: Return Window & Conditions
For most items purchased from LOFT (whether online or in‑store), you will want to follow these core rules:
- You’ll get a full refund to your original payment method (or an exchange) if you return the item within **30 days of purchase** and it meets the condition requirements.
- To qualify for that full refund, the item must be **unworn, unwashed, undamaged** (unless you’re returning it because it’s defective), with tags attached when applicable.
- If you go beyond that 30‑day window, you may still be able to return the item—but you’ll receive a credit for the **current selling price** of the item (not necessarily what you paid).
In short: stay within 30 days and have everything in near‑new condition and you’ll be in the best position.
📦 Where & How You Can Return
LOFT offers a couple of return methods depending on how you bought the item—online or in store. Let’s walk through each:
In‑Store Returns
If you made your purchase in a LOFT store (not a LOFT Outlet, and not items from different brand stores), you can return to a LOFT store. Make sure you bring your receipt or proof of purchase. The staff will check the item condition, tag, etc., and if everything qualifies, they’ll process your refund or exchange. If it’s past 30 days, you’ll likely receive a merchandise credit instead of a full refund.
Mail / Online Returns
If you ordered from LOFT online:
1. Go to LOFT’s website, visit the returns portal, enter your order number and email (as used at checkout).
2. Select the items you’re returning and follow prompts.
3. You’ll be given a prepaid return label in many cases, print it, pack the item in original condition with the return invoice and use the shipping label.
4. If you choose to ship on your own rather than use the prepaid label, you may pay your own postage. Pack carefully, include the packing slip, and send to the return address provided.
5. Once LOFT receives the item and accepts it, they’ll process refund or credit according to the terms.
⚠️ Conditions & Important Exceptions
Here are the “gotchas” and special cases to be aware of—because they matter.
- Final Sale Items: If an item is marked “Final Sale” on its tag or web listing, it is typically **not eligible** for return or exchange. Always check at purchase.
- No Proof of Purchase: If you don’t have a receipt or order number, LOFT may still allow a return—but you’ll often be credited for the current selling price, and not the original amount you paid.
- Past 30 Days: If you return an item after the standard 30‑day window, LOFT will credit you the current selling price (if accepted) instead of refunding what you originally paid.
- Different Store Types: Items bought at LOFT Outlet, items from other brand stores (e.g., Ann Taylor, or other sister brands) may have different return terms and may need to go back to the place of purchase, not a standard LOFT store.
- Condition Requirement: The item must be unworn, unwashed, and in “like‑new” condition (unless defective). If the item is used, shows signs of wear, or missing tags/accessories, LOFT may decline return or reduce refund.
💳 Refunds, Merchandise Credit & What You Get Back
When LOFT accepts your return, here’s how things typically pan out:
- If your return is within 30 days, with valid proof and in proper condition, you’ll receive a refund to your original form of payment (credit card, debit card, etc.) or an exchange for another item.
- If you return after 30 days (but still within a time the store accepts it) – or if you lack proof – you’ll be issued a **merchandise credit**. That credit amount will most likely be equal to the current selling price of the item, which might be less than what you paid.
- The merchandise credit may be in the form of a store gift certificate or store credit that can be used for future LOFT purchases. Some of these are redeemable only in store (not online).
📌 Price Adjustments & Promotional Purchases
LOFT has a policy for price adjustments and deals you should know:
- If you bought an item at full price and within **7 days** the price was marked down (first markdown only), you may be eligible for a “price adjustment”—i.e., credit for the difference. You’ll need your original receipt.
🧠 Smart Tips for a Smooth Return Experience
Here are some practical tips to make your return process easier and with fewer surprises:
- Keep your receipt or order confirmation email. If you purchased online, take a screenshot and keep the order number and email handy. If you bought in‑store, hold onto the paper receipt.
- Check tags and condition before you decide to keep the item. Try it on gently at home, keep original tags on, don’t wash or wear heavily if you think you might return it. The better the condition, the easier the return.
- Act within the 30‑day window. As soon as you know you’re returning something, initiate the process. Waiting until day 29 or 30 is fine—but after 30 days you’ll be giving up potential refund amount and may get credit instead.
- Return separately if needed. If you’re returning items from different orders or large returns, send them each as separate return transactions if possible—this can help avoid processing delays or issues with mixed order numbers in one package.
- Avoid Final Sale traps. If you see “Final Sale” in fine print—especially in clearance or deep‑discount items—assume return is not allowed. If you’re unsure, ask the store.
📊 Common Scenarios & What to Expect
Here are some typical examples to illustrate how the policy applies in real life:
Scenario A: You buy a dress in store on March 1. On March 20 you try it at home and decide it doesn’t fit. You bring it back on March 21 with receipt and tags. You’re within 30 days, condition is good. You’ll get refund to original card or exchange.
Scenario B: You purchased a pair of pants online on April 1. They arrive April 5. On April 30 you decide to return them. You initiate online return, print label, send them back. Because you’re on the 30th day (just within window), you should still qualify for refund to original payment. Condition meets requirements. Good.
Scenario C: Same purchase as B, but you wait until May 10 to return. You have no issue initiating, but since it’s beyond 30 days, LOFT will likely offer you a merchandise credit equal to the CURRENT selling price (which might be lower than what you paid).
Scenario D: You buy an item on “Final Sale” during a clearance event and later decide you don’t want it. Because item was marked Final Sale, LOFT will not accept it for return or exchange. So you keep it or sell it yourself.
🔍 Why This Policy Matters & What It Means for You
Knowing this return policy is good for several reasons:
- It gives you confidence to shop—because you know if you change your mind you have a clear process and timeline.
- It helps you avoid surprises—especially around “but it’s past 30 days” or “no receipt” or “final sale” issues.
- It helps you make smarter purchases—knowing that for full refund you need condition and timeline. That may mean trying on quickly and keeping tags, or passing up some very deep‑discount “final sale” items if you’re unsure.
📝 Summary of Key Points
Here’s a quick summary:
- Return window: up to 30 days for most items for a full refund.
- Condition: item must be unworn, unwashed, undamaged (unless defective) and tags intact.
- After 30 days (and other exceptions): you may still return but receive merchandise credit equal to current selling price.
- No receipt? Still possible but likely only store credit for the current price.
- Final Sale items: not eligible for return or exchange.
- Price adjustments allowed once within 7 days if full‑price item is marked down.
🎯 Final Takeaway
If you’re shopping at LOFT and want peace of mind about returns, this is how it works: buy what you love, try it on soon, keep all tags and packaging, save your receipt, and return within 30 days if it doesn’t work out. If you follow those steps, you’ll get the refund you paid for. If you go beyond those parameters—like missing 30 days, no proof, or final sale items—you’ll still have options, but they may not be as generous (like store credit instead of cash refund).
So yes, LOFT’s return policy is fair and customer‑friendly for the most part—but you still need to play by the rules. Keeping track of that 30‑day window and holding on to your receipt will make all the difference.
Happy shopping—and if you decide to return something, you now know exactly how it works at LOFT.