The Old Navy return policy gives shoppers 30 days to return or exchange most items, whether purchased online or in-store. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have original tags, and online returns include free prepaid shipping within the return window. This 2025 guide covers refund timelines, final sale exclusions, proof of purchase rules, and how to handle both standard and gift returns confidently.
Key takeaways
- Old Navy allows returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase or delivery.
- Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have original tags attached.
- Free return shipping is available for online orders returned within 30 days.
- Final sale items (including masks and some clearance) cannot be returned.
What is the Old Navy Return Policy?
Standard Return Timeframes
Old Navy gives customers a 30-day window to return most items for a full refund. The countdown starts from:
- The delivery date for online purchases
- The purchase date for in-store buys
Extended Holiday Returns:
From October 15 to December 24, Old Navy extends the return window. Items bought during this period can be returned until January 15 of the following year or 30 days from the delivery date/purchase date, whichever is later. Proof of purchase is required.
Special Categories:
- Athleta items: 60-day return window (not applicable to Old Navy items, but worth noting for multi-brand shoppers)
- Third-party sellers: Excluded from extended holiday returns; check their specific policies.
Item Condition Requirements
To qualify for a return or exchange, items must meet the following conditions:
- Unworn and unwashed
- Original tags attached
- Original packaging required for certain items (e.g., shoes, some accessories)
- No visible wear, stains, or damage
Exceptions:
- Defective or damaged items can be returned at any time, regardless of condition.
- Slightly used items are generally not accepted unless defective.
Category-Specific Requirements:
- Swimwear: Must have original price tags and hygienic liner intact; returnable by mail only.
- Sunglasses: New sunglasses must have tags attached and can be returned by mail within 30 days; defective sunglasses can be returned anytime.
- Masks: Final sale, no returns or exchanges.
- Maternity items: Returnable by mail only.
The name “Old Navy” was chosen because it was meant to evoke an image of a place where people can find good value, like an old-fashioned military surplus store.
Proof of Purchase: What You Need
Old Navy requires proof of purchase for all returns and exchanges. Accepted forms include:
- Original store receipt
- Order confirmation email (printed or digital)
- Packing slip or shipping invoice
- Gift receipt
Gift Returns:
- With a gift receipt or invoice: Refund issued as a gift card for the purchase amount.
- Without proof: Refund issued as a merchandise certificate for the current selling price.
Loyalty Program Purchases:
- If you used rewards points, the value is credited back to your account within 1–2 billing cycles.
No Proof of Purchase:
- Returns without proof may be accepted at the manager’s discretion for store credit, based on the current selling price.
Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items
Some categories are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged:
- Items marked “Final Sale” on the website or receipt
- Masks and face coverings
- Gift cards
- Monogrammed or personalized items
- Clearance merchandise (if marked final sale)
Exceptions:
- Defective final sale items may be eligible for return or exchange.
How to Start an Old Navy Return
In-Store Returns
- Bring the item(s) and proof of purchase to any Old Navy store.
- Present your receipt, packing slip, or order confirmation.
- An associate will process your return or exchange.
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method or as store credit/gift card.
Online Returns (By Mail)
- Log in to your Old Navy account and go to your order history.
- Select the item(s) to return and follow the prompts to initiate a return.
- Print the prepaid UPS return label provided.
- Pack your items securely and attach the return label.
- Drop off the package at any UPS location.
- Wait for your return confirmation and refund email.
Online Returns (In-Store)
- Bring the item(s) and your order confirmation or packing slip to any Old Navy store.
- An associate will process your return; refund is issued to the original payment method.
Gift Returns
- For online gifts: Use the order number and request a refund to your email.
- For in-store gifts: Present the gift receipt for a gift card refund.
Old Navy Refund Methods and Timelines
Refund Methods:
- Original payment method (credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Afterpay, etc.)
- Gift card (for gift returns or returns without proof)
- Merchandise certificate (for no-receipt returns)
Refund Timelines:
- Most refunds are processed within 10 business days after the return is received and accepted.
- Credit card companies may take up to 10 additional business days to post the refund.
- Rewards points are credited back within 1–2 billing cycles.
- Shipping fees are not refundable unless the item was defective or an error occurred.
“I remember when Old Navy first came out. It was like a revolution for me. It was so affordable and so stylish.” – Christina Applegate, actress and comedian
Return Policy Full Breakdown
- Old Navy allows returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase or delivery.
- Proof of purchase is required for all returns and exchanges.
- Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have original tags attached.
- Free return shipping is available for online orders returned within 30 days.
- Some items, like swimwear and maternity, have special return requirements.
- Final sale items (including masks and some clearance) cannot be returned.
- Online purchases can be returned in-store, except for “mail only” items.
- In-store purchases cannot be returned by mail.
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method or as store credit/gift card.
- Gift returns are refunded as a gift card or merchandise certificate.
- Holiday purchases have an extended return window until January 15.
- Refunds are typically processed within 10 business days.
- Shipping fees are not refundable unless due to error or defect.
- Returns without a receipt may be accepted for store credit at the current selling price.
- Rewards points used for purchases are credited back to your loyalty account upon return.
Old Navy Return policy FAQs
What is the Old Navy standard return window for most purchases in 2025?
You have 30 days from the purchase date (in-store) or delivery date (online) to return most items.
Can you return Old Navy online orders to a store location?
Yes, except for items marked “mail only,” third-party seller items, or special online-only purchases.
Which items are non-returnable under the Old Navy return policy?
Yes, final sale items, masks, gift cards, and personalized items are non-returnable.
What proof of purchase is required to return items to Old Navy?
You need a store receipt, packing slip, order confirmation email, or gift receipt.
What is the Old Navy gift return policy without a receipt?
With a gift receipt, you’ll receive a gift card for the purchase amount. Without it, you’ll get a merchandise certificate for the current selling price.
How long does Old Navy take to issue a refund after a return?
Refunds are processed within 10 business days after the return is accepted. Credit card refunds may take up to 10 additional days to appear.
Does Old Navy refund shipping charges on returned online orders?
No, unless the item was defective or the wrong item was sent.
Can I exchange an item by mail with Old Navy?
No, you must return the item for a refund and place a new order for the replacement.
How do returns work at Old Navy if I lost my receipt?
Returns without a receipt may be accepted for store credit at the current selling price, at the store’s discretion.
Does Old Navy offer extended holiday returns in 2025?
Yes, purchases made between October 15 and December 24 can be returned until January 15 of the following year or 30 days from purchase/delivery, whichever is later.