As of April 15, 2025, the Forever 21 return policy has permanently changed due to U.S. store closures and bankruptcy proceedings. All sales made in U.S. stores or online are now considered final sale, with no refunds or exchanges permitted. If you’re wondering what this means for recent purchases or holiday returns, this guide explains the latest Forever 21 return policy, refund conditions, and how to navigate the final days of the brand in the U.S.
Key takeaways
- As of April 15, 2025, Forever 21 NO LONGER ACCEPTS RETURNS or exchanges in U.S. stores; all sales are final.
- Forever 21’s standard return window is 30 days, extending to 60 days during holidays.
- In-store and online returns have similar policies but differ in refund timing and shipping responsibilities.
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method and take 5-14 business days to process.
What is the Forever 21 Return Policy?
Forever 21’s return policy generally allows customers to return most items within 30 days of purchase for a refund or exchange, provided the items meet specific conditions. This timeframe applies to both in-store and online purchases, with some exceptions during holiday seasons when the return window extends to 60 days.
To qualify for a return, items must be:
- Unworn, unwashed, and undamaged
- With all original tags attached
- In original packaging where applicable (especially for jewelry)
- Accompanied by valid proof of purchase such as a receipt, packing slip, or order confirmation
Items that do not meet these criteria or fall into certain categories are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
Condition Requirements
- Items must be unworn, unwashed, and undamaged
- Original tags must be attached
- Jewelry must be returned in original packaging
- Original packaging is required for certain items
- Slightly used or damaged items are typically not accepted unless defective
By the early 2010s, Forever 21 had over 800 stores in 57 countries, becoming one of the most aggressive global fast fashion chains.
Proof of Purchase
- Original receipt is preferred for all returns
- Order confirmation emails or packing slips are accepted for online purchases
- Gift receipts may be accepted but often result in store credit rather than a refund
- Returns without any proof of purchase are generally not accepted
Final Sale Items
Certain items are non-returnable and non-exchangeable under any circumstances, including:
- Intimates (underwear, bras)
- Swimwear
- Clearance and sale merchandise
- Personalized or customized items
- Cosmetics and beauty products
- Earrings and body piercings
- Gift cards and e-gift cards
Defective items in these categories may be eligible for return or exchange upon review.
How to Start a Forever 21 Return
- In-Store Returns: Bring the item and receipt to any Forever 21 store. A store associate will inspect and process the return or exchange immediately.
- Online Returns by Mail:
- Visit the Forever 21 website and start a return request.
- Print the prepaid return shipping label (if provided) or prepare your own shipping.
- Pack the item with the original packing slip or order confirmation.
- Ship the package via the specified carrier.
- Online Returns In-Store: Bring the item and order confirmation to a physical store for return processing.
Forever 21 Refund Policy
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for purchase.
- Processing time for refunds is typically 5-14 business days after the returned item is received and inspected.
- Refunds for in-store returns are often processed immediately.
- Shipping fees are generally not refundable unless the item was defective or an error occurred.
- Refund timing may vary depending on the payment method and bank processing times.
“I used to grab cute stuff from Forever 21 before tours. It was loud, fun, and cheap enough to trash on stage.”
– Avril Lavigne, musician
Return Policy Full Breakdown
- Forever 21’s standard return window is 30 days, extending to 60 days during holidays.
- Items must be unworn, unwashed, undamaged, and have original tags for returns.
- Proof of purchase is required for all returns; receipts or order confirmations are accepted.
- In-store and online returns have similar policies but differ in refund timing and shipping responsibilities.
- Certain items like intimates, swimwear, and clearance merchandise are final sale and non-returnable.
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method and take 5-14 business days to process.
- As of April 15, 2025, Forever 21 no longer accepts returns or exchanges in U.S. stores; all sales are final.
- Returning online purchases to a physical store can save on return shipping fees.
- Jewelry must be returned in original packaging to qualify for a return.
- Always initiate returns through the official Forever 21 website or in-store.
- Keep track of your return shipment to avoid lost packages.
- Refunds for cash purchases in-store are immediate; card refunds may take longer.
- Holiday return policies provide a longer window for gift returns and exchanges.
- Cancel orders quickly (usually within one hour) to avoid shipping and restocking complications.
- Defective items may be eligible for return even if normally final sale.
Forever 21 Return policy FAQs
Has Forever 21 updated its return policy due to store closures or changes in 2025?
Yes, as of April 15, 2025, Forever 21 no longer accepts returns or exchanges in U.S. stores; all sales are final.
What is the standard return window for Forever 21 purchases?
You have 30 days from the purchase date, or 60 days for holiday purchases, to return items.
Can I return Forever 21 online orders at a retail store location?
Yes, online purchases can be returned either by mail or at any Forever 21 store.
Which items are non-returnable under the Forever 21 return policy?
Yes, intimates, swimwear, clearance items, cosmetics, and gift cards are final sale.
What proof of purchase is required to return items to Forever 21?
Original receipt, packing slip, or order confirmation email is required.
Do I receive a full refund when returning items to Forever 21?
Refunds are issued if items are in original condition with tags and proof of purchase.
How long does it take Forever 21 to process a refund after a return?
Refunds take 5-14 business days after the returned item is received and inspected.
Does Forever 21 refund original shipping costs on returned orders?
Shipping fees are generally non-refundable unless the item was defective.
Can I return items to Forever 21 after 30 days from the purchase date?
Returns after 30 days are usually not accepted except in special cases like defects.
What is the step-by-step process for returning Forever 21 items by mail?
Initiate a return online, print a shipping label, pack the item with proof of purchase, and ship it back.