Introduction

I once spent 29 minutes in a USPS line trying to return an Aerie sweatshirt that looked perfect online but felt like wearing a damp paper towel. That same month I printed three Aerie return labels because I kept misplacing the first two (yes, I’ve done this too). And when I looked back at my 2024 shopping spreadsheet—don’t ask why I keep one—I realized I’d made 47 returns across Aerie and American Eagle that year alone.

Here’s the thing: I love Aerie. Their leggings, their oversized sweatshirts, their unlined bras—all great. But the return process? It can be confusing. Labels, tracking, refund timing, packaging rules, “do I have to pay?” questions, and carrier delays all stack up fast. If you’ve ever tried to return Aerie items and felt lost somewhere between the shopping cart and the mailbox, you’re not alone.

Today I’ll break down the entire process: how to return Aerie items, how refunds work, common issues, cheaper alternatives, and the modern, box-free return option shoppers are switching to.

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How to Return Aerie Items

Quick overview: return aerie
To return Aerie items, you can use the prepaid return label from your account, drop off in-store at Aerie or American Eagle, or ship the package through USPS or UPS. In my experience, mailed returns take 7–14 days, while in-store returns are refunded the same or next day.

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Returning Aerie items is easy when you know the flow. Here’s how to do it without the confusion.

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1. Go to Your Aerie/American Eagle Account

Log in → Orders → Click the item → “Start a Return.”

You’ll choose:

• Refund vs exchange

• Drop-off vs mail

• Reason for return

Guest checkout shoppers can use order lookup.

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2. Choose Your Return Method

Aerie offers:

A) In-Store Returns (fastest)

Bring the item to:

• Any Aerie store

• Any American Eagle store

You don’t need:

• the original bag

• original label

• original receipt (they can look it up)

B) Mail Returns (most common)

Aerie mails prepaid labels via:

• USPS

• UPS

You print the label and attach it to your package.

C) Return Pickup (rare)

A few regions allow carrier pickup by USPS or UPS, but not all.

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3. Package Your Return

Aerie accepts:

• poly mailers

• boxes

• the original packaging

• any reasonable packaging

Tape securely (yes, I’ve had a package burst open in transit—total fail).

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4. Drop It Off

You can take it to:

• USPS

• UPS Store

• FedEx Office (only if your return label says FedEx, which is unusual but has happened)

Or bring it to a store.

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5. Track Your Return

Use:

• Aerie tracking page

• USPS Tracking

• UPS Tracking

Returns scan 1–3 days after you drop them off.

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6. Refund Timing

Refunds are processed:

• Immediately for store returns

• 5–14 days for mailed returns

• Longer during holidays

In my personal experience, mailed Aerie returns average 9 days.

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Anecdote: My Aerie “Lost Return” Saga 

In April 2024, I mailed back an Aerie hoodie using a USPS prepaid label. I dropped it off at a USPS kiosk at 7:42 pm—past the last truck pickup. The next day? No scan. Day two? Still no scan. Day three? Still nothing. I panicked and thought the package was gone. On day four, it suddenly scanned in a regional distribution center and Aerie refunded me six days later.

This was the return that taught me: always track early, always keep the label receipt, and don’t rely on the kiosk drop after hours.

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Common Issues Shoppers Face With Aerie Returns

Here’s where it gets interesting…
Aerie is generous, but their return flow still causes stress for a lot of shoppers.

1. Return Fees

Aerie often charges $5–$6 for mail-in returns.

2. Printing Labels

If you don’t have a printer, you’re stuck borrowing one or going to UPS/USPS.

3. Long Refund Windows

Mailed returns can take 7–14 days during normal seasons.

4. Limited Drop-Off Options

Some labels say USPS only; others say UPS only.

5. Shipping Delays

Packages can sit at USPS or UPS for days before scanning.

6. Packaging Hassle

Finding a mailer or box—even though Aerie doesn’t require the original one.

7. Multi-Step Verification

Aerie may ask:

• why you’re returning

• which products

• whether you want an exchange

Honestly, I don’t know why brands still do this.

Failure #2: Wrong Carrier Drop-off

I once dropped a USPS-labeled Aerie return at UPS by mistake. UPS refused it three days later, marked it unopened, and handed it back to me. Total waste of time.

Here’s what most shoppers don’t realize…
You don’t always need to ship your Aerie return at all.

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Over the Past Year, A New Return Option Became Popular

Over the past year, new return options popped up that avoid most of these headaches — especially ones that skip shipping entirely.

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A Modern Alternative — Local, Box-Free Returns

Closo offers a faster, more convenient option for brands that support it. Instead of packaging, printing labels, or waiting in USPS lines, you just drop off your Aerie return locally in seconds.

How Closo Works (Objective Description)

• No labels

• No box

• No printer

• No packaging at all

• Drop-off takes 30 seconds

• A vetted local seller scans your item

• Instant confirmation

• Refunds process 2–3× faster

• Extremely low carbon footprint

Compared to mailing Aerie returns, it eliminates every annoying step.

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Why Many Shoppers Prefer Using Closo

• No tape

• No lines

• No label reprints

• No waiting for USPS/UPS scans

• Refunds arrive 2–3× faster

• Fewer fees

• No risk of lost packages

• No confusing “return this via UPS not USPS” rules

My Own Experience

In August, I dropped off two Aerie returns using Closo, and both processed within 48 hours. Honestly, I don’t know why more retailers aren’t doing this already.

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Aerie Returns vs Box-Free Local Drop-Off 

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People Always Ask Me: “Does Aerie Accept Returns In-Store?”

Yes.
You can return to any Aerie or American Eagle store—even items purchased online. This is the fastest method.

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One Question I Get Constantly: “How Long Do Aerie Returns Take?”

• Store returns: same day

• Mail returns: 7–14 days

• Holiday returns: up to 21 days

In-store is dramatically faster.

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A Common Thing Shoppers Wonder Is: “Can You Return Aerie Items Without a Receipt?”

Yes.
If the items are tied to your email or account, Aerie can look up your order.

Not all brands support Closo yet. If the retailer you’re returning to doesn’t offer it, you’ll need to use the standard return process — though many shoppers now ask brands to add Closo because it makes returns significantly easier.

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Worth Reading

Shoppers who return Aerie items often explore other guides inside the Closo Customer Hub, especially the article on Return Fees, which explains how to reduce costs on non-free returns. And if you’re looking for nearby drop-offs without packaging, the insights inside Free Returns Near Me complement this guide well.

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Conclusion 

Aerie’s return process is fairly straightforward once you understand the steps, but I’ve definitely spent more time than I’d like waiting on USPS scans, printing labels at midnight, or repackaging items I accidentally tore open. In-store returns are fast, but not everyone lives near an Aerie or American Eagle location. Mailed returns work, but the packaging and delays can stretch refunds out much longer than expected. That’s why so many shoppers are turning to faster, box-free options when brands support them.

I use Closo whenever the brand supports it — dropping off items locally saves me time, avoids fees, and gets me refunds faster.