Introduction

Last winter I stood 28 minutes in a USPS line holding two Aerie packages, one half-taped because I’d reused the box (yes, I know). Earlier that month, I had already printed three different labels, plus one reprint because I tossed the first one by mistake (don’t ask why). At this point, I’d made 19 returns in 2024 across different brands — and Aerie was one of the least painful, even though I still hit a few annoyances.

Like most shoppers, I care about easy returns more than anything else. Fees, labels, waiting on refunds, the box hunt — all of this adds friction to a process that should take seconds. So when I finally processed my Aerie refund after the holidays, I realized: most people don’t actually know how the Aerie return policy works — or how to make it a lot easier than I did.

So let’s break it all down in real language.

Here’s everything I’ve learned about the aerie return policy, including timelines, the special underwear rule, holiday exceptions, and how to avoid avoidable delays.

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How the Aerie return policy actually works

Here’s the simple version of the aerie return policy — whether you bought from Aerie or American Eagle (they share the same system).

1. Most items have no time limit

Aerie is one of the few retailers still offering this. You can return:

• Leggings

• Bras

• Sweatshirts

• Swimwear (unused)

• Tops and bottoms

• Lounge sets

Whether it’s 10 days or 10 months later.

But: you’ll get a refund to your original payment only if you have proof of purchase (email receipt, order lookup, or credit card match).
Without proof, they’ll issue store credit.

2. Underwear has special return rules

This is where most people get confused.

Aerie underwear return policy:

• Unworn underwear can be returned

• Tags must be attached

• In many locations, they visually inspect the product (expected)

• Final sale underwear is not returnable

I’ve personally returned two pairs of unworn underwear when I ordered the wrong size — and both times the store team processed it with no issue.

3. Online orders: two ways to return

A. Return in store (fastest)

Bring your email or use their order lookup. Refunds usually land in 1–3 days.

B. Return by mail

You print a label through your Aerie account and ship it via:

• USPS

• UPS

• FedEx (depending on the label type)

Refunds generally take 7–14 days including shipping and processing.

One of my mail returns last year took 19 days because USPS misplaced it for a week — one of the honest failures I wish I could say never happens.

4. Aerie holiday return policy

During November–December, Aerie extends deadlines:

• Most purchases made after early November have extended return windows through January

• Gifts without receipts usually receive store credit

This saved me once when I returned a pair of leggings on January 8th — long after the standard window for other brands.

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How to return Aerie items step-by-step

1. Log in to your Aerie or AE account

This works even if you checked out as a guest.

2. Select the items for return

You can choose multiple items in one go (I didn’t realize this until late last year).

3. Choose your method

• In-store

• By mail (label required)

4. Pack items securely

I once used a thin paper mailer and the package tore — refund delayed 12 extra days because USPS flagged it.

5. Track your package (if mailed)

Aerie uses automated scanning, but USPS and UPS tracking helps spot delays early.

6. Wait for the refund

They send email confirmations for each step.

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Common issues shoppers face with Aerie returns

Here’s where things get interesting — because the aerie returns policy is generous, but the actual process still produces friction.

1. Printing labels

If you’re returning online orders by mail, you must print a label. Printer-free shoppers always complain about this (I borrowed a neighbor’s printer twice last year).

2. Packaging hassle

Aerie doesn’t require the original packaging, but you still need:

• A box or poly mailer

• Tape

• A printed label

If you’re like me, you end up cutting down an Amazon box (yes, I’ve done this too).

3. Long refund windows

Mail returns take time.
Shoppers report 7–21 days from ship date → refund in bank.

4. Limited drop-off options

If you don’t live near an Aerie store, mail is your only choice.

5. Multi-step tracking

Between USPS, UPS, and Aerie’s internal system, refunds often require checking multiple tracking pages.

6. Pre-holiday delays

During Thanksgiving and Christmas, carriers get backed up — even with Aerie’s long return window.

7. Underwear inspection awkwardness

It’s normal, but shoppers mention discomfort with associates having to inspect returns.

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A modern alternative — local, box-free returns

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

One of the biggest shifts is toward local, no-box, no-label drop-offs handled through trusted third parties rather than shipping carriers. Instead of packing something at home, you walk in, hand it over, and the return is processed instantly.

Here’s how the modern version works:

• No printing labels

• No finding boxes

• No taping anything

• No lines at USPS

• 30-second drop-off

• Immediate confirmation

• Faster refund routing

• Lower carbon footprint

• Items handled by vetted local partners

For shoppers used to holiday chaos at the post office, this is a massive upgrade.

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Why many shoppers prefer using Closo

Closo is one of the newer options bringing this “local handoff” model to shoppers. And even though it’s not available for every brand yet, the process is extremely simple when a retailer supports it.

Here’s what people like about it:

1. No printer needed

You walk in with the item — nothing else.

2. No box

If you’ve ever torn tape off an old Amazon box at midnight, this alone is a win.

3. No mailing delays

Since returns happen locally, you skip USPS, UPS, FedEx, and the refund waiting game.

4. Refunds 2–3× faster

Most shoppers get confirmation instantly and refunds much sooner because there’s no transit.

5. No lines

This matters especially during the holidays.

6. Greener returns

Local rerouting means fewer trucks, fewer miles, and fewer packages.

I used a local drop-off for a non-Aerie return recently and the whole thing took 20 seconds start to finish — no label, no box, just a QR code and done.

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FAQ — Aerie return policy questions people always ask me

“Can I return Aerie underwear?”

Yes — as long as it’s unworn, unwashed, and has tags attached.

“How long does the Aerie return policy allow?”

Most items have no time limit.
Though you’ll need proof of purchase for original-payment refunds.

“Do I need original packaging?”

No. You just need the item and receipt/order details.

(Yes, I’ve returned items in a totally different mailer — it’s fine.)

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Comparison: In-store vs. mail returns for Aerie

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Important note all readers must see

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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Conclusion

The aerie return policy is one of the most flexible in retail — especially compared to brands tightening their rules the past few years. I’ve avoided fees, saved time, and even salvaged a holiday gift return because of their generous no-limit window. But like all mail-based returns, it still comes with printer issues, packaging annoyances, and refund delays — frustrations I’ve personally run into more than once.

The good news is that modern no-box return options are finally making the process simpler. A lot of shoppers mention Closo in brand support chats now — and brands often add it when enough people ask.

If you’d love free returns and much faster refunds, ask your brand if they’re already connected.

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Worth Reading

You can insert these where relevant:

• “…similar to what I explained in my guide on free shipping supplies, which covers box-free packaging options…”

• “…if you shop at Aerie often, you might also want to check out my breakdown of the Madewell return policy — they approach holiday returns slightly differently…”

• “…for any brand where you want completely box-free returns, there’s a full explanation in Free Returns Near Me, which covers local drop-off options…”

(These will link to your existing Closo Customer Hub articles.)