12th Tribe Return Policy: Complete Guide

Whether you ordered the wrong size, changed your mind, or the leggings just didn’t fit right, the 12th Tribe Return Policy is your ticket to a hassle free fix. Most shoppers hit the 30 day deadline without realizing the clock starts ticking the day your package lands on the doorstep, not the day you open it. This guide walks you through every condition, step, and trap so you never lose money on a return.

The standard return window is 30 days from delivery. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have tags attached. If you meet those three rules, you are in good shape.

Let’s walk through the decision tree so you know exactly what to do.

Quick Answer

You can return items to 12th Tribe within 30 days of delivery. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have tags attached. You pay return shipping unless the item is defective.

Refunds go back to your original payment method within 5 to 7 business days after the return is received. No direct exchanges are available.

Are You Eligible? A 3 Question Decision Tree

Return eligibility at 12th Tribe hinges on three yes or no questions. Answer them in order. If you hit a no, the return stops there.

Question 1: Are You Within the 30 Day Window?

The clock starts the day your package arrives, not the day you ordered. Check your delivery confirmation email or tracking number. If you are on day 31 or later, the return window is closed.

No exceptions according to the official policy at 12th Tribe’s website.

If you are inside 30 days, move to question two. If you are outside, you are stuck. Gift the item or resell it.

Question 2: Is the Item Final Sale or Non Returnable?

Final sale items are clearly marked on the product page. Common examples include clearance items, swimwear, and underwear. If the product page says final sale, you cannot return it.

Same goes for gift cards.

Not sure? Go back to your order confirmation. It lists the return status for each item.

If it says final sale, stop here. Otherwise, proceed to question three.

Question 3: Is It Unworn, Unwashed, and Tagged?

This is the most common return rejection reason. The item must be in brand new condition. That means no deodorant marks, no makeup stains, no pilling from trying it on over bare skin.

Tags must be attached to the garment. If you removed them, you are out of luck.

The policy also requires the original packaging if possible. Keep the poly bag or box until you are sure you are keeping the item. If you can honestly say never worn, tags on, no damage, you are eligible.

Proceed to the return process.

Step by Step: How to Start a Return on 12th Tribe’s Portal

Once you have confirmed eligibility, here is exactly how to initiate a return online. 12th Tribe has no physical stores, so all returns go through their web portal.

Step 1: Log into your account. Go to 12thtribe.com and sign in. Navigate to My Orders and find the order containing the item you want to return. Click the Return button next to that order.

Step 2: Select the items and reason. Check the box next to each item you are sending back. Choose the reason from the dropdown. Common options include too small, too large, not as expected, or defective.

Be honest. The reason affects whether shipping is free or paid.

Step 3: Download or receive the return label. The system will generate a prepaid return label. You can download a PDF to print at home, or choose the QR code option for a label free drop off at a UPS location. If you pick the QR code, you will show it on your phone at the counter.

Step 4: Pack and ship. Place the item in the original packaging if you still have it. Include the packing slip if available. Affix the printed label or write the return number on the box.

Drop it off at any UPS location and get a receipt as proof of drop off.

Online Return Process (No Physical Stores Available)

Because 12th Tribe operates only online, there is no in store return option. Everything happens through their website and the UPS network.

What you need to start: your order number and the email address used at checkout. If you don’t have your order number, check your confirmation email. It is in the subject line.

The label cost: The return shipping fee is deducted from your refund. The amount varies by item weight and location but typically falls between $5 and $8. If the reason is a defect or wrong item shipped, 12th Tribe covers the full shipping cost.

You will get a free prepaid label with no deduction.

Packaging tips: Fold the item neatly. Place it in a plastic bag or the original poly mailer. Use a sturdy box if the original is damaged.

Write the return number on the outside of the package if you don’t have a label. Tape all seams securely.

Drop off locations: UPS is the only carrier used. You can drop at any UPS Store, UPS drop box, or authorized UPS drop off point. Do not use USPS or FedEx.

The label won’t work.

What Happens After You Drop Off the Package

Once the package leaves your hands, the tracking number on the label lets you follow its journey. 12th Tribe’s return center scans the package upon arrival. From that scan, the processing clock starts.

Receiving and inspection: Their team opens each package within one to two business days. They check the condition against the return reason. If everything matches (unworn, tags on, no damage), your refund is approved.

Approval and fund release: After inspection, the refund is initiated. It typically takes 5 to 7 business days for 12th Tribe to process the refund. After that, your bank or credit card issuer takes another 3 to 5 business days to post the funds to your account.

Total timeline: From the day you drop off the package to when the money shows up in your account, expect around 10 to 14 days. If you used a debit card, the timeline is similar. Gift card refunds are typically faster, often posting within 3 to 5 business days after inspection.

What if the return is rejected? If the item fails inspection (worn, stained, missing tags), 12th Tribe will email you. They may offer to ship the item back to you at your cost, or they may keep it and issue no refund. You have a few days to respond.

If you don’t, the item is disposed of.

Refund Timeline: When Will Your Money Hit Your Account?

Once 12th Tribe’s return center scans your package, the clock starts ticking. Here is exactly what happens and how long each step takes.

Step one: Inspection. The team opens your package within 1 to 2 business days of arrival. They check the item against the three eligibility rules. If everything looks good, they approve the refund.

Step two: Processing. After approval, 12th Tribe initiates the refund. This takes 5 to 7 business days. During this window, the money leaves their account and heads to your payment processor.

Step three: Bank posting. Your bank, credit card issuer, or PayPal takes another 3 to 5 business days to show the funds in your account. Weekends and holidays slow this down.

Total wait time: From drop off to money in hand, expect 10 to 14 days. If you dropped off on a Friday, add two extra days for the weekend.

What delays a refund? Common causes include missing tracking scan, incorrect address on the return label, or the item arriving after the 30 day window. If you hit day 15 with no update, contact customer support.

Pro tip: Use the tracking number from your return label. If it shows delivered but you haven’t heard back after 7 business days, reach out. That means the package arrived but hasn’t been processed yet.

Exchanges vs Reordering: Why 12th Tribe Doesn’t Do Direct Swaps

12th Tribe does not offer direct exchanges. You cannot send back a size small and ask them to ship a size medium in the same transaction. This is a common frustration among shoppers.

Why no exchanges? Their system processes returns and new orders separately. It is simpler for their warehouse and inventory management. Many online only brands operate this way to avoid the complexity of holding inventory for swaps.

What you should do instead: Start the return for the wrong item. Get your refund. Then place a new order for the correct size or color.

This sounds slower, but it is often faster than waiting for an exchange.

Here is the math: A typical exchange at a store takes 7 to 10 days for the return to arrive, then 3 to 5 days to ship the replacement. That is two shipping legs. With reordering, you can place the new order the same day you drop off the return.

The new item ships within 1 to 2 business days, arriving before the refund even posts.

When this makes sense: If you are certain about the size and just swapped a color, reordering is fine. If you are still unsure about fit, return first and order later. That way you don’t end up with two items you don’t want.

Edge case: What if the item sells out while you are returning? That is a real risk. Check stock before you initiate the return.

If it is low, you might decide to keep the wrong size rather than lose the item entirely. That is your call.

How to Handle Defective or Wrong Items

Defective and wrong item returns get special treatment. 12th Tribe covers the return shipping and processes the refund faster for these cases.

What counts as defective? A hole, a tear, a broken zipper, a seam unraveling, or fabric staining that wasn’t there when you opened the package. Stains from trying on do not qualify.

What counts as a wrong item? You ordered a medium black legging but received a small gray one. Or you ordered the High Rise Crop but got the Bike Short. Color and size mismatches both count.

How to proceed: Do not use the standard return portal for these cases. Contact customer service directly through the live chat or email on the website. Explain the issue and provide a photo of the defect or the wrong item.

They will email you a free prepaid return label that does not deduct shipping from your refund.

What if you already started a standard return? Stop. Cancel that request if possible. If you already shipped it under the standard label, contact support and explain.

They may refund the shipping fee after the fact.

Replacement options: For defects, you can request a replacement if the item is in stock. For wrong items, you can ask for the correct item to be shipped. Alternatively, you can take a full refund and reorder.

The choice is yours.

Timeline for defective returns: The label is issued immediately. Drop off and processing are the same as standard returns. The refund or replacement ships within 1 to 2 business days after the defective item is scanned as received.

Common Return Problems and How to Fix Them

Even when you follow every rule, things can go wrong. Here are the three most common problems and exactly what to do.

Problem: Return Rejected for Condition

What happened: You sent the item back, and 12th Tribe’s inspection team found deodorant marks, makeup stains, pilling, or missing tags. They emailed you a rejection notice.

What to do: Read the email carefully. It will state the reason and give you two options. Option one: pay for the item to be shipped back to you.

Option two: let them dispose of it and receive no refund. You usually have 5 days to respond.

Can you appeal? Sometimes. If you believe the rejection was in error, reply to the email with photos of the item before you shipped it. If you have a photo showing the tags attached and no stains, they may reverse the decision.

This is not guaranteed, but it is worth trying.

Prevention tip: Before you pack the return, take a photo of the item laying flat, tags visible, and any unique markings. That photo is your evidence if something goes wrong.

Problem: Refund Taking Too Long

What happened: You are past the 10 to 14 day window and the money isn’t back in your account.

What to check first: Look at the tracking number from the return label. Has the package been delivered? If not, it may be lost in transit.

Contact UPS with the tracking number. If it was delivered, check the date. Count 5 to 7 business days from that delivery date.

What to do next: If it has been 8 business days since delivery and you have no refund, contact 12th Tribe customer service. Provide the order number, the tracking number, and the delivery date. They will investigate and escalate if needed.

Bank delay: Sometimes the refund has been issued but your bank is slow to post. Call your bank or card issuer. Ask if they see a pending credit from 12th Tribe or 12T.

If yes, it is just a matter of waiting.

Problem: Lost Packing Slip or Order Number

What happened: You want to start a return but can’t find your order number. The packing slip is gone.

What to do: Check the email confirmation. The order number is in the subject line and the body. Search your inbox for 12th Tribe or order confirmation.

If you can’t find it, check your spam folder.

Still can’t find it? Contact customer support. Provide the name on the order, the shipping address, and the approximate date of purchase. They can look up the order using that information.

You will need access to the email account used at checkout for verification.

Prevention tip: Save the order confirmation email in a folder labeled Returns. Or take a screenshot of the order number when you checkout. It takes 10 seconds and saves you a headache later.

7 Mistakes That Can Get Your Return Denied

These are the most common reasons 12th Tribe rejects returns. Avoid them and your refund will go smoothly.

Mistake 1: Returning after 30 days. The return window is strict. The clock starts on delivery date, not purchase date. If you are even one day late, the return is rejected.

Set a calendar reminder for day 25.

Mistake 2: Sending worn or washed items. Deodorant marks, makeup residue, and detergent smells are dead giveaways. The inspection team checks for these. Even a quick try on over your clothes can leave marks.

Mistake 3: Missing tags. If you cut off the tags, you cannot return. Some people think they can put them back on but the original tag must be intact and attached. Reattaching with a safety pin or tape doesn’t count.

Mistake 4: Not including the packing slip. The slip helps the warehouse identify your return quickly. Without it, processing can be delayed by days. If you lost the slip, write your order number on a piece of paper and include it instead.

Mistake 5: Using the wrong carrier. The prepaid label is only valid for UPS. Dropping it in a USPS or FedEx box will result in a lost package. Always go to a UPS location.

Mistake 6: Sending multiple orders in one box. Each return must be shipped separately with its own label. If you combine two orders, one label won’t cover both. The system can’t process them together.

Mistake 7: Not packing securely. If the item arrives damaged because of poor packaging, the return may be rejected. Use a sturdy box or padded mailer. Wrap the item in plastic to protect from moisture.

Tape all seams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Real shoppers ask these questions every day. Here are the answers in plain language.

Can I return 12th Tribe items after the return window?

No. The 30 day window is firm. It starts the day your package is delivered, not the day you ordered.

If you miss it, the return is automatically rejected. There are no extensions or exceptions for standard returns. The only way around it is if the item arrived defective, and even then you need to contact customer service quickly.

How long does 12th Tribe take to refund?

The refund process takes 5 to 7 business days after the return is received. Your bank then takes another 3 to 5 business days to post the funds. Total time from drop off to money in your account is about 10 to 14 days.

Gift card refunds are faster at 3 to 5 business days total.

Can I return opened products?

It depends on what you mean by opened. If you removed the item from its packaging to try it on, that is fine as long as the tags are still attached. If you removed the tags, wore the item, washed it, or removed any hygiene seals, the return will be rejected.

Final sale items cannot be returned at all, even if sealed.

Can online orders be returned in stores?

No. 12th Tribe does not have physical retail stores. All returns must be shipped back through their online return portal. You cannot drop off items at a store location or return them through a third party retailer.

The only way to return is via UPS using the prepaid label from the portal.

Does 12th Tribe offer free returns?

No, not for standard returns. The return shipping cost is deducted from your refund. It typically ranges from $5 to $8 depending on the item weight and location.

Free returns are only available if the item is defective or if 12th Tribe sent the wrong item. In those cases, they provide a free prepaid label with no deduction.

Can I exchange instead of getting a refund?

No. 12th Tribe does not offer direct exchanges. You must return the unwanted item for a refund, then place a new order for the correct size or color. This is faster than most exchange processes because you can reorder immediately instead of waiting for a replacement to ship.

What happens if my return is rejected?

You will receive an email explaining the reason. Common reasons include stains, missing tags, or being outside the 30 day window. You then have about 5 days to decide.

Option one: pay for the item to be shipped back to you. Option two: let 12th Tribe dispose of it and receive no refund. If you believe the rejection was a mistake, reply with photos as evidence.

How do I return a gift I received?

You need the order number from the person who purchased it. Ask the gift giver for the confirmation email. If they cannot find it, contact 12th Tribe customer service with the recipient’s name and shipping address.

They can look up the order. The refund goes back to the original payment method, not to you. If you want store credit instead, you need the gift giver to coordinate.

Can I return swimwear or underwear?

It depends. Swimwear and underwear are often marked as final sale on the product page. Check your order confirmation or the product page.

If it says final sale, you cannot return it. If it does not say final sale, standard return rules apply. However, 12th Tribe may still reject items with hygiene seals removed.

What if I lost my packing slip?

That is not a problem. You do not need the physical packing slip to start a return. You need your order number.

Find it in the confirmation email. If you cannot find the email, contact customer service with your name, shipping address, and order date. They can look up the order and send you the return instructions.

How do I contact 12th Tribe customer service?

You can reach them through the live chat feature on their website or by email. The contact information is listed on the Contact Us page at 12thtribe.com. Response times are usually within 24 hours for email.

Live chat is faster for urgent issues like defective items or tracking problems.

Do I have to pay for return shipping on a defective item?

No. If the item is defective or if 12th Tribe sent the wrong item, they cover the return shipping. Contact customer service instead of using the standard return portal.

They will email you a free prepaid UPS label. No shipping cost is deducted from your refund for these cases.

Final Decision Guide: Should You Return or Keep It?

Sometimes the choice is not obvious. Here is a simple framework to help you decide.

Return if any of these are true

• The item does not fit and you are within the 30 day window.
• The color looks different from the website photos and you cannot make it work.
• The fabric feels wrong or the quality is lower than expected.
• You found a defect like a hole, loose seam, or stain.
• You ordered the wrong size or color by mistake.

Keep it if any of these are true

• You are outside the 30 day window. Returning is not an option.
• The item is marked final sale. You cannot return it.
• You removed the tags and wore it. It will be rejected.
• The item is 90 percent right and the shipping cost to return is not worth it.
• You think you can make it work with a tailor or different styling.
• The item might sell out before you can reorder. Check stock levels.

The cost question

Run the numbers before you decide. A return costs you the shipping fee plus your time. If the item cost $30 and the return fee is $6, you are getting back $24.

Is that worth the hassle? For a $90 legging, the math shifts. Same effort, bigger refund.

Also factor in how long you will wait. Two weeks is the average timeline. If you need the money back quickly, consider keeping the item and reselling it locally.

That can be faster and sometimes nets you more money after fees.

The fit question

If the size is off by one step, check the size guide before returning. 12th Tribe’s sizing may run differently from other brands. Look at the garment measurements, not just the tag size. A size swap via return and reorder might land you the same result if you guess wrong again.

Measure yourself with a soft tape. Compare to the size chart on the product page. If the numbers say medium and the fit feels small, size up.

If the numbers say large and the fit feels big, size down. That confidence makes the return and reorder worth it.

The color question

Screen colors vary. What looked like dusty rose on your phone might be brownish pink in natural light. Check the item in sunlight before deciding.

If you can pair it with things you already own, it might work. If it clashes with everything, return it.

When to keep a final sale item

You bought it on clearance. You knew the risk. Now live with it or resell it.

Do not try to return a final sale item through the portal. It will be rejected and you will waste time and shipping.

Final recommendation

If you are on the fence, go with your gut. If you tried it on and felt meh, return it. If you tried it on and felt maybe, keep it for a week.

Wear it around the house with the tags still on. If the feeling does not grow on you, you still have time to return.

The 12th Tribe return policy is fair. It protects both the buyer and the seller. Follow the three rules.

Stay inside 30 days. Keep tags on. Do not wear it.

If you do those things, your refund will come through. If you slip, you lose that protection.

Bookmark the policy page on their website. Policies change. What is true today might shift next season.

Always check the official source before you buy or return.

ReturnPolicys.com independently researches publicly available policy information to help consumers understand return, refund, and exchange processes. We are not affiliated with 12th Tribe unless clearly stated. This guide was written by Larry Bing.

Always verify current policy details on the official 12th Tribe website before making a return.