Lacoste Return Policy: What You Need to Know

You ordered a Lacoste polo online. It arrived, you tried it on, and something is off. Maybe the fit isn’t right, the color looks different, or you just changed your mind.

Now you need to return it. The good news is that Lacoste makes returns pretty straightforward. The better news is that this guide walks you through every possible scenario.

Lacoste’s standard return policy gives you 30 days from delivery. Items must be unworn with tags attached. Online returns come with a free prepaid label.

You can also walk into any US Lacoste store. Refunds go back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after they receive the item. Some items are final sale and cannot be returned at all.

Quick Answer

Lacoste accepts returns within 30 days of delivery. Items must be unworn with tags attached. Online orders ship back free with a prepaid label.

You can also return to any US Lacoste store. Refunds go back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after the item is received. Final sale items cannot be returned.

Your Return Scenario: What Applies to You?

The first thing you need to figure out is which return path applies. The rules shift depending on where and when you bought the item.

Ask yourself these three questions:

• Where did you buy it? Online at Lacoste.com, at a full-price Lacoste store, at a Lacoste outlet, or somewhere else?
• When did you receive or purchase it? If you are past 30 days, your options shrink.
• What is the condition? Unworn with tags? Opened but tried on? Defective? Final sale?

Here is a quick decision map:

The core rule is simple. If you have proof of purchase and you are inside the window, you are fine. Outside of that, you will need to talk to customer service or a store manager.

30-Day Window: Are You Still Eligible?

The 30-day clock starts on the delivery date for online orders. For in-store purchases, it starts on the purchase date.

Check your delivery confirmation email or shipping tracking. That date is day one. If you are on day 31, the policy technically says no.

Some store managers can approve late returns on a case-by-case basis, especially if the item is perfect and you have a good reason.

What counts as within 30 days?

• You can start the return process online up to day 30.
• The label must be generated and the package handed to the carrier before day 31.
• The ship date matters, not the arrival date at Lacoste.

Holiday returns. Lacoste does not officially extend the window around Christmas or Black Friday. But if you bought a gift and the recipient needs to return it, you may get a one-time courtesy. Call customer service to ask.

Final sale items. No return window at all. No exceptions.

If you are unsure, initiate the return online anyway. The system will check your order date and either approve it or flag it. You lose nothing by trying.

Online vs. In-Store: Which Route Works Best?

Your location and urgency matter here. If you live near a Lacoste store, going in person is almost always faster. If you do not, the online return process is free and reliable.

Choose online returns when:

• You have no Lacoste store nearby.
• It is after business hours and you want to start the process.
• You are returning a gift and need a prepaid label.

Choose in-store returns when:

• You want your refund today.
• You want to exchange for a different size or color immediately.
• You worry about the item getting lost in transit.

One important detail. If you bought online at Lacoste.com, you can return it to any Lacoste retail store in the US. If you bought at a Lacoste outlet, you generally need to return it to an outlet store, not a full-price boutique.

Check your receipt.

Return Without a Receipt: What Are Your Options?

Losing a receipt happens. Your options are more limited, but not gone.

For online purchases, your order confirmation email or account order history works as proof. Pull it up on your phone at the store or forward it to customer service. No need for a paper receipt.

For in-store purchases without a receipt, you have two paths:

• If you used a card. The store can often look up the transaction using that card. Bring the card and your ID.
• If you paid cash. Most stores will not give a refund. Some managers may offer store credit at the item’s current lowest selling price, but that is not guaranteed.

Gift returns without a receipt. Your best bet is to visit a store. They may issue store credit at the item’s lowest price if they can verify it is authentic and unworn. Online gift returns without a receipt generally are not possible unless the giver provides the order number.

Important. Without proof of purchase, you cannot get a refund to a credit card or PayPal. Your only option is store credit, and even that is at the store’s discretion.

How to Start a Lacoste Return (Step by Step)

Once you confirm you are eligible, the process takes about ten minutes.

Step 1: Gather Your Item and Proof of Purchase

• Make sure the item is unworn, unwashed, and has all tags attached.
• Find your order confirmation email or receipt.
• If returning footwear, include the shoebox. It is considered part of the product.

Step 2: Initiate the Return Online or Go to a Store

For online returns:

• Go to Lacoste.com and log into your account.
• Navigate to My Orders and select the item you want to return.
• Click Return Item(s) and follow the prompts.
• Choose a reason for the return.
• You will receive a prepaid return label via email.

For in-store returns:

• No online initiation needed. Bring the item and receipt to any Lacoste store.

Step 3: Package the Item

• Use the original box if possible, or any sturdy box.
• Place the item inside with the packing slip or a note with your order number.
• Tape the label on the outside. Cover any old barcodes.

Step 4: Ship It

• Drop the package off at the carrier specified on the label. Usually UPS or USPS.
• Keep the tracking number until your refund posts.

Step 5: Wait for Inspection and Refund

• Lacoste inspects the item within 1 to 2 business days after receiving it.
• Then the refund is issued. Credit card refunds appear in 5 to 10 business days.
• Store credit or gift card refunds are faster, usually 2 to 3 business days.

Common gotcha. If you forget to include your order number inside the box, the return could be delayed or rejected. Write it on a note or include the packing slip.

Refund or Exchange: Which One Do You Want?

The choice often comes down to speed. If you still want a Lacoste product in a different size or color, exchanging is faster than returning and reordering.

Choose a refund when:

• The item does not fit and you decided against the style.
• You found the same product cheaper elsewhere.
• The item arrived damaged and you want something different.

Choose an exchange when:

• You love the shirt but need a smaller size.
• The color looks different and you prefer another.
• You want to swap for a similar item at the same price.

Important. Lacoste does not offer an online exchange option as of 2026. If you bought online and want a different size, return the original for a refund and then place a new order. If you live near a store, bring the online purchase in.

They can process the return and sell you the new size on the spot.

Can you exchange a final sale item? No.

What Happens If Your Item Is Defective?

Defective items get special treatment. The standard 30-day window still applies, but you have additional options through Lacoste’s warranty program.

What counts as defective?

• A zipper that breaks after one wear.
• A seam that splits without tearing.
• A button that falls off the first time you button it.
• Fabric discoloration or pilling after normal wear.

These are manufacturing defects. Lacoste considers them warrantable. You can return them beyond 30 days in some cases.

The process for defective items:

1. Contact Lacoste customer service. Explain the defect clearly.
2. They may ask for photos. Keep the item as is. Do not repair it.
3. If approved, they provide a prepaid return label.
4. Once received and inspected, they offer a replacement, repair, or refund.

What if you are past 30 days? You can still report a defect within one year of purchase. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear. If a shoe sole wears thin after six months of daily use, that is not a defect.

If the sole separates after three wears, that is.

Pro tip. Keep your receipt or order confirmation. Lacoste may require proof of purchase to verify the item is within the warranty period.

What Lacoste will not cover:

• Damage from improper care.
• Alterations made by a third party.
• Accidental damage like tears, stains, or burns.
• Loss or theft.

If your claim is denied, you can escalate by asking for a supervisor.

Items That Can’t Be Returned

Not everything at Lacoste is returnable. Knowing what is excluded before you buy saves headaches later.

Final sale items. These are clearly marked at checkout. Deep clearance items, seasonal promotions, and special discounted merchandise. Once bought, they are yours.

Hygiene items.

• Underwear, briefs, boxers if the hygiene seal is broken.
• Swimwear under the same rule.
• Fragrances and colognes that have been opened.

Personalized or monogrammed items. Made to order. Cannot be returned unless they arrived with a manufacturing defect.

Gift cards. Non-refundable. You can spend them, but you cannot cash them out.

Items from third-party retailers. You must follow that store’s return policy. Lacoste will not accept returns for items purchased from unauthorized sellers.

Common Return Problems and How to Fix Them

Even with a straightforward policy, things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues and how to handle them.

Problem: Refund not showing up after two weeks.

Check your payment method. Credit card refunds take 5 to 10 business days after Lacoste processes them. Add the time your package took to arrive.

If it has been more than 15 business days from when you shipped it, contact customer service with your return tracking number.

Problem: Return was rejected by Lacoste.

Lacoste may reject a return if the item shows wear, is missing tags, or was returned outside the window. You will get an email explaining why. You can request the item be shipped back to you at your expense.

If you believe the rejection was a mistake, escalate to a supervisor.

Problem: Lost the prepaid return label.

Log into your Lacoste account and go to your orders. The label is stored there. You can download and reprint it.

If you returned as a guest, check the return confirmation email. If you lost that email, contact customer service and they will resend it.

Problem: Item arrived damaged but it is past 30 days.

This is a warranty issue, not a return issue. Contact customer service. Explain that the damage is a manufacturing defect.

If they agree, they may still accept the return or offer a repair. Be ready to share photos.

Problem: Store refused my in-store return without a receipt.

This is standard policy. If you paid by card, ask them to look up the transaction with your card and ID. If you paid cash, you are likely out of luck unless you can produce the receipt.

Problem: Online return would not initiate because of an error.

Clear your browser cookies or try a different browser. Sometimes the Lacoste return portal glitches. You can also call customer service to initiate the return manually.

Problem: I returned the wrong item by accident.

Contact customer service immediately. If the package has not been processed yet, they may be able to intercept it. If it is already processed, explain the mistake.

Lacoste may ship the wrong item back to you, but you will likely cover shipping.

Lacoste Refund Timelines Explained

The refund timeline depends on the return method and your payment type.

Online returns:

1. You ship the item. The carrier takes 2 to 5 days to deliver.
2. Lacoste receives and inspects the package. This takes 1 to 2 business days.
3. Once approved, they issue the refund.
4. Your bank or credit card provider takes the remaining time.

In-store returns:

• Refunds are processed immediately at the register.
• Credit card refunds appear on your statement within 3 to 5 business days.
• Debit card refunds can take up to 7 business days depending on your bank.

Why does it take so long for credit cards? Once Lacoste releases the refund, your card issuer has to post it. Some issuers process quickly. Others batch process and take the full 10 days.

Lacoste has no control over that step.

If your refund shows as pending. That is normal. Pending means the bank has received the instruction. It will post within the typical window.

Can you speed up a refund? Return in store. Once the store associate processes the return, the refund starts immediately. Online returns will always take at least a week from the day you ship.

Quick Decision Guide: Choose Your Path

Here is a 30-second scan to decide your next move.

Warranty Information

Lacoste offers a limited warranty on manufacturing defects. This is separate from the standard return policy.

What the warranty covers:

• Material or workmanship defects under normal use.
• Faulty zippers, buttons, seams, or hardware.
• Issues that arise within one year of purchase.

What the warranty does not cover:

• Normal wear and tear.
• Damage from improper care.
• Accidental damage, stains, or tears.
• Alterations or repairs done outside Lacoste.

How to make a warranty claim:

1. Gather your proof of purchase.
2. Contact Lacoste customer service by phone or through the website.
3. Describe the defect clearly. Be ready to share photos.
4. If approved, they provide a prepaid shipping label.
5. Lacoste inspects the item and offers a repair, replacement, or refund.

Does Lacoste repair items? In some cases, yes. A broken zipper on a jacket may be repairable. Lacoste may cover the cost if it is a defect.

For non-defective repairs, you pay.

How long does the warranty process take? Expect 2 to 4 weeks total including shipping and inspection.

What if your warranty claim is denied? You can appeal by asking for a supervisor. Provide more detailed photos or a written explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return Lacoste items after the return window?

Technically no. But some store managers approve late returns for store credit on a case-by-case basis. Call customer service or visit a store.

There is no guarantee.

How long does Lacoste take to refund?

After Lacoste receives your return, refunds take 5 to 10 business days for credit cards. Debit cards take 5 to 7 business days. PayPal posts within 48 hours.

In-store returns are instant on their end and appear in your bank within 3 to 5 business days.

Can I return opened products?

It depends. Clothing that is tried on but unworn and with tags is fine. Underwear or swimwear with a broken hygiene seal cannot be returned.

Fragrances that have been opened are also non-returnable.

Can online orders be returned in stores?

Yes. Any item purchased on Lacoste.com can be returned to any Lacoste retail store in the United States. Bring the item and your order confirmation email or packing slip.

Does Lacoste offer free returns?

Yes. For online orders shipped within the continental US, Lacoste provides a prepaid return label at no cost. You pay nothing unless you choose a faster shipping method.

Can I exchange instead of getting a refund?

In store, yes. You can swap for a different size or color immediately if it is in stock. Online, no.

Lacoste does not offer an online exchange option. You must return for a refund and then place a new order.

What if I lost my return label?

Log into your Lacoste account. Go to your orders and find the return. The label is available to download and reprint.

If you returned as a guest, check the return confirmation email. If you cannot find it, contact customer service and they will resend it.

Does Lacoste have a holiday return extension?

No. Lacoste does not officially extend the return window for holiday purchases. The standard 30-day rule applies year round.

If you bought a gift, return it quickly or contact customer service for a possible courtesy exception.

What is Lacoste’s customer service number?

You can reach Lacoste customer service at 1-800-4-LACOSTE. Hours are Monday through Saturday, Eastern Time.

Can I return a Lacoste item bought from a department store?

No. You must return it to the store you bought it from. Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and other retailers each have their own return policies.

Final Tips Before You Ship or Visit a Store

A few small steps can save you time and frustration.

Check the return deadline first. Count 30 days from delivery or purchase. Mark it on your calendar. If you are on day 29, start the process now.

Keep your packaging. Lacoste prefers items in their original box or bag. Shoes must include the original shoebox.

Photograph the item before shipping. Take a picture showing its condition. Also photograph the packing slip inside the box and the label on the outside. This protects you if Lacoste claims the item arrived used or damaged.

Remove old shipping labels. If you reuse a box, cover or remove old barcodes and labels. Confused scanning can delay your return or send it to the wrong place.

Include the packing slip or order number. Write your order number on a piece of paper and place it inside the box.

Ship with tracking. The prepaid label includes tracking. Keep the tracking number until your refund posts.

Return in store if you are close. You get the refund instantly. No waiting for shipping or inspection.

Know the store hours. Lacoste stores are typically open Monday through Saturday. Some locations have limited Sunday hours. Check the store locator on their website before driving.

Bring everything to the store. The item, the receipt (digital or paper), your ID, and the credit card you used if you want a card refund.

Be polite with store staff. Store managers have discretion on many things. A respectful customer is more likely to get a courtesy exception.

Read the policy one more time. Policies change. Before you make any final move, check the current terms on Lacoste’s official website. Our research here reflects the policy as of early 2026.

About This Guide

ReturnPolicys.com independently researches publicly available policy information to help consumers understand return, refund, and exchange processes. We are not affiliated with Lacoste or any company mentioned in this guide unless clearly stated. Our goal is to give you clear, honest, and actionable information so you can shop with confidence.

Always confirm the latest details directly from the official Lacoste website before making a return. Policies can change without notice.