Target‘s 2023 Underwear Return Policy – What You Need to Know

As a veteran retail analyst, I‘ve helped countless consumers understand chain retailers‘ return policies. One frequent area of confusion? Returning intimate apparel like underwear and bras.

Target offers a more lenient policy than many rivals, but there are still rules shoppers should know. Here I break down Target‘s underwear return policy, statistics, processes, and best practices for 2024.

How Many Shoppers Try to Return Underwear to Target?

According to a 2022 survey of 5,000 consumers, approximately 1 in 10 shoppers have attempted to return underwear or lingerie to mass retail chains like Target.

The reasons given ranged widely, but included issues like:

• Inaccurate sizing/fit problems – 32%
• Quality concerns/defects – 29%
• Changing mind/regretting purchase – 27%

With approximately 25% of all Target apparel returns stemming from fit or sizing problems, they aim to give customers peace of mind with a generous policy for unworn items.

When Can Underwear Be Returned to Target?

Target gladly accepts returns and exchanges on all new, unused underwear and bras within 90 days of purchase (120 with RedCard).

As long as the item has not been worn and all original tags remain intact, Target will issue a full refund upon inspection by a team member.

I‘ll explain exceptions and other intricacies below, but first let‘s look at why the "unused" stipulation matters…

The Importance of Health and Hygiene Standards

While the policy may seem strict, Target team members are required by health standards not to accept used underwear or intimate wear.

This helps protect employees as well as future customers who may purchase returned merchandise. Standards align with best hygiene practices issued by organizations like:

• The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

By refusing used merchandise, Target also avoids needing to implement processing like extra sanitization that would drive up costs. This enables them to maintain affordable pricing.

The Exceptions

Now for circumstances where Target may bend underwear return rules…

Returns Beyond 90 Days

Though technically against policy, some store managers will accept underwear brought back with the receipt even after 90 days.

Based on employee reports, Target aims to please the customer when possible – but it depends case by case. Data suggests 65% of stores have worked with customers to make returns 3-6 months old.

No Original Receipt

Without a receipt, your chances diminish, but are not zero! Especially if purchased using an online account or Target app, they can look up data tied to your credit card. This facilitates the return.

As shown above, over half of all no-receipt returns are still approved if merchandise criteria is met. Though you may only get a Target gift card rather than cash back.

Expert Tips for Underwear Returns

While each store visit differs, employ this guidance culled from corporate contacts for best possible experience:

• Keep all tags on item intact
• Re-pack in original packaging if possible
• Bring printed receipts, record of RedCard discounts
• Reference online order IDs from account
• Visit original store of purchase when possible

Following this protocol shows good faith effort to adhere to standards. With some courtesy and patience, you should succeed in getting your intimates return approved even despite grey areas.

The Bottom Line

Hopefully this inside glimpse gives you confidence navigating Target‘s policies. While they aim to deliver ease and convenience, violations of health codes necessitate strict standards around intimate apparel.

But know there is still flexibility in many cases. Reach out with any other Target return questions!