Return policy comparison · 2026
André Assous vs Darn Tough
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (André Assous) and July 24, 2026 (Darn Tough)
André Assous
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
Winner
Darn Tough
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
Darn Tough has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against André Assous's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
André AssousDarn Tough
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| André Assous | Darn Tough | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 35 days (unused, original packaging, from ship date) | ✓ 90 days (regardless of wear; 120 days for holiday gifts) |
| Free returns | No - fee deducted | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | — | None |
| Return shipping | Customer pays; deducted from refund (free if returning multiple sizes of same product ordered together) | Free return shipping on all returns and exchanges |
| Holiday extension | — | ✓ Gifted socks purchased during holiday periods get 120 days instead of the standard 90 |
| Non-returnable | Gift cards, used or worn products, products without original box/packaging, perishable goods, intimate/sanitary items, hazardous materials, clearance items priced ending in $0.99 (final sale), regular sale items | None published |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
André Assous tip
If you're unsure of size, order multiple sizes in one order and return the rest - that's the one way to dodge the return-shipping deduction; single-item returns get shipping costs subtracted from the refund.
Darn Tough tip
Even socks that are years old and worn through get covered - after the 90-day return window, Darn Tough's Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee kicks in for socks bought anywhere, not just their own site.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, André Assous or Darn Tough?
Darn Tough has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against André Assous's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is André Assous's return window?
André Assous's return window is 35 days (unused, original packaging, from ship date).
What is Darn Tough's return window?
Darn Tough's return window is 90 days (regardless of wear; 120 days for holiday gifts).
Does André Assous or Darn Tough offer free returns?
André Assous: No - fee deducted. Darn Tough: Yes.