Return policy comparison · 2026
Ariat vs Bernardo 1946
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
Ariat
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
Bernardo 1946
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Ariat has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Bernardo 1946's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
AriatBernardo 1946
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
| Ariat | Bernardo 1946 | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (unworn, original tags and packaging) | 30 days (unworn, original box) |
| Free returns | Yes | Yes (full-price items) |
| Restocking fee | — | $9.95 deducted from refund for promo code, sale, or final sale item returns |
| Return shipping | Free (prepaid label for domestic purchases; original shipping charges not refunded) | Free (regular returns); $9.95 deducted for promo/sale/final sale item returns |
| Holiday extension | — | — |
| Non-returnable | Final sale items; items purchased at authorized third-party retailers (follow retailer's own policy - unconfirmed on fetched page) | Sample sale items, final sale items (store credit only), items from department stores or independent retailers (must return to original retailer) |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
Ariat tip
If you originally paid with an Ariat gift card, refunds are issued as a new gift card rather than back to your original payment method, so factor that in before buying with gift card balance.
Bernardo 1946 tip
Sale items can still be exchanged for free even though returning them for a refund costs $9.95 - opt for exchange instead of refund on markdowns to dodge the fee.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Ariat or Bernardo 1946?
Ariat has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Bernardo 1946's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is Ariat's return window?
Ariat's return window is 90 days (unworn, original tags and packaging).
What is Bernardo 1946's return window?
Bernardo 1946's return window is 30 days (unworn, original box).
Does Ariat or Bernardo 1946 offer free returns?
Ariat: Yes. Bernardo 1946: Yes (full-price items).