Return policy comparison · 2026
boohoo vs Cotton On
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (boohoo) and July 24, 2026 (Cotton On)
boohoo
C
2.1 / 5.0 · Mediocre
Winner
Cotton On
A+
5.0 / 5.0 · Exceptional
The verdict
Cotton On has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against boohoo's C (2.1/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: no time limit versus 28-day window (tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
boohooCotton On
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
| boohoo | Cotton On | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 28 days (unworn, unwashed, tags attached) | ✓ No expiration (unworn, tags attached, proof of purchase) |
| Free returns | No - fee deducted | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | — | None |
| Return shipping | $6.00 per parcel deducted from refund for boohoo items; $1.99 for concession brand items | Free for online returns by mail within country of purchase; delivery fees are not refunded for change-of-mind returns (only refunded for faulty items when the entire order is returned with proof) |
| Holiday extension | — | ✓ None published |
| Non-returnable | Fashion face masks, cosmetics/beauty products, pierced jewelry, swimwear or lingerie with broken seals, perishable goods, unwrapped software, custom/personalized items, vitamins with broken seals, in-store purchases | Underwear, earrings, cosmetics, third-party brands, charity items, seconds, samples, customized/personalized items, gift cards, swimwear (unless hygiene sticker and swing tags remain attached) |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
boohoo tip
Opting for store credit instead of a refund to original payment gets a 20% bonus on the refund value, but there is no direct exchange option - you must return the item and place a new order separately.
Cotton On tip
There's genuinely no deadline on returns here as long as you have proof of purchase and tags attached — rare for fast fashion — so it's worth holding onto receipts even for items you bought a while back.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, boohoo or Cotton On?
Cotton On has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against boohoo's C (2.1/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: no time limit versus 28-day window (tight).
What is boohoo's return window?
boohoo's return window is 28 days (unworn, unwashed, tags attached).
What is Cotton On's return window?
Cotton On's return window is No expiration (unworn, tags attached, proof of purchase).
Does boohoo or Cotton On offer free returns?
boohoo: No - fee deducted. Cotton On: Yes.