Return policy comparison · 2026
Cotton On vs MICAS
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
Cotton On
A+
5.0 / 5.0 · Exceptional
MICAS
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Cotton On has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against MICAS's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: no time limit versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Cotton OnMICAS
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
| Cotton On | MICAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ No expiration (unworn, tags attached, proof of purchase) | 30 days (unwashed, unaltered, original tags attached) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - customer pays return shipping |
| Restocking fee | None | None published |
| Return shipping | 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) | Customer pays all return shipping costs unless the item is defective |
| Holiday extension | ✓ None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Underwear, earrings, cosmetics, third-party brands, charity items, seconds, samples, customized/personalized items, gift cards, swimwear (unless hygiene sticker and swing tags remain attached) | Gift cards, surprise/mystery boxes, sale items, shoes, bikinis, bodysuits, and accessories other than scarves; orders paid for with store credit from a prior return cannot be returned again |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
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.
MICAS tip
Taking store credit instead of cash gets you a 20% bonus on the refund amount - a cash refund to your original payment method also has the original shipping fee subtracted.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Cotton On or MICAS?
Cotton On has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against MICAS's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: no time limit versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is Cotton On's return window?
Cotton On's return window is No expiration (unworn, tags attached, proof of purchase).
What is MICAS's return window?
MICAS's return window is 30 days (unwashed, unaltered, original tags attached).
Does Cotton On or MICAS offer free returns?
Cotton On: Yes. MICAS: No - customer pays return shipping.