Return policy comparison · 2026
DSW vs La Garçonne
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (DSW) and July 24, 2026 (La Garçonne)
Winner
DSW
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
La Garçonne
B-
2.8 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
DSW has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against La Garçonne's B- (2.8/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 7-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
DSWLa Garçonne
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
| DSW | La Garçonne | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days | 7 days to request a return authorization (item must reach warehouse within 14 days of RA issuance) |
| Free returns | Yes (in-store) | Yes (US orders) |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | Free mail returns for VIP members | Free pre-paid FedEx label for US orders; international customers must arrange and pay for their own return courier with tracking |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Yes (holiday extension) | None published |
| Non-returnable | Final sale items, worn shoes showing significant use | Items marked down 50% or more (final sale), beauty products, swimwear, intimates, certain promotional-discount items, worn/washed/damaged merchandise, items without original tags, shoes with worn or scuffed soles |
| Watch-out items | Standard 90-day window | — |
DSW tip
VIP members tracked automatically. Shoes can be lightly worn.
La Garçonne tip
Request your return authorization fast — you only get 7 days to start the process, and then the physical package has to land at the warehouse within 14 days of that RA being issued, so don't let it sit in your closet.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, DSW or La Garçonne?
DSW has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against La Garçonne's B- (2.8/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 7-day window (very tight).
What is DSW's return window?
DSW's return window is 90 days.
What is La Garçonne's return window?
La Garçonne's return window is 7 days to request a return authorization (item must reach warehouse within 14 days of RA issuance).
Does DSW or La Garçonne offer free returns?
DSW: Yes (in-store). La Garçonne: Yes (US orders).