Return policy comparison · 2026
DSW vs ModCloth
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (DSW) and July 24, 2026 (ModCloth)
Winner
DSW
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
ModCloth
B+
3.4 / 5.0 · Good
The verdict
DSW has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against ModCloth's B+ (3.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
DSWModCloth
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 | ModCloth | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days | 30 days (from delivery, opened via Loop portal) |
| Free returns | Yes (in-store) | Yes (with Checkout+) |
| Restocking fee | None | None beyond the $12 processing fee for non-Checkout+ orders |
| Return shipping | Free mail returns for VIP members | Domestic returns get a prepaid label through the Loop portal; a $12 processing fee is deducted unless you purchased Checkout+ at checkout, which waives it. International orders in Australia, Canada, and the UK have carrier shipping fees deducted from the refund, and other international customers pay their own shipping and must email tracking within 5 business days. |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Yes (holiday extension) | None published |
| Non-returnable | Final sale items, worn shoes showing significant use | Final sale items (store credit only via ModCloset program), gift cards, items missing original tags or the original plastic bag with barcode, worn or washed merchandise, shoes without their original box, swimwear with the hygienic liner removed |
| Watch-out items | Standard 90-day window | — |
DSW tip
VIP members tracked automatically. Shoes can be lightly worn.
ModCloth tip
Any discount code or coupon you used gets forfeited once you return the item, so a heavily discounted order might not be worth returning piece by piece if you're trying to keep that code active.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, DSW or ModCloth?
DSW has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against ModCloth's B+ (3.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is DSW's return window?
DSW's return window is 90 days.
What is ModCloth's return window?
ModCloth's return window is 30 days (from delivery, opened via Loop portal).
Does DSW or ModCloth offer free returns?
DSW: Yes (in-store). ModCloth: Yes (with Checkout+).