Return policy comparison · 2026
FWRD vs Hartmann
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
FWRD
A-
3.9 / 5.0 · Very Good
Winner
Hartmann
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
The verdict
Hartmann has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against FWRD's A- (3.9/5.0). It wins 1 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.
FWRDHartmann
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
| FWRD | Hartmann | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days (unworn, original tags attached) | ✓ 90 days (unused, tags/packaging intact) |
| Free returns | Yes | Yes |
| Restocking fee | None published | None |
| Return shipping | Free prepaid return mailing label included on all domestic orders. | Free - prepaid return labels provided |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Returns accepted after the standard 30-day window during the holiday season (Nov 1 - Dec 25 purchases) as long as the item is received back by January 10. | None published |
| Holiday deadline | 2027-01-10 | — |
| Non-returnable | None published beyond items outside the 30-day/holiday window | None published |
| Watch-out items | — | damaged or incorrect merchandise claims must be reported within 60 days of ship date |
FWRD tip
Want an exchange instead of a refund? Call or email customer service to put the replacement size/style on hold first - otherwise it can sell out while your return is in transit back to their Cerritos, CA warehouse.
Hartmann tip
Hartmann doesn't do direct exchanges — if you need a different size or color, you have to return for a refund and place a brand-new order, so don't expect a simple swap.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, FWRD or Hartmann?
Hartmann has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against FWRD's A- (3.9/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is FWRD's return window?
FWRD's return window is 30 days (unworn, original tags attached).
What is Hartmann's return window?
Hartmann's return window is 90 days (unused, tags/packaging intact).
Does FWRD or Hartmann offer free returns?
FWRD: Yes. Hartmann: Yes.