Return policy comparison · 2026
H&M vs MICAS
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (H&M) and July 24, 2026 (MICAS)
Winner
H&M
B+
3.4 / 5.0 · Good
MICAS
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
H&M has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against MICAS's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free in-store; mail may cost versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
H&MMICAS
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
| H&M | MICAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days | 30 days (unwashed, unaltered, original tags attached) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store) | No - customer pays return shipping |
| Restocking fee | None | None published |
| Return shipping | $5.99 deducted for mail | Customer pays all return shipping costs unless the item is defective |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Underwear, swimwear (broken seal), opened beauty, gift cards, face masks, altered items | 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 | Standard 30-day window | — |
H&M tip
Return in-store for free — mail deducts $5.99 from refund. H&M Member purchases tracked automatically in app.
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, H&M or MICAS?
H&M has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against MICAS's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free in-store; mail may cost versus customer pays return shipping.
What is H&M's return window?
H&M's return window is 30 days.
What is MICAS's return window?
MICAS's return window is 30 days (unwashed, unaltered, original tags attached).
Does H&M or MICAS offer free returns?
H&M: Yes (in-store). MICAS: No - customer pays return shipping.