Return policy comparison · 2026
H&M vs PrettyLittleThing
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (H&M) and July 24, 2026 (PrettyLittleThing)
Winner
H&M
B+
3.4 / 5.0 · Good
PrettyLittleThing
B-
2.6 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
H&M has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against PrettyLittleThing's B- (2.6/5.0). 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&MPrettyLittleThing
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 | PrettyLittleThing | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 30 days | 21 days (from delivery) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store) | No - $14.99 fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None | None published, but refund value can be reduced if an item shows signs of wear |
| Return shipping | $5.99 deducted for mail | $14.99 per parcel deducted from your refund |
| Holiday extension | Not specifically extended | Orders placed roughly between early November and early January typically get an extended window running through January 5 |
| Non-returnable | Underwear, swimwear (broken seal), opened beauty, gift cards, face masks, altered items | Pierced jewelry with packaging removed, underwear/swimwear/fashion facemasks with hygiene seal removed, opened or used beauty products, shoes worn outside |
| 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.
PrettyLittleThing tip
Choose store credit instead of a cash refund and PLT adds an extra 10% to the value — worth it if you know you'll order again, but it doesn't apply to gift-card purchases or faulty items.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, H&M or PrettyLittleThing?
H&M has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against PrettyLittleThing's B- (2.6/5.0). 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 PrettyLittleThing's return window?
PrettyLittleThing's return window is 21 days (from delivery).
Does H&M or PrettyLittleThing offer free returns?
H&M: Yes (in-store). PrettyLittleThing: No - $14.99 fee deducted.