Can I Get a Refund If It Doesn’t Fit? Know your consumer rights.
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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Can I Get a Refund If It Doesn’t Fit?
✅ Buying Online (UK Law – Distance Selling Regulations)
Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, if you buy clothing online (or by phone or mail), you have the legal right to cancel your order and get a full refund — even if the item just doesn’t fit or you changed your mind.
Your Key Rights:
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You have 14 days from the date you receive the item to notify the retailer you want to return it.
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After that, you have another 14 days to send it back.
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You are entitled to a full refund, including the original standard delivery cost.
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The item must be in original condition, unworn (other than trying it on), and with tags intact.
What’s Not Covered:
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Items that have been worn or damaged
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Custom-made, personalised, or altered items
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Some underwear or swimwear, if hygiene seals are removed
🛍 Tip: Always check the retailer’s returns policy too — some offer longer return windows or free return shipping.
What About In-Store Purchases?
If you buy in person, you don’t automatically have a legal right to a refund just because it doesn’t fit — unless the item is faulty.
However, most UK retailers voluntarily offer refunds or exchanges, especially big brands. Look for phrases like “28-day return policy” or “exchange only” on the receipt or signs near the till.
What If It Was a Sale Item?
This depends on the retailer’s policy:
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Some allow refunds on sale items
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Others may offer exchange or store credit only
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Legally, sale items must be clearly marked if non-refundable
But remember: if the item is faulty, you always have the right to a refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, regardless of price or discount.
International Retailers and Marketplaces
If you buy from a non-UK website, your rights may differ:
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EU stores usually follow similar rules (at least 14 days)
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US/Asian retailers may not offer any refund unless the item is faulty
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Returns may be expensive or impractical (shipping at your own cost)
❗ Always check the returns policy before ordering internationally. Many retailers on marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy also have their own terms.
The Tellar.co.uk Advantage: Avoid Returns Entirely
At Tellar.co.uk, we help you avoid sizing mistakes and unnecessary returns:
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Instantly find your correct size in over 1,500 brands
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Just enter your body measurements once — we do the rest
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Based on real brand size charts (not just generic estimates)
👉 Try it now – it’s free & accurate
Summary: Know Your Rights
Situation |
Refund Rights? |
---|---|
Clothes don’t fit (online) |
✅ Yes – within 14 days |
Clothes don’t fit (in store) |
❌ No legal right (store policy only) |
Sale item doesn’t fit (online) |
✅ Usually yes – check policy |
Custom or personalised items |
❌ No refund unless faulty |
International site |
⚠️ Varies – always check terms |
Need Help Avoiding Wrong Sizes?
Use Tellar.co.uk before you shop:
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Match your measurements to every brand’s unique sizing
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Save your profile for future purchases
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