TOP 20 ONLINE VS OFFLINE CLOTHING RETURN STATISTICS 2025

When it comes to online vs offline clothing return rate statistics, the differences can be surprisingly eye-opening—especially if you’ve ever ordered a new pair of socks online only to send them right back. In my own experience, shopping in-store almost always means I keep what I buy, while online purchases come with that little gamble of “will it actually fit?” This isn’t just about sizing—it’s about how we shop, how we decide, and the small details that can sway our satisfaction. These statistics aren’t just numbers; they tell a bigger story about convenience, expectations, and trust in the shopping process. Let’s explore exactly how the two worlds stack up and why those return percentages matter for both customers and retailers.

 

Top 20 Online Vs Offline Clothing Return Statistics 2025 (Editor's Choice)

 

Top 20 Online Vs Offline Clothing Return Statistics 2025

 

Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #1 – ICSC (2024) Reports 22% vs 6.2% for US Apparel

The ICSC’s 2024 survey reveals that apparel purchased online in the US has a return rate of 22%, compared to just 6.2% for in-store purchases. This stark difference reflects the ongoing struggle online retailers face with sizing accuracy and consumer expectations. Offline stores benefit from physical try-on, reducing the likelihood of dissatisfaction. High online return rates also increase logistical costs and reduce profitability. Retailers may need to invest in virtual fitting tools and improved product descriptions to close this gap.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #2 – ICSC Overall Retail 15.2% vs 5% (2024)

Across all retail categories, the ICSC found that online purchases are returned at a rate of 15.2%, while offline purchases have a much lower 5% return rate. This gap highlights that the sales channel alone has a major impact on return behavior. Customers shopping online often engage in “bracketing,” ordering multiple versions of a product to decide later. In-store shopping allows immediate product evaluation, reducing uncertainty. The data emphasizes the importance of recreating an in-store-like experience for online shoppers.

 

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #3 – Wikipedia US Averages 25–40% vs 8–10%

Wikipedia’s aggregated data shows that US online apparel returns can range from 25% to 40%, while in-store returns stay between 8% and 10%. The wide range reflects variations by retailer type, brand, and shopping season. Peak return rates often occur during promotional events and holiday periods. Fit issues and style mismatches remain the top causes for returns. To combat this, retailers could focus on size guidance, accurate imagery, and customer education.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #4 – Capital One Shopping (2025) 24.5% vs 8.71%

In 2025, Capital One Shopping reported that online retail returns averaged 24.5%, compared to 8.71% for offline. Clothing contributes heavily to the elevated online rate due to common sizing and style discrepancies. This difference highlights the operational strain caused by e-commerce returns. Offline returns remain lower due to direct product evaluation. To improve efficiency, online retailers may need AI-driven sizing recommendations and more detailed product videos.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #5 – Value of Returns: $362B Online vs $324B Offline

Capital One Shopping’s analysis valued online returns at $362 billion and offline returns at $324 billion in 2025. Despite the similar dollar values, the percentage of online returns is far higher relative to total sales. Apparel represents a substantial portion of this return value, especially in e-commerce. High-value returns can have a major impact on profit margins and inventory cycles. Retailers should consider return prevention strategies, particularly for high-ticket clothing items.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #6 – Opensend (2025) 20–30% vs 8.9%

Opensend reports that online apparel return rates range from 20% to 30%, compared to 8.9% for in-store purchases. This means online clothing purchases are over twice as likely to be returned. Contributing factors include inaccurate sizing charts, misleading product photos, and customer habit of bulk ordering. Offline stores offer immediate tactile and visual confirmation. Retailers must find ways to minimize these discrepancies to improve profitability.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #7 – Meteorspace (2025) 30% vs 8.89%

Meteorspace’s 2025 report aligns with industry averages, noting a 30% online apparel return rate versus 8.89% offline. This persistent gap highlights the importance of accurate digital product representation. High online returns increase costs in warehousing and reverse logistics. Offline shopping’s advantage lies in customer confidence from in-person fitting. Offering hybrid return and exchange services could help bridge this difference.

 

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #8 – Outvio (2025) 26% Online

Outvio data shows that the average online apparel return rate is 26%, with no direct offline comparison given. This figure is consistent with other reports and underlines the challenge of managing e-commerce returns. Seasonal changes, promotional offers, and fashion trends can push rates higher. Retailers need predictive analytics to anticipate and manage peak return periods. Reducing returns should be a key focus in e-commerce growth strategies.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #9 – USPSDelivers 25% vs 3%

According to USPSDelivers, fashion apparel returns reach 25% online but only 3% in-store. This is one of the largest gaps in the dataset, showing that offline returns are exceptionally rare for apparel. The low in-store rate is largely due to customers trying items before purchase. The high online rate presents both financial and environmental challenges. Retailers may need to invest in better online fitting and preview technology to close the gap.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #10 – Coresight Research (2023) 24.4% Online

Coresight Research found a 24.4% online apparel return rate over a 12-month period ending in early 2023. This aligns with the broader industry norm of 20–30%. The data emphasizes the persistent problem of online clothing returns. Improving fit, fabric descriptions, and style representation can help. Lower returns would lead to less waste and improved customer satisfaction.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #11 – NRF (2023) 17.6% vs 10.02%

The National Retail Federation’s 2023 data shows a 17.6% online return rate compared to 10.02% offline. The smaller gap compared to apparel-specific data may be due to inclusion of other product categories. Clothing still tends to push online return rates higher. Retailers should analyze category-specific return reasons to design targeted solutions. In particular, better size accuracy could significantly reduce returns.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #12 – Shopify (2025) 16.9% Online

Shopify reports an average e-commerce return rate of 16.9%, with apparel generally higher. This shows that while online returns vary, fashion remains one of the most problematic categories. The lower figure compared to other studies may reflect Shopify’s merchant base. Even so, clothing sellers should expect returns above this average. Addressing fit and expectation gaps remains critical.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #13 – Vogue Business (2024) Up to 50% vs ~10%

Vogue Business highlights seasonal spikes where online apparel returns can hit 50%, compared to about 10% in-store. These peaks often happen during holidays and major sale events. Bulk ordering and bracketing are major contributors to these high rates. Offline returns remain far more stable year-round. Retailers might consider adjusting policies during high-return seasons.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #14 – New Yorker (2023) ~40% Online

The New Yorker reports that online apparel return rates can reach around 40%. This is often tied to fast fashion, impulse buying, and mismatched expectations. Such high return rates strain reverse logistics and profitability. Brands can address this by providing more accurate product depictions and style recommendations. Reducing impulse-driven purchases could also help.

 

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #15 – Reverse Logistics 20% vs 8–10%

Reverse logistics data shows a 20% online apparel return rate compared to 8–10% offline. This consistent pattern reinforces the challenges of selling clothing online. Higher online returns increase operational and environmental costs. Offline stores benefit from immediate product verification. Bridging this gap should be a key goal for e-commerce apparel retailers.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #16 – Statista (2025) 25% Online

Statista’s 2025 survey found that 25% of consumers returned clothing purchased online in the past year. This confirms that one in four online apparel purchases results in a return. Seasonal promotions and fashion changes drive higher returns. This underlines the importance of inventory planning. A robust return policy remains essential for customer trust.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #17 – Shippo/HUB (2025) ~10% Online

Shippo and HUB data show an online apparel return rate of around 10%, which is lower than most other sources. This suggests that some retailers have managed to control returns effectively. Achieving such results likely involves accurate sizing tools, high-quality photography, and clear product descriptions. These practices can serve as best-practice examples for other brands. It shows that lower online return rates are possible.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #18 – British Fashion Council (2022) 30% vs 10%

The British Fashion Council found that UK online apparel returns averaged 30%, while offline returns were only 10%. This matches patterns in other Western markets. The high online rate reflects similar issues—fit, style, and expectation mismatches. Offline shopping’s lower rate comes from hands-on evaluation. Retailers can use in-store tech to assist online customers.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #19 – British Survey (IPF) 30% vs 10%

The IPF’s findings mirrored those of the British Fashion Council, with online returns at 30% and offline at 10%. Consistency between studies strengthens confidence in the data. UK apparel retailers face the same return challenges as their global counterparts. Targeted sizing solutions could help reduce online return rates. Providing in-store collection and fitting for online orders might be beneficial.

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Online vs Offline Clothing Return Rate Statistics #20 – Eco-Age / KPMG (2022) Up to 50% Online

Eco-Age and KPMG report that luxury apparel return rates can spike to 50% during holiday seasons online. These spikes are often due to gifting, sizing, and style preference mismatches. Luxury items are more likely to be returned if not a perfect fit or match for the recipient. Offline purchases benefit from personal selection and styling advice. High-end retailers should plan for seasonal return surges.

 

 

Final Thoughts on the Return Gap

Looking at these numbers side by side, it’s clear that online returns are consistently higher, sometimes dramatically so, compared to in-store purchases. For retailers, this gap is more than a logistical headache—it’s a reminder that the digital experience needs to work harder to replicate the certainty of in-person shopping. As a shopper, I know that clicking “buy” online comes with a mental asterisk, while in-store purchases feel more final. Whether it’s improving product descriptions, offering better sizing tools, or just making returns less of a hassle, there’s plenty of room to close that gap. At the end of the day, a world where fewer returns are needed is a win for everyone—businesses, customers, and yes, even those socks that get to stay where they belong.

 

 

SOURCES

• https://www.icsc.com/news-and-views/icsc-exchange/brick-and-mortar-shopping-drives-lower-return-rate-than-online-shopping

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_return

• https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/average-retail-return-rate/

• https://www.opensend.com/post/return-refund-rate-ecommerce

• https://www.meteorspace.com/2025/01/14/latest-returns-statistics-that-may-surprise-you/

• https://outvio.com/blog/return-rate-stats/

• https://www.uspsdelivers.com/analyzing-the-returns-landscape/

• https://coresight.com/research/the-true-cost-of-apparel-returns-alarming-return-rates-require-loss-minimization-solutions/

• https://nrf.com/research/2023-consumer-returns-retail-industry

• https://www.shopify.com/enterprise/blog/ecommerce-returns

• https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/consumers/can-customers-break-their-returns-habit

• https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/08/21/the-hidden-cost-of-free-returns

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_logistics

• https://www.statista.com/chart/34373/most-returned-product-categories-purchased-online/

• https://www.richpanel.com/blog/ecommerce-return-rates

• https://www.voguebusiness.com/sustainability/british-fashion-council-sets-out-10-step-plan-to-slash-returns

• https://3dlook.ai/content-hub/apparel-return-rates-the-stats-retailers-cannot-ignore/