The right of withdrawal on clothing
Short answer: For online purchases in the EU you have at least fourteen days to change your mind, counted from the day you receive the goods, and you do not have to give a reason. You may inspect clothes as in a shop, but not use them.
What the right of withdrawal is
The right of withdrawal is your right to cancel a purchase made online, at no cost beyond what the shop's terms describe. It applies to distance sales, where you could not see and try the item beforehand. For clothes, it means you can order with peace of mind and try things on at home.
You do not need a reason
You can cancel the purchase without explaining why. Perhaps the colour was not what you expected or the fit was wrong. The shop cannot demand a reason before it takes the item back within the deadline. If you want to say what was wrong, that is voluntary, and it may help the shop.
The deadline starts at delivery
The deadline runs from the day you received the goods, not from the day you ordered. That matters if delivery takes a few days. If you receive several items in one order, the deadline runs from the last one. Note the date in your calendar so you do not overrun it by accident.
What you may do with the item
You may inspect the item as you would in a shop. Try the clothes on, yes. Look at seams, fabric and fit, move around in it and compare it with the chart. Do it over your own underwear and leave the labels on. That is the purpose of the right: you should be able to judge whether the item matches your expectations. See bamboo clothing for women.
What you may not do
Use the item, no. If you wear the clothes for a whole day, wash them or let them get dirty, you have done more than inspect them. If you use the item beyond that, the shop may reduce the refund. Treat the garment as if you still had to hand it back.
How to go about it
Tell the shop before the deadline runs out, preferably in writing so you can document it. Then send the item back within a further fourteen days. Pack it carefully, with labels and order number, and keep the postage receipt. Follow the shop's instructions on where the parcel goes and which label to use. See bamboo clothing for men.
Does it apply to sale items
Yes, the right of withdrawal applies whatever the price. An item bought in a sale or with a discount can be cancelled in the same way as one at full price. The amount you get back is what you actually paid. Read the shop's terms before you order, so you know the deadlines and the procedure.
What about underwear
For hygiene reasons, special rules may apply to underwear and swimwear. In many shops they can only be returned in unopened packaging. Read the shop's terms before you open the parcel, and measure before you order. See the range at bamboo underwear for men, and remember the size chart is your best help here.
When the money comes back
You get the money back no later than fourteen days after the shop has received the item. If you do not have it by then, write to the shop with the order number and the postage receipt. Keep all messages until the amount is in your account, so you can document the process if there is any doubt.
Frequently asked questions
Does it apply to sale items too
Yes, the right of withdrawal applies whatever the price. A sale item can be cancelled in the same way as one at full price, and you get back the amount you actually paid for it.
What about underwear
For hygiene reasons special rules may apply. In many shops underwear can only be returned in unopened packaging, so read the terms before you order and before you open the parcel.
When do you get the money back
No later than fourteen days after the shop has received the item. If you do not have it by then, write to the shop with the order number and a copy of the postage receipt.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
