Wardrobing: The Hidden Cost of “Try and Return” Culture

Wardrobing is a form of retail fraud that’s quietly costing businesses billions each year.

While many shoppers see it as harmless, wardrobing has serious consequences for retailers, employees, and even honest customers.

What Is Wardrobing?

Wardrobing happens when a customer buys an item—usually clothing or accessories—uses it for a short period, and then returns it for a full refund while claiming it was never worn. Common examples include:

• Buying an outfit for a wedding or party, then returning it the next day

• Wearing shoes outdoors and returning them after light use

• Removing tags temporarily and reattaching them before returning

Unlike legitimate returns, wardrobing involves deliberate deception.

Why Do People Wardrobe?

Several factors contribute to the rise of wardrobing:

1. Lenient return policies
   Many retailers offer extended or “no-questions-asked” returns to stay competitive, making abuse easier.

2. Social media pressure
   The demand to look perfect for photos—often worn once and never again—encourages short-term use.

3. Economic pressure
   Some consumers justify wardrobing as a way to save money during financially difficult times.

4. Low perceived risk
   Many people assume retailers “won’t notice” or can absorb the loss.

The Real Impact on Retailers

Wardrobing is far from harmless. Its effects ripple through the retail ecosystem:

• Financial losses: Returned worn items often can’t be resold at full price—or at all.

• Higher prices: Losses are frequently passed on to honest customers through increased prices.

• Employee strain: Staff must inspect returns, handle disputes, and enforce policies—often facing customer backlash.

• Environmental waste: Many returned items end up in landfills due to hygiene or resale restrictions.

In the UK alone, returns fraud—including wardrobing—accounts for a significant portion of retail shrinkage each year.

How Retailers Are Fighting Back

To reduce wardrobing, retailers are adopting smarter strategies:

• Return tracking systems that flag repeat offenders

• Shorter return windows for high-risk items

• Tamper-proof tags that must remain attached for a return

• Final-sale policies on occasion wear or special events clothing

• Clearer return terms displayed at checkout

Some stores may even ban customers who repeatedly abuse return policies.

Is Wardrobing Illegal?

In many cases, yes. Wardrobing can be considered fraud, as it involves intentionally misrepresenting the condition of an item for financial gain. While prosecutions are rare for small cases, repeat or high-value offenders can face store bans, account closures, or legal action.

Ethical Shopping Matters

At its core, wardrobing raises ethical questions. Return policies are designed to protect customers—not to be exploited. When abused, they harm businesses, workers, and other shoppers.

A more sustainable alternative includes:

• Renting outfits for special occasions

• Buying second-hand clothing

• Reselling worn items online

• Choosing versatile pieces that can be worn multiple times

Final Thoughts

Wardrobing may seem like a victimless shortcut, but its impact is real and growing. As retailers tighten policies and technology improves, the risks for consumers increase—while the ethical cost remains high.

Responsible shopping doesn’t just support businesses; it helps maintain fair prices, reduce waste, and create a more sustainable retail environment for everyone.