Dealing with Worn Returned Clothing
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I rarely return things, as I usually try before buying (so I rarely buy clothing online) but I know of people who would buy something just to wear it once & return for a refund - saw it most when working in retail in my youth
So would this method be a good idea?
‘Rising return rates are prompting women's fashion shops on e-commerce platforms to devise a new "defensive" strategy: sewing a tamper-proof ribbon-often over two meters long-directly onto the garment.
This ribbon is typically attached in a conspicuous spot, such as the collar or shoulder seam, and bears a clear warning: "No exchange or return if removed." To wear the item normally, the ribbon almost certainly must be cut off; once removed, however, the product may be deemed incomplete, giving the shop grounds to refuse any exchange or return, regardless of the buyer's reason.
Sellers say this measure aims to curb the practice of customers exploiting platform return policies-buying clothes to wear for travel, photoshoots, parties, or other events, only to return them afterward.
While this tactic helps sellers minimise the return of used merchandise, it simultaneously makes the process of trying on and returning clothes more inconvenient for buyers.’
TheChimp yes indeed - & people will try to get away with it if no action is taken. I’ve seen some labels attached to items in the past, but they’re easy to put back on, so it wasn’t much of a deterrent. I guess a lot of retailers don’t want to deal with angry customers also, so that’s why many got away with it.
Seems like a good idea to me, it's very rare that I return anything so a ribbon hanging off it wouldn't be an issue
martinlufc5637 I’m glad something is being done - I’d hate to be a customer who was buying something new that actually had been worn previously (thankfully I don’t buy unless I get to try & get a chance to inspect the item properly, particularly the arm pit areas & collar, which are the biggest giveaway)
I know online influencers do this to wear in videos and haul videos, when they show off new clothes and have no intention of keeping the items. I wasn't aware it was such a large issue. I don't think it's a bad idea and I would rather that than buy an item that someone else has worn out! That's pretty gross to think someone has sweated in a top. 
Sherrifffroggy I think some influencers get things for free as long as they promote the item, so not sure they’re the usual demographic that are problematic for retailers; but I’m sure when an item is popular & trends, people are bound to want it but then decide it costs to much, so will wear it once & get their money back. I think that’s when retailers need to do such things & it’ll save them the hassles of complaints (until people work out ways round it). I’m sure this happens more with expensive items, where customer service tends to be good - hence why people tend to get away with it
I think it's a good idea to do this. People take the sick and ots not fair on the shops , staff or other shoppers
Sounds like a good idea. Its not something I do and not having to send refunds for worn clothing might make prices lower
It is scandalous that people buy things, wear them and then return them. I’m usually firmly on the customers side but there isn’t any defending that sort of behaviour. I have no problems with stores doing whatever they can to stop this happening because it’s out of order.
I have no objections to them doing that especially if it will stop people. It's never crossed my mind to do that, the label would annoy me if I left it on. This would also benefit second hand shops or Vinted buyers when buying brand new items as half of the time items have been worn and just marked as brand new.
That sounds like a really good idea. I personally don’t buy online but this behaviour probably happens with in store clothes as well. I can understand people only want to wear an outfit once especially if it’s expensive but it’s not on to return once worn for someone else to purchase a worn item at full price.
I am surprised they have not done this . Been going on for years. I knew someone who has done this for years and got away with it.
I think manufacturers need to attach those awful alarms to items sold online and not accept the item returned if tampered with.
Yes definitely this is a great idea. I know a girl who regularly buys something for a night out, even going to wedding reception and wears the outfit only to return it after she’s worn it for her money back. I’ve heard of people ordering online and obviously received a return that has been worn and stain or two on garment. Lucky enough I’ve never received an item that’s obviously been worn and returned. How do you get company to know it wasn’t you who have worn it and stained it
chele44 luckily, when it comes to online shopping, the consumer rights act protects the buyer under the distance selling regulations, so if you receive something not as described, you’re entitled to a replacement or refund (and obviously take the photos as proof & send them right away for the retailer to deal with it). It’s obviously open to abuse, so be wary as a seller (have read nightmare cases with scammers online)
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