Return Eligibility

We accept returns on most items within 7 calendar days of the delivery date, provided the conditions below are met. Please review the eligibility criteria carefully before initiating a return request.

How to Initiate a Return

The return process is simple and entirely handled by our team. Do not ship items back independently — all pickups are arranged by us.

Size Exchanges

We understand that sizing in ethnic wear can be tricky. Exchanges for a different size are one of our most common requests and we have made the process as painless as possible.

• —Contact us within 7 days of delivery via WhatsApp or email with your order number and the size you need.
• —We will confirm availability of your requested size. If the size is in stock, we will approve your exchange and arrange pickup of the original item.
• —The first size exchange on every order is completely free — including pickup and re-delivery. No shipping charges are deducted from your refund for the first exchange.
• —A second exchange on the same order will incur a standard re-delivery charge of ₹99.
• —If the requested size is out of stock at the time of your request, we will process a full refund with no deductions.
• —Exchanges for a different colour or product are treated as a return + new order. Please place a fresh order for the new item and request a refund for the original.

Refund Methods & Timelines

Refunds are processed within 5–7 business days of us receiving and approving the returned item. The timeline for the refund to appear in your account depends on the original payment method:

You will receive an email confirmation the moment your refund is initiated from our end. If you have not received your refund after the stated timeline, please first check with your bank — processing delays can occasionally occur on their end. If the issue persists, contact us at support@sterlingwear.in with your order number and we will follow up with Razorpay.

Defective & Wrong Items

We hold our products to a high standard and conduct quality checks before every shipment. However, if something slips through — a manufacturing defect, fabric flaw, embroidery damage, or a completely wrong item — we take full responsibility.

• —Contact us within 48 hours of delivery for damaged or incorrect items. Attach clear photographs of the defect and the shipping label — this speeds up resolution significantly.
• —Pickup is completely free for all defect and wrong-item returns. No return shipping charges will be deducted from your refund under any circumstances.
• —Upon confirming the issue, we will offer you the choice of a full refund or a free replacement. We will not push you toward one option — the choice is entirely yours.
• —For manufacturing defects discovered within 30 days of delivery — such as stitching that comes apart or embroidery that unravels with proper care — we will arrange a replacement or full store credit.
• —Minor colour variation from the product photograph due to screen calibration is not considered a defect. However, a significantly different colour from what was advertised is — and will be treated as a wrong item.

Return Shipping Charges

Whether or not a return shipping fee applies depends on the reason for the return:

The exact return shipping charge is confirmed at the time your return request is approved. For orders that originally qualified for free shipping (above ₹1999), a ₹99 handling fee applies on change-of-mind returns.

Special Categories

Certain product categories have specific return conditions due to their nature:

• —Unstitched fabric. Eligible for return only if uncut and in original folded condition. Once fabric has been cut, stitched, or altered in any way, it cannot be returned. This applies even if only a small piece has been cut for matching purposes.
• —Embroidered pieces. Eligible under standard policy. However, loose threads or minor irregularities that are characteristic of handcrafted embroidery — and disclosed in the product description — do not constitute a defect.
• —Pherans. Eligible under standard policy. Given that pherans are traditionally worn loose, we strongly recommend consulting our size guide before ordering. Fit preference alone (e.g., "too loose") is treated as a change-of-mind return.
• —Sale & discounted items. Items purchased during a sale are eligible for exchange but not for a cash refund. Store credit will be issued for the amount paid. Items explicitly marked "Final Sale" are non-returnable under any circumstances.
• —Customised & made-to-measure. Garments made to your specific measurements or customised in any way (colour, embroidery, length alteration) are strictly non-returnable unless they contain a manufacturing defect.
• —Gift orders. If a product was sent as a gift, the recipient may initiate a return or exchange by contacting us with the order number. Refunds for gift orders are issued as store credit unless the original purchaser requests otherwise.

Cancellations

Orders may be cancelled before they are dispatched from our warehouse. Once an order has been handed to the courier, it cannot be cancelled — you will need to follow the return process after delivery.

• —To cancel an order, contact us within 2 hours of placement via WhatsApp or email with your order number. We will confirm cancellation if the order has not yet been processed.
• —For prepaid orders, a full refund to your original payment method will be initiated within 24 hours of cancellation confirmation. Bank processing may take an additional 3–5 business days.
• —For COD orders cancelled before dispatch, no charge is applied. If a COD order is refused at delivery, a return shipping fee of ₹100–₹150 may be charged on the next order placed.
• —Sterling reserves the right to cancel any order at our discretion — for example, in cases of suspected fraud, pricing errors, or stock discrepancy. A full refund will be issued immediately in such cases.

Within 24 hrs on business days