Quick Facts
- Belgian fashion shoppers
- Budget-conscious online shoppers
- Expats in Belgium
- Free returns are disappearing - Zalando remains free, but H&M charges €1.95 and Next charges €4.00
- Zalando shortened return window from 100 days to 30 days in February 2025
- H&M in-store returns are free while online returns cost €1.95
- Veepee offers 50-70% discounts with €5 welcome discount for new members
Zalando remains the best all-around choice for Belgian shoppers due to free returns and brand variety, while H&M is ideal if you can return items in-store. Always check return policies before ordering as costs add up quickly.
Belgians have an undeniable reputation for effortless style. But in late 2025, looking good isn’t just about picking the right outfitit’s about navigating a shifting e-commerce market where free returns are becoming a luxury and shipping policies are tightening.
If you are shopping from Brussels, Antwerp, or anywhere in between, you need more than just a list of URLs. You need to know who charges for returns, who delivers fastest, and where the hidden costs lie.

The State of Belgian Fashion 2026
The days of unlimited, consequence free returns are fading. Major players like Zara and H&M have introduced return fees for online orders, and return windows are shrinking across the board. To shop smartly in Belgium today, you need to look at the fine print.
We have curated the top players in the Belgian market, filtering out the noise to focus on what matters: reliability, cost, and customer service.
1. NEXT BELGIUM
Next brings British high street fashion to Belgian doorsteps. While they are famous for durable children’s wear and sharp work attire, their logistics are strictly managed.
The Practitioner’s View: Be careful with sizing. Unlike the ‘order three, keep one’ mentality you might have elsewhere, Next charges for returns. It’s a small fee, but it adds up.
- Delivery: generally within 3-5 working days.
- Return Policy: You have 28 days. A shipping fee of €4.00 is deducted from your refund.
- Holiday Update: Orders placed between Oct 24 and Dec 25, 2025, can be returned until Jan 4, 2026.
- Payment: Major Credit/Debit cards and PayPal.
2. ZALANDO BELGIUM
For years, Zalando was the undisputed king of Belgian fashion e-commerce. While recent 2025 data shows that fast fashion giant Shein has overtaken them in sheer volume, Zalando remains the superior choice for brand variety and reliability.
Important Policy Change: Long time Zalando shoppers need to pay attention. The famous 100-day return policy was officially shortened in February 2025. You now have a standard 30-day window.
- Delivery: Fast, often free.
- Return Policy: 30 days (formerly 100). Returns remain free of charge, which is a significant advantage over competitors.
- Best For: Accessing thousands of brands in one checkout.

3. VEEPEE
Formerly known as Vente Exclusive, Veepee dominates the flash sale market. This isn’t for browsing; it’s for hunting. You can find discounts between 50% and 70%, but speed is essential.
The “Hidden Gem” Tip: Ignore the old advice about registration vouchers. In late 2025, new members typically get a €5 welcome discount, which effectively covers your first shipping fee (€5.95).
- Delivery: Slower (5 to 10 days) because stock is often reserved from suppliers.
- Return Policy: 14 days to request, 14 days to send back. Return fee is €3.49.
4. BOL.COM
Often called the “Amazon of the Low Countries,” Bol.com is a massive marketplace. As of September 2025, they boast an assortment of 51 million items and over 45,500 selling partners. While they are a generalist store, their fashion section is surprisingly robust, especially for basics and sportswear.
If you are looking for more specific fashion deals in neighboring regions, check out our guide to Netherlands online shopping sites.
- Delivery: Next day delivery is standard for “Select” items.
- Return Policy: 30 days is the standard, usually free, but verify the specific seller’s terms.
5. H&M
H&M remains a staple for affordable wardrobe updates. However, the online experience has changed significantly regarding costs.
The Wallet Saver: H&M now charges a €1.95 fee for online returns deducted from your refund. However, if you return the item physically to an H&M store in Belgium, it is completely free. Always choose the in store return if you can.
- Return Policy: 30 days. (Extended to Jan 31, 2026, for holiday purchases made between Nov 2 and Dec 24).
- Member Perk: H&M ‘Plus’ members are exempt from return fees.

6. NIKE
For sportswear, Nike’s direct to-consumer platform is hard to beat. They prioritize their “Nike Members” (a free account sign-up).
Why Join? Guest checkout results in shipping fees and stricter return rules. Nike Members get free shipping on qualifying orders and free returns.
- Student Discount: Verified students in Belgium get 10% off via UNiDAYS.
- Return Policy: Standard 30 days. Holiday extension: Orders between Nov 1 and Dec 31, 2025, have a 60-day return window.
7. BONPRIX
Bonprix is the unsung hero of inclusive sizing. Unlike many high street brands where sizing is inconsistent, this German retailer is reliable for real world fits.
- Shipping: €3.90 standard fee. Free for orders over €55.
- Return Policy: Usually 14 days, but extended to 60 days for the 2025 holiday season (orders between Nov 28 and Dec 31).

8. ZARA
Zara sets the trends, but their policies have become stricter to combat massive return rates. If you buy online, be strategic about how you return items.
The Cost of Convenience: Dropping a return off at a collection point now costs €1.95. Like H&M, returning in store remains free. If you live near a Zara, skip the post office.
- Return Window: 30 days from shipping (online) or purchase date (in store).
- Delivery: Standard delivery usually takes 2-3 working days.
9. DE BIJENKORF
This is the premium option. De Bijenkorf focuses on luxury brands, cosmetics, and high-end accessories. It offers a cleaner, less cluttered experience than Zalando.
Correction: Older guides often cite a 100-day return policy. This is no longer accurate for Belgium; the policy is now 30 days.
- Shipping: Free for Members on orders >€50. Ordered before 22:00? You usually get it the next day.
- Return Policy: 30 days.
10. JBC
JBC is a Belgian family favorite, specifically strong in children’s clothing and local design. They have built a loyal following through their “JBC familie” loyalty program.
Why it works: If you are shopping for kids, the loyalty points add up fast (1 point per €1). 100 points gets you a €3 discount.
- Shipping: Free home delivery for orders over €35 (otherwise €3.99). Delivery to JBC stores is always free.
- Return Policy: 30 days. (December purchases extended to end of Jan 2026).
For a broader look at how the region handles logistics, you might be interested in our guide to Zalando’s European reach.