Cos top shrunk in wash - can I get a refund or exchange?

[QueenoftheAndals]

I bought a lovely top from Cos a few weeks ago but I washed it (strictly to the instructions of 30 degrees and a delicate cycle) and now it's shrunk and is way too tight on my arms. I've looked around but can't find the receipt. What are my chances of getting an exchange or refund? In fact, I'd be happy just with an exchange as I'd then stick to handwashing it next time.

[neveradullmoment99]

You have nothing to lose. I have had items that have been poorly stitched and have ripped and have had no receipt and ordered online and have got a refund no problem. That was from Toast. All they asked was for a picture.
If an item is faulty, you dont need a receipt legally [ which clearly after one wash yours isn't, It would fit under the criteria not being fit for purpose.] The difficulty is proving you washed it per instructions on garment. In good faith though, they should refund you or at least give you a credit note. What do you have to lose?
Have you ironed it? Just a thought but many materials shrink and then give when they are ironed to the way they were before, particularly viscose.

[botemp]

Did you pay by card? At h&m (their parent/sister company) they can look it up in their system. I find COS pretty good with complaints, I don't think you'll get your money back but an exchange or store credit I think is possible.

[QueenoftheAndals]

I did iron it as it was really crushed after washing. But it does seem excessively tight on the arms and pulls across the shoulders too now.

[phoolani]

Is it a sort of stretchy wool material? I've had one which had to be ironed to stretch out again( was really tiny when it came out of the wash), but did stretch out again - or at least it did the first twice I washed it. Third time, nothing doing. I took it back (no receipt obvs) and they exchanged it without any problem.

[QueenoftheAndals]

It's this one, 100% viscose
http://www.cosstores.com/gb/Women/Knitwear/JumpersTops/Fine-knitcropped_jumper/10672115-53206689.1#c-22755

[phoolani]

No, not the same material then. I'd definitely take it back; they are normally good in cos.

[Laquila]

Just to clarify, even if you think an item is faulty you still need to prove that you purchased it from that retailer (and didn't nick it/buy it off eBay/at a seconds shop or similar), either with the receipt or a debit/credit card statement. So technically they don't have to do anything, but it's always worth a try. You're probably more likely to get a result if it's current stock.

[BusterGonad]

I will NEVER buy viscose again, 2 of my Oasis tops have shrunk when I washed them on a hand wash! If you do get an exchange I would buy the next size up if I were you!

[QueenoftheAndals]

Next size up was huge on me! I'm coming around to thinking the same about viscose. I wouldn't have minded so much if it was a 20 quid top but this was £60!

[BusterGonad]

Op my 2 viscose tops are a size smaller, they just about go on but my boobs are now squashed flat so they look saggy and hideous. The only time I'll be wearing them is if I lose a stone and drop a cup size. If the size up was too big I'd get a refund then. Hand washing did not stop the shrinkage!!!!

[Cakescakescakes]

I find viscose a nightmare. It needs handwashed or shrinks like mad. I'd think twice about buying anything made of viscose again. Several tips from Warehouse and Oasis got ruined this year before I realised this!

[acurtis1234]

I mentioned on another thread that a top I had worn and washed a few times developed a hole on the shoulder where the seam unravelled. I took it back and was given an exchange with no problem or quibble.

I wasn't asked for proof of purchase, the item was current season and Cos are own label only, but I only wanted an exchange not a refund.

Definitely hand wash their viscose next time, I always hand wash, then use the delicates cycle, then build up to 30 degrees as things get older on anything I really love or have spent ££ on!

[PawWavingCat]

I think they're pretty good with refunds - if possible, take a copy of your bank / card statement showing the purchase as you no longer have the receipt (hopefully it will indicate the purchase).

[BusterGonad]

Can I just I hand washed my viscose top and it still shrank!

[QueenoftheAndals]

Success! And I've exchanged it for the next size up in case it happens again. Really good customer service.

[BusterGonad]

Good work Queen, I'm currently in a viscose dilemma, I've seen a shirt dress I like and am in two minds weather to get it in the next size up or just not bother getting it at all!