What an Elle subscription includes and how much it costs
An Elle magazine subscription delivers the print edition to your home each month, or gives you access to digital content on their website and app, depending on which plan you choose. The magazine covers fashion, beauty, culture, and celebrity news. Print subscriptions typically cost between $15 and $25 per year when purchased through promotional offers, though the cover price per issue is higher. Digital-only subscriptions and combined print-plus-digital plans are also available at different price points.
The exact cost and what's included varies depending on which offer you find — Elle frequently runs discounts for new subscribers, especially during holiday periods and back-to-school sales. You can subscribe directly through Elle's website, through third-party subscription services, or sometimes through retail partners. The subscription renews automatically unless you cancel, so check the terms before you complete your purchase to understand when your renewal date is and how to stop it if you want to.
Key Takeaways
- Elle offers print subscriptions, digital subscriptions, and combined plans at different prices, with promotional rates often lower than the standard annual cost.
- Print subscriptions arrive monthly and typically take two to four weeks for the first issue to reach you after you subscribe.
- Digital subscriptions give you immediate access to articles and content on Elle.com and their mobile app without waiting for print delivery.
- Subscriptions renew automatically on your billing date, so you need to cancel before that date if you don't want to be charged again.
- You can manage your subscription, update your address, or pause delivery through your account on Elle's website.
How to start a print subscription
Go to Elle.com and look for the subscription offer on their homepage or in the footer menu. Click through to the subscription page, where you'll see current pricing and plan options. Select whether you want print only or print plus digital access, then enter your mailing address and payment information. Elle accepts major credit cards and sometimes other payment methods depending on the offer.
After you complete your purchase, you'll receive a confirmation email with your subscription details and start date. Your first issue typically arrives within two to four weeks. If you don't receive it within that window, contact Elle's customer service with your subscription number (found in your confirmation email) and they can track the shipment or resend it.
How to access a digital subscription
Digital subscriptions give you immediate access to Elle.com content and their mobile app without waiting for print delivery. After you purchase a digital plan, you'll create or log into your Elle account. You can then read articles, view photo galleries, and access exclusive digital content right away on any device where you're logged in.
If you subscribe through Elle's website, your digital access activates within minutes. If you subscribe through an app store (Apple News+, for example), the setup process varies slightly, but you'll still be directed to create an Elle account to link your subscription. Check the confirmation email for instructions specific to your purchase method.
Managing your subscription and making changes
Log into your account on Elle.com to view your subscription status, renewal date, and billing information. From your account dashboard, you can update your mailing address for print delivery, change your payment method, or pause your subscription temporarily. If you need to cancel, you can do that through your account as well — the cancellation takes effect on your next renewal date, not immediately.
If you can't find the subscription management option online, or if you're having trouble accessing your account, contact Elle's customer service directly. They can make changes for you and answer questions about your specific plan. Keep your subscription confirmation email handy when you contact them, as they'll ask for your subscription number or the email address associated with your account.
What to do if you don't receive your magazine
Print subscriptions can be delayed by mail carrier issues, address problems, or processing delays on Elle's end. If your issue hasn't arrived within four weeks of your subscription start date, or if you're missing an issue that should have been delivered, log into your account and check that your mailing address is correct. An incorrect address is the most common reason for missed delivery.
If your address is correct, contact Elle's customer service with your subscription number and the issue date you're missing. They can verify whether the magazine was mailed and help you troubleshoot. In some cases, they can send a replacement copy or credit your account. Response times vary, but customer service typically replies within a few business days.
Canceling or pausing your subscription
You can cancel your subscription through your account on Elle.com by going to your subscription settings and selecting the cancel option. The cancellation takes effect on your next renewal date — you won't be charged again, but you'll continue to receive any issues already in the mail. If you want to stop receiving magazines immediately, contact customer service to request early termination, though this is less common.
If you want to keep your subscription but need a temporary break, you can pause delivery for one or more months through your account settings. This holds your renewal date in place so you don't lose your subscription rate when you resume. Pausing is useful if you're traveling, moving, or just need a break from receiving magazines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give an Elle subscription as a gift?
Yes. Elle offers gift subscriptions through their website. You provide the recipient's mailing address and can include a gift message. The subscription typically starts with the next available issue and arrives at the recipient's address. Gift subscriptions are usually available at promotional rates.
What happens if I move while I'm subscribed?
Update your mailing address in your account on Elle.com before your next issue ships. If you don't update it in time and an issue goes to your old address, contact customer service with your subscription number and new address. They can redirect future issues and sometimes resend a missed one.
Can I change from print to digital or vice versa?
Yes. Log into your account and look for the option to modify your plan, or contact customer service to switch. The change typically takes effect on your next renewal date. If you're switching before your current term ends, ask customer service whether you'll receive a credit or adjustment to your account.
How do I know when my subscription renews?
Your renewal date is shown in your account on Elle.com. You'll also receive a reminder email a few days before you're charged. Check this date regularly so you know when to cancel if you don't want to renew, since cancellation must happen before the renewal date to avoid being charged.
Is there a student discount for Elle subscriptions?
Elle occasionally offers discounted rates, but these vary by time of year and aren't always labeled as student-specific. Check their website for current promotional offers, or contact customer service to ask whether a student rate is available when you're ready to subscribe.