| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 13, 2021 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001483510 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 13, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | EXPRESS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34742 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-2828128 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1 Express Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Columbus |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 43230 |
| City Area Code | (614) |
| Local Phone Number | 474-4001 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | EXPR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Preferred Stock Purchase Rights [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Trading Symbol | EXPR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
