| Cover | Sep. 29, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | EXPRESS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or 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 |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001483510 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Stock, $.01 par value | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | EXPR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Preferred Stock Purchase Rights | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Trading Symbol | EXPR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
