Zalando Introduces Sizing Recommendation Feature

Breaking new ground, Zalando becomes the first major company to pioneer a sizing recommendation feature based on customer body measurements. Notably, customers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland now have the ability to get size recommendations derived from their individual body measurements, by simply taking two photos of themselves.

As a result of this innovative feature, Zalando harbors ambitions to notably reduce returns and textile waste over the long term. Additionally, this development aims to support brand partners in their endeavor to gain a better understanding of their customers’ body measurements. In this way, Zalando continues to demonstrate its commitment to customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility.

A Novel Tool for Personalized Sizing

The company has launched a novel tool enabling customers to get size recommendations based on individual body measurements. Just two smartphone photos, taken in tight clothing, suffice to determine body measurements, thus aiding customers to find the right fit in their next purchase. This is a pioneering move in the industry as no similar platform offers such a feature yet.

Feature Rollout in DACH region

In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the feature is now available for customers. It can be used for women’s tops, including jumpsuits, jackets, coats, and dresses. In these categories, it’s particularly challenging to find the right size. Plans are underway to roll out this function in other categories and markets.

Strengthening Customer Loyalty

“Our commitment to enhancing customer loyalty is paramount. Providing the right fit plays a major role in this,” states Stacia Carr, VP Size & Fit at Zalando. “We understand how frustrating it is to wait for an item, only to realize it doesn’t fit. By introducing size recommendations based on body measurements, we help our customers tackle one of the fashion industry’s biggest challenges. Moreover, this function helps our brand partners understand their customers’ size and fit preferences better.”

Data Privacy in the Spotlight

Customers can now enjoy a personalized shopping experience where data privacy is key. Determining individual body measurements only takes a few seconds. Meanwhile, the two photos are temporarily stored locally on the customer’s smartphone and immediately deleted after the process.

Toward a Personalized Virtual Fitting Room

With the introduction of size recommendations based on body measurements, Zalando takes yet another significant stride towards aiding customers in finding the right size immediately. Furthermore, this move lays the groundwork for a personalized virtual fitting room.

Looking towards the future, these innovations might not stand alone. In fact, the potential for integration exists. In the foreseeable future, customers could be enabled to create a 3D avatar. This avatar, created with precision, would accurately represent their body shape, once again drawing from individual body measurements.

Reducing Size-Related Returns

Zalando’s in-house Size & Fit team has been instrumental. Thanks to their efforts, size-related returns are down by 10%. This decrease is notable, especially when compared to items without size advice. The key to these improvements? Size recommendations based on individual body measurements.

The size recommendations don’t just rely on Zalando’s own technology. Fision’s technology also plays a crucial role. This Swiss app developer, specializing in mobile body measurements, was acquired by Zalando in 2020. With this acquisition, Zalando continues to strengthen its technological capabilities.