Apparel image guide

At Zalando, delivering a top-tier customer experience is one of our core values, and your support is crucial in helping us consistently meet and surpass expectations.

We strongly recommend that you provide a wide range of high-quality images to captivate customers and showcase your articles, stories and experiences effectively.

To ensure efficient processing of your article images, an understanding of our image terms is essential. An image term describes the type of image that is required for a successful onboarding of your article. Below you’ll find the image terms, the type of assortment that this image is used for and a detailed description of what it means.

Our image requirements vary depending on what they will be used for on our website. Please adhere to them to ensure smooth and efficient processing of your article images and thus the processing of your articles themselves.

Technical image requirements

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This overview is intended to introduce you to the technical requirements your images have to fulfil, in order to be accepted by Zalando.

Background colour range requirements

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Packshot views

For packshot views it's important to remember that primary packshots must have a white background. We do accept packshot view with colours from the background colour range, but these aren't allowed as primary packshots, but as additional view only.

To make sure your model view is suitable as a catalogue view, use our background colour range for a compliant background colour. We accept model views with a white background, but they cannot be used as the front crop.

This guide only covers the image requirements for Apparel articles. You can find more information about what kind of article fits into the Apparel assortment category here.

For full image requirements, please refer to the general Zalando image guidelines:

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  Zalando image guidelines

  Comprehensive guide to Zalando's image requirements, including technical specifications, acceptable image types, and category-specific guidelines. You’ll also find best practice image examples from across assortments.

The table below shows the number of which types of images are needed for onboarding articles in the Apparel assortment. Please note that simply duplicating images to meet the requirements is not allowed and would lead to an article rejection.

High-quality image presentation is vital across all clothing categories. This includes managing lighting and background to ensure clarity and presenting the articles in the best possible way.

• For the primary packshot, position Apparel articles in the centre of the image grid for consistent presentation quality. Please find supporting guidance in this section of the Zalando image guidelines

• Use the same model and styling for all views of an article, except for unisex (genderless) and size-inclusive articles

• Style outfits according to the season (e.g. Autumn/Winter with appropriate accessories)

• Keep additional styling simple, so it is not distracting and the focus is on the product

• Accessories like jewellery and scarves can be used to subtly enhance an outfit

• Show special and value-adding features (e.g. removable hood, inner pockets, reversible) in a model view

• If the USP (unique selling point) (e.g. prominent prints, bows, adornments, embroidery, neckline of an article) is on the back of the article, this should be clear in the catalogue view. Back and front crop images should be switched. If an article has special characteristics on the front and back, the front crop should be the catalogue view

Selecting models with a range of sizes and authentic appearances enhances the relatability and appeal of the clothing. Models should exhibit a natural expression that supports the clothing's image without overshadowing it.

• Models must wear shoes.

• For tops: sleeves should be shown in full length, not be folded, rolled up, sticking out or propped up 

• Combine wide-cut tops with slim trousers and vice versa

• Cast models representative of your size range: use models of all sizes

• Ensure that samples fit models properly, maintaining clean fingernails and hands

• Choose models with vibrant personalities, and encourage natural expressions and poses

• Sitting models are allowed for front crop, back view, full body style view and further views

• For womenswear:

  • For transparent textile tops like t-shirts and blouses, models should wear bras underneath. Use a black bra for black items and a nude bra for colored items

  • Use discreet makeup with gloss or rose tones

• For menswear:

  •  Body and facial hair are permitted

In specific categories such as maternity and plus size, presentation should reflect the unique needs and features of these garments, emphasising comfort and functionality.

• Maternity: Position models at a 45° angle with the belly bump to the left

• Plus Size: Use plus-size models (minimum size 44) to present plus-size articles

• Keep it simple to highlight the main article

• Drawstrings should be the same length, ribbons/loops must be tied neatly

• Outdoor apparel can be combined with jeans

• Props like chairs etc. should be discreet 

• Headwear is allowed in all further views

• The model can carry an additional item (e.g., bag, sunglasses) in front crop and back view as long as it doesn’t cover the main article and is not too present

The following image examples illustrate the required visuals across the assortment, highlighting best-practice model poses, acceptable backgrounds, and specific guidelines for single articles, multipacks, and sets. Use these as a clear reference to ensure compliance with Zalando's Apparel article standards.

Smoking suit

Tracksuit