Apparel image guide

This guide details the technical image and styling requirements for apparel and lingerie articles. For full baseline image requirements, please refer to the Zalando image guidelines. Understanding and complying with these guidelines is essential for smooth article onboarding and to avoid having your articles blocked. 

The main article must be easily recognisable and not covered by layers or accessories. Sole, detail or back views are only permitted as secondary views.

• Invisible mannequins and flat-lays: Always include the inner back view.

• Props and garments: Packshots must never contain external props or garments that aren't part of the article sale.

• Unique selling point (USP): If the article’s USP (e.g. prominent prints, open backs, bows) is on the back, the back view becomes the catalogue view. If both sides have unique features, default to the front crop.

• Tights and stay-ups: You can shoot the primary packshot on an invisible mannequin, or on a model against a white background.

Use the same model and styling for all views of an article, except for unisex and size-inclusive presentations. Sitting models are allowed for front crops, back views and full-body style views if the article is fully visible.

• Tops: Show sleeves in full length. Please don't fold, roll up or prop them up.

• Props and accessories: Headwear is permitted in further views. Models can carry an additional item (e.g. bag, sunglasses) in the front crop and back view as long as it doesn't obscure the main article.

• Menswear: Body and facial hair are permitted.

• Undergarments for transparent tops: Models must wear bras under transparent textile tops (e.g. t-shirts, blouses). Use a black bra for black items and a nude bra for coloured items.

• Retouching: You must retouch model images featuring transparent garments (e.g. sheer lace tops, transparent lingerie) before you submit them.

• Bottoms: Any visibility of genitalia through transparent bottoms is strictly prohibited.

• Cropping: You can crop style views for lingerie and beachwear from the legs down.

• Detachable straps: Emphasise different carrying methods for detachable straps in additional views.

Presentation should reflect the unique needs of these garments.

• Kids underwear and beachwear: Model images of children in nightwear, beachwear, swimwear or underwear are legally prohibited. Present these articles exclusively using packshots (invisible mannequin or flat-lay).

• Plus size: Present plus-size articles on plus-size models (minimum size 44).

• Maternity: Position models at a 45-degree angle with the belly bump to the left. Show special features like nursing functions in additional images.

• Unisex presentation: Unisex articles can feature either a single model or a couple. In couple shots, both models can face front, or one may show the back of the article.

• Multiple models: When presenting an article on multiple models, group identical view types sequentially (e.g. Model A front crop, Model B front crop).

• Sets (combination clothing): The catalogue view must display all pieces in the set in a single image. Top items can partially overlap bottom items.

• Multipacks: You must provide a primary packshot displaying all items and colour variants included in the pack as the catalogue view. Arrange multicoloured articles from light to dark, with prints and patterns at the front.

• Sock multipacks (more than four items): Show at least one sock fully (invisible mannequin or flat-lay). You can stack or layer the remaining items behind, provided every colour or pattern variant in the pack is clearly visible.

The following image examples illustrate the required visuals across the assortment. They highlight best-practice model poses, acceptable backgrounds and specific guidelines for single articles, multipacks and sets. Use these as a clear reference to ensure your images comply with our standards. 

Smoking suit

Tracksuit