WowStore vs Zara: A Shopper's Neutral Comparison Checklist
Work through this neutral checklist to decide which shop works for your specific purchase, every time.
Start with what you actually need first
Do not pick a shop before you know exactly what you are looking for. Before opening either website, write down three non-negotiable things for this specific purchase. This might be how many times you expect to wear it, whether you need it for a specific occasion, or if you want to be able to pair it with things you already own.
This works for Everyday Clothing, event dresses, accessories or anything else you are buying. You will only make a fair comparison if you first know what matters to you for this exact item. No shop is right for every single purchase.
Check size information first
Size labels are not standard across any shops. A size labelled the same number or letter will fit very differently between different brands, even different items from the same shop. Never trust the label alone.
On any shop, first check if actual garment measurements are listed for the exact item, not just a general size chart. On WowStore, where the maker provides it, each product page shows fit notes, garment measurements and stretch information. You can also use the size calculator here. Always run this check on both shops before adding anything to your basket.
Try before you buy tools
Nobody likes opening a parcel and finding the piece looks nothing like it did on the screen. When you are buying something you have not worn before, check what preview tools each shop offers for that exact item.
At WowStore you can use Magic Mirror to put the piece on your custom avatar. You can also send items to the Mix & Match Studio to build full outfits with pieces you already own. For home items you can preview the piece in a photo of your own room. Check what preview tools are available on the other shop for the exact item you are looking at.
Cost per wear, not just ticket price
The number on the price tag is only half the story. This is a common mistake people make when comparing shops. A lower upfront price does not always mean better value.
Do this simple sum for any item: divide the price by how many times you realistically expect to wear it. That is the actual cost to you. For example: a €60 coat worn 60 times costs €1 per wear. Do this sum for the same style on both shops. This is the fairest way to compare value. You can browse pieces built for regular wear in Timeless Dresses.
Check delivery and return terms
Always check the current published terms before ordering. Never assume terms are the same as last time you ordered, or the same as another shop. Terms change regularly, and vary by country even within the EU.
At WowStore you can always find up to date details at shipping policy and returns policy. Check the equivalent pages on the other shop. Take note of any extra costs, any requirements for returning, and any limits on what can be sent back. This is part of the total cost and convenience of your order, do not skip this check.
Additional features you may value
Different shops offer different extra things that matter more to some shoppers than others. There is no right or wrong here, it is just about what you want.
At WowStore, 5% of each sale goes to a cause you choose. You can save items you own to your Virtual Closet to plan outfits before buying new pieces. You can also ask Lucy our AI stylist for pairing suggestions at any time. Make a note of any extra features that matter to you, and check if they are offered at both shops. You will find curated options across all categories in Lucy's Picks.
Pieces to try in the Dressing Room
Real pieces you can order now. Open one and try it on your avatar in Magic Mirror before you decide; your size and today's price are on the product page.
How giving works when you shop with us
5% of each sale goes to a cause you choose. After your order you pick one of three causes: CARE International, Cool Earth or Project Zero. The donation is paid out through PayPal Giving Fund UK. Those three causes, together with how we run our own store (honest product data, fair prices), are matched to 11 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
That is the heart of the 1% Movement: small choices × millions of us = change. It is a giving promise we can show you, and it is the only promise we make on this page.
Questions people ask
Should I only shop at one of these shops?
No. Many people use different shops for different types of purchase. You might pick one for one off event pieces, and the other for everyday items you will wear for years. There is no need to choose one shop permanently.
How do I compare the exact same style on both sites?
Open both product pages side by side. Go through each point on this checklist one by one. Don't just look at the price and main photo. Check measurements, care notes, return terms and preview tools for that exact item.
Does this checklist work for other shops too?
Yes. You can use every point on this guide when comparing any two online clothing shops. None of these checks are specific only to the two shops named here.
Can I return items if they don't fit?
Return terms are different for every shop. Always read the full published return policy before you place an order. On WowStore you can find this at any time on the returns page.
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WowStore vs Shein: A Neutral Shopper's Comparison Checklist
