Adidas generally offers better material quality, durability, and sustainability practices compared to Zara. Zara excels in providing trend-forward designs at a mid-range price, but Adidas provides more reliable sizing and a stronger commitment to eco-friendly materials and ethical production.
| Attribute | Zara | Adidas |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Mid-range | $40 to $90 (some collections) |
| Material Quality | Mix of natural and synthetic materials | Eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and sustainable cotton (aiming for 90% sustainable materials by 2025; 96% recycled polyester as of 2023) |
| Size Accuracy | Inconsistent sizing | Generally true to size, but checking size charts recommended; some suggest sizing up for a baggier fit. Shoes generally true to size, with a more relaxed fit compared to Nike. |
| Style Variety | Trend-forward designs | Performance wear, streetwear, and collaborations |
| Durability | Varies, 1-3 years with proper care | Known for quality and durable materials |
| Brand Reputation | Well-known fast-fashion retailer | Global sportswear brand with a strong reputation (ranked sixth on the Global RepTrak 100 in 2021) |
| Sustainability Practices | 'Join Life' initiative, goals for sustainable materials, pre-owned range, potential greenwashing | Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using more sustainable materials (aiming to be climate-neutral by 2050) |
| Customer Service | Phone, live chat, social media | Phone at 1-800-982-9337, or live chat on their website (24/7 bot, agent support during specific hours) |
| Return Policy | Free in-store returns, online returns may have a fee | Full refund within 30 days of receipt for items returned in original condition |
| Shipping Options | Standard, express, same-day delivery | Standard and express shipping; adiClub members often receive free shipping |
| Inclusivity in Sizing | Efforts through collaborations | Sizes ranging from XXS to 4X in some collections |
| Collaboration with Designers/Celebrities | Kate Moss, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Narciso Rodriguez | Kanye West, Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, Alexander Wang, Wales Bonner, and Jenna Ortega |
| Pros | Trend-forward designs, Wide variety of styles, Reasonable quality for the price, Strong global presence, Efforts towards sustainability, Collaborations with designers and celebrities | Wide variety of styles, Quality and durable materials, Strong brand reputation, Sustainability practices, Inclusive sizing in some collections, Collaborations with designers and celebrities, Affordable pricing compared to other streetwear and sportswear brands, Comfortable to wear |
| Cons | Inconsistent sizing, Variable material quality, Questionable durability, Potential greenwashing, Online returns may incur a fee, Synthetic blends are common |