ASOS is a better choice for customers prioritizing size inclusivity, user-friendly online experience, and readily available customer service. Zara is suitable for those seeking trendy designs and don't mind potential usability issues with the website/app. Both offer a wide range of styles and have sustainability initiatives, but customers should be aware of the potential limitations of these initiatives within the fast-fashion model.
| Attribute | ASOS | Zara |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Broad, catering to different budgets. Women's fashion items typically priced between £20 and £40, but can range from around £4 to above £100. Average MRP around £46.05. | $12.99 to $48.99, up to $15,590 for premium items |
| Size Inclusivity | Offers collections in over 30 sizes. Dedicated ranges like ASOS Curve (UK sizes 18-30), ASOS Tall (UK sizes 4-18), and ASOS Petite (UK sizes 2-16). 'See My Fit' tool available. | Not available |
| Shipping Options & Costs | Standard Delivery: 3-7 business days, £4.50 (free over £40.00). Express Shipping: 1-3 business days. Next-Day Delivery: £5.95, delivered between 7 am and 10 pm, Monday to Sunday (excluding public holidays). | To a Zara Store: Free, 3-5 working days; To a Delivery Point: $4.95, 2-4 working days; Home Delivery: Next day $14.95-$25.00, 2-4 days $4.95, Same-day $25.00 (select cities) |
| Return Policy | 28 days from delivery for a refund. 29-45 days for an ASOS gift voucher. Refunds issued within 14 days. Items must be unworn/unused, in original condition with tags. Certain items cannot be returned. | 30 days, original condition with labels, free in-store returns, $4.95 online returns by mail (US), exclusions apply |
| Clothing Style Variety | Wide range of styles, including trendy, casual, workwear, and formal attire. Great selection of fashionable items in various sizes. | Wide variety, 12,000 styles a year |
| Material Quality | Comfort differs from garment to garment. Requires products to contain a minimum of 50% recycled or sustainable fibers in their responsible edit. | Mix of natural and synthetic, decent cotton and linen, synthetic blends may reduce durability |
| Customer Service Responsiveness | Offers customer service options like live chat, email, and social media. Inquiries typically answered within 24-48 hours. | Not available |
| Website/App Usability | Easy to navigate and search for specific items. Feature to rate whether an item runs small, runs large or is true to size. | Difficulties with filtering, policy information, text readability, search functionality issues |
| Sustainability Practices | 'Fashion with Integrity' program focused on Planet, Product, and People. Transitioning to renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and waste. Delivery boxes are made from 100% recycled materials, and bags are transitioning to 90% recycled content. | 100% sustainable cottons, linens, and polyester by 2025, eliminate single-use plastics, clothing collection program, recycled paper packaging, "Join Life" program |
| Exclusive Collections/Collaborations | Often collaborates with other brands and designers for exclusive collections. Recent collaborations include Adidas and LGBTQIA+ artists. | Kate Moss (Nov 30), Stefano Pilati (Oct 2024), Lin Fanglu (Apr 2025) |
| Availability of Sales/Discounts | Regular sales throughout the year, with discounts up to 80% off. Offers student discounts and flash sales. | In-store and online, seasonal clearances in June/July and December/January, "Special Prices" section online |
| Speed of Delivery | Delivers relatively fast, with express shipping available in as little as 1-2 days for some locations. Standard delivery typically takes 3-7 business days. | Standard 3-7 business days, express 1-3 business days |