Shopping, shopping, shopping... Something that is an essential part of our everyday lives, regardless of whether you are a fashionista or someone who avoids shopping malls at all costs. Who doesn't love online shopping for its convenience of pressing a few buttons to get the latest clothing styles delivered right to your door?
Today, online fashion is booming, and large retailers are actively joining the process, expanding their operations with e-commerce apps to keep up with the increasing demand. Modern consumers expect speed, style, and comfort, and platforms such as Shein deliver all of that. With revenues exceeding $48 billion in 2024, Shein has emerged as a global fashion giant, revolutionizing the industry with its fast-fashion technology model.
So how to create an app like Shein?
In this blog post, we'll walk you through every step from idea to launch to help you create your own successful fashion e-commerce app.
Key features to implement in a future app:
According to Statista, the global fast fashion market was worth over $106 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $185 billion by 2027. As this industry continues to move online, e-commerce apps such as Shein are setting the standard for fast, personalized, and visually rich shopping experiences. To compete in this industry, you need to create a multifunctional and user-friendly app. The functionality itself is almost limitless, but let's focus on the essentials:
Registration and login process
The registration process is the first step and the user's first contact with the app, which should be instant and easy. In the context of fast fashion, users often want to quickly browse products without committing to a purchase. Therefore, the app should welcome them with the option to start browsing immediately while gently encouraging them to create an account by highlighting benefits such as saving favorite items or tracking orders. Account creation should be quick, with the option to register via email, phone, or social media login, and ideally with guest checkout support for even greater convenience and affordability.
Search and filter
A simple-to-use search function is paramount in a huge fast fashion directory. The application needs to have users type keywords and instantly see auto-suggested terms such as "plaid skirt" or "textured jacket" and then allow them to filter their results based on smart filters.
These filters can be based on size, color, length, occasion, or material, and the app must remember previous decisions. The key is not to confuse the consumer but to enable them to find precisely what they require.
Product presentation and description
The product page is where the user will view the product and decide whether to buy it or not. It should feature the product in high definition, from numerous different angles, ideally with a model demonstrating its use, for example, in the form of a short video.
The writing needs to transcend technical description and appeal to lifestyle and fantasy: what this item is best suited for, how it will fit, and who can wear it - to sell not just a product but a feeling. Additionally, consider offering genuine customer reviews and size advice, which reduces returns and increases satisfaction.
Personalized recommendations
Fast fashion shoppers love discovery, and personalization enhances that. The app should analyze user behavior — what they viewed, clicked on, or added to their cart — and respond with personalized recommendations. These can be displayed in various places, such as a customized news feed, alongside similar products on the product page, or in the "Recommended for you" section. Over time, the app should become more intelligent, displaying products in the user's preferred styles, sizes, and price range.
Wish lists and saved items
Many users are not ready to make a purchase right away. A wish list feature allows users to save items they like and revisit them later. This feature should be prominent and easy to use (often indicated by a heart or star icon). When something from the wish list goes on sale or stock returns, the app should notify the user, encouraging them to re-engage.
Payment and payment options
The checkout process in a fast fashion app should be as short and straightforward as possible. The more steps there are, the more likely it is that users will abandon their carts. The app should automatically fill in shipping information for returning users and offer a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and local wallets. Buy-now, pay-later services, such as Klarna or Afterpay, are growing in popularity and are particularly appealing to younger audiences.
Order tracking and notifications
After placing an order, users want to receive information about the location of their items. The app should offer real-time order tracking, accessible from both the user profile and the order history. Users should be able to see every stage — "processing, shipped, in transit, and delivered." Everyone loves clarity.
Customer support and chat
Things don't always go smoothly, so easy access to help is crucial. A fast fashion app should include a built-in help center with frequently asked questions, delivery policies, and return instructions. For real-time support, users should be able to start a chat with a chatbot that can instantly answer simple questions and then redirect them to a human agent if necessary.
Push notifications and re-engagement
To encourage users to return repeatedly, the app must provide timely and relevant push notifications. This may be through sales alerts, new arrivals, wish list updates, or reminders to complete an order after abandoning a cart.
Visual search and discovery
One of the most innovative features of modern fashion apps is visual search. Instead of typing text, users can upload a photo or screenshot, such as a dress they saw on their friend's Instagram, and the AI-powered search engine will find visually similar items in its catalog.
Augmented reality and try-on tools
AR features are just emerging in fast fashion, but they are quickly gaining popularity. It's not cheap, but some apps now allow users to virtually try on sunglasses, makeup, or even clothes using their phone's camera. This creates a fun and engaging experience, helping to reduce uncertainty when purchasing items that are difficult to evaluate online.
Social media integration
Social media integration allows users to share their favorite products or purchases directly from the app, increasing brand awareness. A “Share” button on each product page enables users to post to platforms like Instagram or Pinterest with a pre-filled caption. Users can also write reviews or recommend products to friends via social media, earning rewards for successful referrals. This feature encourages users to create their own content, such as photos of their outfits, which can inspire other shoppers to make a purchase.
Step-by-Step Flow for creating an app like Shein
Creating a successful online shopping application for the rapidly growing e-commerce sector requires careful planning and reliable technology. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a modern shopping application dedicated to the fast fashion sector.
Step 1. Conduct market research and define your goals
Begin with thorough market research to gain insight into industry trends, consumer interests, and your competitors' strategies. Investigate leading shopping apps and identify their strengths and weaknesses, such as product assortment, pricing policies, or engagement strategies. See what users love and where they fail. Then, define your vision clearly:
Who is your target customer?
What is the specific gap your app will fill?
Will it focus on affordable fashion, sustainable brands, or a specific niche, such as plus-size or streetwear?
Conduct surveys or focus groups to identify your target audience such as young fashion enthusiasts or budget-minded shoppers and spot their pain points, like the difficulty of finding fashionable items promptly. Conduct a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) to establish your position and get feedback on potential ideas for your app. This stage also involves setting specific goals, such as launching with an extensive catalog of products or making special offers, and creating a timeline and revenue model (e.g., in-app purchases or advertising) based on your business concept.
Step 2: Choose a Business Model and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
It is also crucial to select a revenue model that aligns with your target customers and long-term objectives. Common options include:
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales, such as Shein, selling directly without intermediaries.
Marketplace model: allows multiple sellers to offer their products.
Subscription-based access: users pay a monthly fee for a selection of products or early access to offers.
Hybrid models: combine elements of the above models for greater flexibility.
At this stage, consider logistics, return policies, supplier agreements, and commission strategies. A well-thought-out model ensures sustainable development and growth.
Another extremely important thing is defining your app’s Unique Selling Proposition. USP means finding what sets it apart in the crowded fashion market. Whether it’s personalized AI recommendations, exclusive drops, eco-conscious collections, or a smoother shopping experience, your USP should answer why users would choose your app over others. Focus on one or two clear strengths that align with your audience’s needs and build your brand around them.
Step 3. Create mockups, prototypes, and user interface (UI)
Start with mockups to sketch out your app layout, planning out key screens such as the home page, product list, and checkout page. Use tools such as Figma or Adobe XD to create low-fidelity mockups that outline navigation and functionality. Next, develop prototypes to model user interactions, test processes such as browsing categories or adding items to a cart, and refine them based on initial feedback. Move on to UI design, focusing on a visually appealing and intuitive interface with vivid product displays, convenient navigation menus, and a responsive layout that adapts to phones and tablets. Prioritize elements such as a convenient checkout button and a wish list icon to improve usability and keep users engaged from the first click.
Step 4. Choose the right technology stack
Choose a technology stack that supports scalability and security. The right technology stack is essential for building a fast, secure, and scalable shopping app. It forms the foundation for performance, user experience, and future growth.
The suggested stack includes the following:
Front-end: React Native or Flutter for cross-platform apps; Swift or Kotlin for native development.
Back-end: Node.js, Python (Django), or Ruby on Rails for server-side logic.
Database: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Firebase.
Payments: Stripe or PayPal.
Hosting & Storage: AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.
AI Integration: TensorFlow or OpenAI APIs for personalized shopping experiences.
Include tools in your tech stack that fit your budget, timeline, and future growth plans.
For entrepreneurs just starting out and without a large budget, you can create an app using a website builder. Platforms such as Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace offer powerful e-commerce tools, customizable templates, and integrations that can replicate many of Shein's core features: product listings, payment systems, customer accounts, and basic automation. Although a website builder may not support complex customization features or complete backend flexibility, it is a great way to get started quickly, test the market, and grow your online business without needing programming.
Step 5. Develop core features and functionality
We have already looked at the main features above, so what should you do once you have decided on a set of features? Create a detailed product catalog with filters for size, color, and price, along with an advanced search bar that provides suggestions to help users quickly find products. Implement a secure shopping cart and checkout process that offers multiple payment options (e.g., credit cards, digital wallets, cash on delivery), along with real-time order tracking and notifications. Add buttons to post purchases to Instagram, as well as a wish list to save favorite items. Enhance your app with AI-powered features, such as personalized product recommendations and visual search, which allows users to upload images to find similar products, making your app both functional and innovative. Let your creativity flow.
Step 6. Testing and quality assurance
Conduct thorough testing to ensure that your app works flawlessly. Focus on several aspects to bring your app to a working state with a minimum number of bugs:
Functional testing: Ensure all features function as intended
Usability testing: See how real users interact with your app
Performance testing: Check speed, responsiveness, and load capacity
Security Testing: Use it to identify vulnerabilities in data handling
Utilize automated tools like Selenium or Appium to optimize testing across various devices and conduct beta testing with a small group of users to gather real-world feedback on issues such as slow loading or confusing menus. Fix any problems you find to ensure a smooth, secure, and enjoyable experience before launch.
Step 7. Deploy and launch your app
Prepare your app for public release by submitting it to the App Store and Google Play, following their guidelines for optimized descriptions, screenshots, and keywords. Develop a launch strategy that includes pre-launch buzz on social media with teasers, email campaigns, and influencer partnerships to build anticipation. On launch day, monitor your app's performance using analytics tools to track downloads and user behavior and address any immediate issues that may arise. After launch, engage users with promotional offers or flash sales to drive initial downloads and establish a strong market presence.
Step 8. Maintain and update your app
Finally you are on the final stage! Keep your app relevant by gathering user feedback through surveys, reviews, and in-app analytics to identify areas for improvement, such as adding new categories or fixing bugs. Release updates regularly to add new features, such as seasonal collections or enhanced AR try-ons, based on user feedback, and apply security patches to protect user data. Track performance metrics, such as crash rates and session duration, to ensure stability. Use feedback to continually improve the user experience, ensuring your app remains competitive and meets evolving customer needs.
By following this structured process, you can create an online shopping app that will compete with market leaders such as Shein. Remember that the main focus should be on the user, providing value through innovation, and ensuring a pleasant experience — and then your fashion app will be ready for success.
Bottom Line
Building an app like Shein is no small feat. It demands a substantial commitment of time, financial resources, and technical expertise to navigate the intricate steps from research to deployment. However, by breaking the journey into structured phases and prioritizing a user-centered, engaging experience, you can establish a solid foundation for a thriving fashion platform. Start with a manageable scope, iterate based on feedback, and always keep your audience’s needs at the forefront. With careful planning and dedication, you can turn your vision into a successful fashion app.
FAQ:
Do I need advanced features like AR or visual search right away?
No, you can launch a basic version first and add features like virtual try-ons or photo-based search later.
What tools or technologies do I need to build the app?
You’ll need tools to design the app, create the user interface, manage your inventory, accept payments, and keep data safe. Popular choices include React Native, Node.js, Firebase, AWS and others.
How do I ensure the app is secure and scalable?
Use secure authentication, trusted payment gateways, and cloud-based infrastructure. Perform regular security audits, use SSL certificates, and comply with GDPR or other data protection laws.
What makes my app stand out in a competitive market?
Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is key. Focus on what differentiates your app, for example, exclusive styles, eco-conscious collections, or smoother UX. Personalization, speed, and mobile-first design are critical success factors.
