How Much Does It Cost to Build a Fashion App?

Manu Jain | December 20, 2023 , 9 min read

Table Of Content

2PM’s latest analysis reveals a striking trend: a staggering 13 out of the top 20 direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands hail from the fashion and apparel realm.

Are you an entrepreneur looking to tap into the lucrative fashion industry by developing your own fashion app like Shein, Nike or Zara?

Or perhaps you’re a business owner who wants to expand your reach and engagement with customers through a mobile app.

Either way, you’re probably wondering about the cost of developing a fashion app.

In this article, we will explore the factors that affect the cost of developing a fashion app and provide you with an average cost estimate. We will also share some tips on how to reduce the cost of developing a fashion app without compromising on quality.

Key Takeaways

Developing a fashion app typically costs between $20,000 and $100,000+, with major expenses allocated to planning, design, development, testing, and maintenance.
Key elements affecting fashion app development costs include feature complexity, platform choice (iOS, Android, or both), design intricacy, team location etc.
Development timelines range from 3–6 months, with MVPs being a smart initial approach.
Save costs by prioritizing essential features, using cross-platform tools, simplifying designs, outsourcing to cost-effective regions, and starting with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Factors that Affect the Cost of Developing a Fashion App

Factors that Affect the Cost of Developing a Fashion App
Average Cost of Developing a Fashion App
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Developing a Fashion App
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Articles Around Mobile App Development Costs

Before we dive into the cost estimation, it’s important to understand the factors that can significantly impact the cost of developing a fashion app. These factors include:

1. App Features and Complexity

Feature Spectrum: The number and intricacy of features directly impact development costs. Features like user registration, product browsing, secure payment gateways, push notifications, ratings, and customer support add to the complexity.
Resource Consumption: More features necessitate more time and resources, elevating overall development costs.

2. Platforms

Platform Choice: Deciding between iOS, Android, or cross-platform development affects costs. Targeting both platforms expands reach but incurs higher development expenses.
Diverse Audiences: Supporting multiple platforms increases initial costs but can potentially attract a larger user base.

3. Design and User Experience

Visual Appeal: Investment in an appealing design is crucial for user engagement.
UI/UX Complexity: Custom animations and intricate UI elements elevate development costs.

4. Development Team Location

Regional Variances: Labor costs differ across regions, impacting overall expenses.
Cost Optimization: Hiring teams from regions with lower labor expenses, like India or Eastern Europe, can reduce development costs.

5. Third-Party Integrations

Additional Development: Integrating third-party services like payment gateways or shipping providers incurs extra development and testing expenses.
Functionality Expansion: While beneficial, these integrations contribute to increased overall costs.

Now that we have a clear understanding of the factors that affect the cost of developing a fashion app, let’s move on to the average cost estimation.

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Average Cost of Developing a Fashion App

The cost of developing a fashion app can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier. On average, the cost of developing a fashion app can range from $20,000 to $100,000 or more. However, it’s important to note that these are just rough estimates and the actual cost may vary depending on your specific requirements.

To give you a better idea, let’s break down the cost based on the different development stages:

1. Planning and Design

During the planning and design stage, you will work closely with your development team to define the scope of the project, create wireframes and prototypes, and finalize the app’s design. This stage can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000.

Also Read: Cost To Design A Mobile App

2. Development

The development stage involves coding, integrating features, and building the backend infrastructure for your fashion app. The cost of development can range from $10,000 to $80,000, depending on the complexity of the app and the platforms you choose.

3. Testing and Quality Assurance

Testing and quality assurance are crucial to ensure that your fashion app works flawlessly and provides a seamless user experience. The cost of testing and quality assurance can range from $2,000 to $10,000.

4. Deployment and Maintenance

Once your fashion app is developed and tested, it needs to be deployed to the app stores and maintained regularly. The cost of deployment and maintenance can vary depending on the app stores you choose and the level of ongoing support you require.

Development Stage	Cost Range
Planning and Design	$5,000 to $15,000
Development	$10,000 to $80,000
Testing and Quality Assurance	$2,000 to $10,000
Deployment and Maintenance	Varies based on support

Tips for Reducing the Cost of Developing a Fashion App

While the cost of developing a fashion app can be significant, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce costs without compromising on the quality of your app. Here are some tips:

Prioritize Features: Start with the essential features and prioritize them based on their importance and impact on the user experience. You can always add more features in future updates.
Use Cross-Platform Development Tools: Consider using cross-platform development tools like React Native or Flutter to develop your app for both iOS and Android platforms. This can save time and development costs.
Optimize Design: Focus on creating a clean and user-friendly design without unnecessary complexities. Use pre-designed UI components and templates to speed up the design process and reduce costs.
Choose Offshore Development: Hiring a development team from regions with lower labor costs, such as India or Eastern Europe, can significantly reduce development costs. Just make sure to choose a reputable development company with a proven track record.
Consider Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Start with a minimum viable product (MVP) to validate your app idea and gather user feedback. This allows you to launch your app faster and at a lower cost, and then iterate and improve based on user feedback.

By implementing these cost-saving strategies, you can build a high-quality fashion app within your budget.

Conclusion

Investing in a fashion app can be a strategic move for entrepreneurs and businesses aiming to thrive in the competitive market. Understanding the nuanced factors affecting development costs is crucial. Explore these insights, weigh your options, and embark on this journey wisely. Whether partnering with a reliable development team or exploring cost-saving strategies, leap creating an engaging and profitable fashion app that resonates with your audience. Your vision combined with informed decisions will shape a successful venture in the ever-evolving world of fashion and technology.

If you’re looking for a reliable development partner to help you build your fashion app, Scaleupally is here to provide you with the expertise and support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I integrate augmented reality (AR) for virtual try-on features?

Yes, integrating AR for virtual try-on experiences might increase development costs but significantly enhance user engagement.

Q: How crucial is user feedback during app development?

User feedback is pivotal; it helps refine features, UX/UI, and overall functionality to align with user preferences.

Q: Is it possible to integrate social media sharing within the app?

Absolutely, social media integrations allow users to share products, reviews, and purchases, enhancing brand visibility.

Q: How long does it take to develop a fashion app?

The time required to develop a fashion app depends on the complexity of the app and the platforms you choose. On average, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months or more.

Q: Is it necessary to develop a fashion app for both iOS and Android platforms?

Developing a fashion app for both iOS and Android platforms can help you reach a wider audience. However, it also increases the development cost. You can choose to develop for a single platform initially and expand to the other platform later.