
What I Learned After Analyzing 6000+ Stores Using Our App Detector Tool
Over the past 12 years, I’ve worked closely with ecommerce design, platforms, and tools — but in the last year alone, I analysed more than 6000 Shopify fashion and clothing stores for ecomm.design, our ecommerce design gallery.
To dig deeper, I used our in-house Shopify App Detector tool to track which apps each store uses. That gave me a clear view into what successful brands are doing behind the scenes — not just what’s trending.
This guide isn’t based on theory. It’s built from real-world data — apps that real fashion brands are using to grow and streamline their stores.
TL;DR – Best Shopify Apps for Clothing Stores
After reviewing 6000+ stores on ecomm.design and tracking their app stacks with our Shopify App Detector, here are the top apps fashion brands actually use:
TL;DR – Best Shopify Apps for Clothing Stores (2024)
After analysing 2000+ clothing stores on ecomm.design, here’s the tech stack top brands actually use:
🧩 Essentials
- Instaindex – Real-time indexing via Bing
- Klaviyo – Email & SMS
- Loox – Photo reviews
- Vitals – Conversion tools
- Covet.pics – Shoppable Instagram
- Globo – Size charts
- ReConvert – Post-purchase upsells
- AfterShip – Self-service returns
- Smile.io – Loyalty + referrals
Start with 3–5 based on your goals — then scale smart.
Don’t bloat your store with 20 apps you don’t need.
What Every Clothing Store on Shopify Actually Needs
Before we get into the apps themselves, let’s talk about what your clothing store actually needs to function at a high level.
This isn’t about adding dozens of tools — it’s about covering the core jobs your store should handle properly.
From what I’ve seen across many stores, here are the key features a high-performing clothing store tends to include:
🔧 Core Features Every Fashion Store Needs:
- Size Chart Integration – customers want to know how it fits, especially with international shoppers.
- User Reviews with Photos – social proof boosts trust and conversions.
- Shoppable Visual Content – think lifestyle images, lookbooks, and Instagram feeds.
- Easy Returns – automated return flows reduce friction and improve retention.
- Email & SMS Automations – for recovering carts, sending promotions, and launching new collections.
- Product Bundling & Upselling – increase AOV without relying on discounts.
- Loyalty Systems – bring repeat buyers back with incentives.
🚀 SEO & Indexing Optimisation
1. Instaindex

Instaindex is a Shopify app that helps your store get indexed faster by search engines like Bing and Yandex using the IndexNow protocol.
Instead of waiting days or weeks for search engines to crawl your product pages or blog updates, Instaindex pushes those changes in real time.
This means your store’s new content — like seasonal drops, price changes or blog posts — can be discovered and indexed much faster, especially by AI-driven engines like Bing and Search GPT.
It’s built specifically for ecommerce and has a direct partnership with Microsoft Bing, giving it some serious indexing advantages.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Speeds up indexing of new products, collections and blog content.
- Works well for stores with frequent launches, seasonal updates or flash sales.
- Supports international markets with automatic localisation of URLs.
- Cuts down on manual SEO tasks like submitting pages individually.
- Clean filtering avoids spamming search engines with minor edits.
Feature | Starter Plan | Premium Plan | Business Plan | Enterprise Plan |
---|---|---|---|---|
Real-Time Indexing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Localised URL Support | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Product & Collection Submission | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Blog & Static Page Submission | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Meaningful Submission Filtering | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Bing Partnership Benefits | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Monthly Submissions | 10,000 | 100,000 | 1,000,000 | 5,000,000 |
Monthly Cost | $5 | $29 | $49 | $139 |
2. Smart SEO
Smart SEO is a comprehensive SEO optimisation app for Shopify that handles structured data, meta tags, alt tags, and multilingual SEO.
It’s built to automate the repetitive parts of SEO and improve your store’s visibility in Google and Bing without needing manual edits.
It also supports JSON-LD structured data, which helps search engines understand your products better and show rich snippets — like ratings, prices, and availability — directly in the search results.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Automates SEO tasks like meta tags and image alt text.
- Adds structured data for rich product listings in Google.
- Works well with large product catalogues and seasonal lines.
- Supports international stores with multilingual SEO.
- Improves on-page SEO without needing a developer.
Feature | Free Plan | Pro Plan |
---|---|---|
Meta Tags & Image Alt Tags | ✅ | ✅ |
Structured Data (JSON-LD) | ✅ | ✅ |
Multilingual SEO Support | ❌ | ✅ |
Broken Link Detection | ❌ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free | From $9.99/month |
3. SEOAnt – SEO Optimizer

SEOAnt focuses on both technical and content SEO. It optimises site speed, fixes broken links, manages metadata, compresses images, and improves overall crawlability for Shopify stores.
It’s designed for users who want a more hands-off approach to SEO, with automation doing most of the heavy lifting.
It also includes a built-in audit tool and structured data setup, which is especially useful for stores that want to boost performance in organic search without hiring an SEO agency.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Automates the basics of technical SEO and metadata.
- Keeps your store lightweight by compressing images.
- Fixes SEO errors like broken links and missing tags.
- Helps make large catalogues more search-friendly.
- Includes an SEO score and audit for ongoing optimisation.
Feature | Free Plan | Premium Plan |
---|---|---|
SEO Score & Audit | ✅ | ✅ |
Image Compression & Speed Boost | ✅ | ✅ |
Metadata Management | ✅ | ✅ |
Broken Link & 404 Fixing | ❌ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free | From $19.99/month |
4. Sherpas Smart SEO Booster
Sherpas SEO Booster is an SEO automation tool that improves product visibility in search engines through smart tagging, real-time fixes, and structured data.
It’s known for its beginner-friendly interface and automation-first setup.
What makes it different is its emphasis on new stores. It’s designed to give visibility fast by fixing critical SEO issues early — such as missing meta titles, duplicate content and slow indexing.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Ideal for new or fast-growing fashion brands with little SEO experience.
- Detects and fixes critical SEO issues automatically.
- Supports multiple language markets for global brands.
- Helps boost visibility in search for new collections or products.
- Clean UX for store owners with no technical background.
Feature | Free Plan | Premium Plan |
---|---|---|
Meta Tag Fixes | ✅ | ✅ |
Multilingual Support | ✅ | ✅ |
Auto Indexing for Product Pages | ❌ | ✅ |
SEO Issue Detection & Reports | ✅ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free | From $14.99/month |
🧩 Product Display & Aesthetics
5. Shoppable Instagram by Covet.pics

Covet Instagram App app lets you import your Instagram feed into your store and make each image “shoppable.” It’s a brilliant way to show off your lifestyle content and get customers clicking through directly from your visual content.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Allows visual shopping, which is ideal for style-conscious buyers.
- Syncs automatically with Instagram posts.
- You can tag products inside the gallery.
Feature | Covet.pics Free Plan | Paid Plan |
---|---|---|
Product Tagging | ❌ | ✅ |
Auto-sync with IG | ✅ | ✅ |
Custom Layouts | Limited | Full |
Monthly Cost | Free–£24 | Depends on traffic |
6. Lookbook by Zooomy

Lookbook by Zooomy gives you a stylish way to display collections and outfit pairings in a scrollable, lifestyle-inspired format. Visitors can browse like they’re flipping through a magazine and click directly to buy from featured items.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Helps showcase entire looks, not just individual products.
- Ideal for editorial-style collections and seasonal drops.
- Keeps shoppers engaged with visually immersive layouts.
Feature | Free Version | Pro Version |
---|---|---|
Interactive Lookbook | ✅ | ✅ |
Product Tag Integration | ❌ | ✅ |
Multi-page Lookbooks | ❌ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free | Starts at £9.99 |
7. Globo Size Chart & Size Guide
Globo Size Chart helps reduce returns by allowing store owners to create flexible and customised size charts. You can assign different sizing tables to different products — useful if you sell tops, dresses, trousers, etc.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Reduces customer uncertainty about fit.
- Makes international sizing conversions easy.
- Allows different charts per product or collection.
Feature | Free Version | Premium Version |
---|---|---|
Custom Size Charts | ✅ | ✅ |
Assign by Product Type | ❌ | ✅ |
Mobile Responsive | ✅ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free | £4.99–£9.99 |
📈 Marketing & Conversions
8. Klaviyo

Klaviyo is the most widely used email and SMS platform among serious Shopify clothing stores. It helps you set up powerful automations like cart recovery, welcome flows, post-purchase follow-ups, and promotions based on real-time data.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Tracks customer behaviour to send targeted messages.
- Automates campaigns for drops, restocks, and flash sales.
- Includes both email and SMS from one dashboard.
Feature | Free Plan | Paid Plan |
---|---|---|
Email Automations | ✅ | ✅ |
SMS Campaigns | ✅ (limits apply) | ✅ |
Abandoned Cart Recovery | ✅ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free to start | Based on contacts |
9. PushOwl
PushOwl allows you to send browser push notifications to customers without needing their email. It’s highly effective for flash sales, drop alerts, and reminding people to come back to a product.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Great for limited drops or one-off promotions.
- Doesn’t require an email or phone number.
- Higher click-through rate than email in many cases.
Feature | Free Plan | Business Plan |
---|---|---|
Push Campaigns | ✅ | ✅ |
Automation Flows | ❌ | ✅ |
Abandoned Cart Push | ✅ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free | From £15/month |
10. Vitals: All-in-One Marketing
Vitals combines over 40 Shopify tools into one app — including reviews, popups, upsells, currency converters, sticky ATC buttons, and more. It’s cost-effective and designed to improve conversions across your store.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Bundles core marketing features in one app.
- Speeds up your store vs. stacking multiple apps.
- Easy to install, no coding needed.
Feature | Vitals |
---|---|
Photo Reviews | ✅ |
Upsells & Cross-sells | ✅ |
Popups & Social Proof | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | £24.99/month |
🧠 Customer Experience
11. Loox (Photo Reviews)

Loox is the most commonly used review app across the clothing brands I analysed. It allows customers to submit reviews with photos, and sends automated review requests post-purchase.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Builds trust with real customer visuals.
- Integrates seamlessly with product pages.
- Encourages more UGC via discounts for photo reviews.
Feature | Basic Plan | Pro Plan |
---|---|---|
Photo Reviews | ✅ | ✅ |
Review Request Emails | ✅ | ✅ |
Display Customisation | Limited | Advanced |
Monthly Cost | £9.99–£29.99 | Based on volume |
12. AfterShip Returns Center
This app automates the returns process, letting customers request returns via a branded self-service portal. It connects with your fulfilment and shipping setup to keep everything updated.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Handles high return rates in fashion cleanly.
- Removes friction by avoiding manual support.
- Keeps customers informed on their return progress.
Feature | Free Plan | Premium Plan |
---|---|---|
Self-Service Return Portal | ✅ | ✅ |
Exchange Management | ❌ | ✅ |
Courier Tracking Integration | ✅ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free–£9.99 | Custom pricing |
13. ReConvert
ReConvert helps you boost average order value (AOV) by adding upsell and cross-sell offers right after the checkout process. It’s a smart way to get one more item in the basket while the customer’s still in buying mode.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Easy to promote matching items (e.g. shirts + trousers).
- Lets you add thank-you videos or loyalty links.
- Integrates with your Shopify thank-you page.
Feature | Free Plan | Paid Plan |
---|---|---|
Post-Purchase Upsells | ✅ | ✅ |
Smart Recommendations | ❌ | ✅ |
Drag & Drop Builder | ✅ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free–£7.99 | Based on revenue |
⚙️ Inventory & Operations
14. Stocky (by Shopify)
Stocky is built for merchants using Shopify POS or who manage inventory manually. It helps you forecast, restock, and track supplier performance with built-in reports.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Tracks inventory turnover and bestsellers.
- Suggests what to reorder based on sales.
- Ideal for stores with local fulfilment or warehouse needs.
Feature | Included with POS Pro |
---|---|
Forecasting | ✅ |
Reorder Suggestions | ✅ |
Supplier Management | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free with POS Pro |
15. Simple Bundles
This app allows you to create bundle products without messing up stock tracking. It works perfectly for outfit pairings, gift packs, or seasonal bundles.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Lets you track inventory of bundled items individually.
- Great for creating limited edition kits.
- Boosts AOV with minimal setup.
Feature | Free Plan | Paid Plan |
---|---|---|
Bundle Creation | ✅ | ✅ |
Inventory Sync | ❌ | ✅ |
Variant Bundling | ✅ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free–£19.99 | Based on usage |
16. Syncio
Syncio helps you sync inventory across multiple stores or locations. Ideal for fashion brands that have different Shopify storefronts for retail and wholesale, or across countries.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Syncs stock across stores in real time.
- Automates stock updates to reduce overselling.
- Works well for regional expansion.
Feature | Starter Plan | Pro Plan |
---|---|---|
Real-Time Inventory Sync | ✅ | ✅ |
Order Push Between Stores | ❌ | ✅ |
Multi-SKU Sync | ✅ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | £19.99–£49.99 | Based on stores |
💎 Loyalty & Retention
17. Smile.io
Smile.io helps you build loyalty with points, referrals, and VIP tiers. It’s easy to brand, set up, and start rewarding your customers right away.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Encourages repeat purchases.
- Points for actions like social sharing or referrals.
- Integrates with Shopify and Klaviyo.
Feature | Free Plan | Growth Plan |
---|---|---|
Points System | ✅ | ✅ |
Referrals | ✅ | ✅ |
VIP Tiers | ❌ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | Free–£39 | Based on usage |
18. Stamped.io
Stamped.io is a powerful alternative to Loox and Smile. It combines reviews, UGC, and loyalty into one platform with advanced control and analytics.
Why it works for clothing stores:
- Advanced review system with photos and videos.
- Customisable loyalty workflows.
- Q&A feature builds trust for new customers.
Feature | Basic Plan | Premium Plan |
---|---|---|
Photo & Video Reviews | ✅ | ✅ |
Loyalty Program | ✅ | ✅ |
Q&A Widget | ✅ | ✅ |
Monthly Cost | From £15/month | Based on usage |
Final Takeaways – What the Best Clothing Stores Get Right
After analysing hundreds of Shopify fashion stores through our app detection system at ecomm.design, there’s a clear pattern among the high performers.
The most successful clothing brands aren’t stacking dozens of apps or chasing every new shiny tool.
Instead, they’re making deliberate, strategic choices based on customer experience, performance, and long-term growth.
Here’s what I see over and over again:
🎯 Use 4–7 Apps Max
More apps doesn’t mean more growth. In fact, it’s usually the opposite. Installing too many apps adds weight to your store, slows down your load speed, and creates more moving parts to manage — especially when updates roll out or conflicts arise.
The top brands focus on a lean, high-impact stack. Each app has a purpose and delivers clear ROI.
🤝 Prioritise Trust and Retention
Every conversion starts with trust. That’s why almost every high-performing fashion store uses apps for reviews, size guides, returns, and customer feedback.
But it doesn’t stop at the sale — brands that win long-term are investing in post-purchase flows, loyalty programmes, and automation tools that keep customers coming back.
Retention is the difference between a one-off buyer and a loyal community.
📊 Use Data — Not Trends — to Build Your Stack
Just because an app is popular doesn’t mean it’s right for your brand. Look at what your store actually needs. Are customers bouncing because of poor sizing info?
Add a size chart. Are you seeing abandoned carts? Start with Klaviyo or PushOwl. If bundles or returns are a headache, focus there.
Let your data guide your decisions — not blog lists or what competitors are using.
🧱 Start Small, Scale Smart
You don’t need all 19 apps today. Start with the essentials: a review app, an email platform, and a tool for handling returns or upsells.
Watch how they perform. Track speed, revenue impact, and how they affect customer behaviour. Then scale your stack slowly, only adding apps that align with your business model and support your customers at key stages of their journey.
You’re not just building a Shopify store — you’re building a brand.
And the right tech stack makes that brand stronger, not heavier.
When in doubt, keep it simple, test what works, and double down on what moves the needle.