Macgi
Choosing an ecommerce platform for a clothing store is different from choosing one for a general shop. Apparel stores need clean product pages, reliable size and color variants, size charts, and a checkout that supports how local shoppers actually pay and receive packages. In Vietnam, that often means COD and local carriers; internationally, it may mean card payments and shipping apps.
The four options compared here are Shopify, WooCommerce, Haravan and Sapo. Shopify and WooCommerce tend to suit stores that want design flexibility or international reach. Haravan and Sapo are popular Vietnamese platforms for local payments, COD workflows and carrier connections. This guide compares setup effort, design control, variants, size guides, payments, local shipping, apps and the costs you should verify yourself.
How to compare clothing platforms
Before looking at each platform, list the features that affect an apparel store most.
Product variants and size charts
A clothing store needs more than a title, price and photo. You need color options, size options, and often separate SKUs for each combination. A product with 5 sizes and 4 colors may have 20 variants. The platform should let you manage that without creating duplicate products.
Size charts matter just as much as variants. Check whether the platform lets you add a size chart per product, per category, or as a page. On Shopify, you can use the theme editor or metafields to attach size charts; many themes have a built-in size chart popup. On WooCommerce, you can add size chart tabs with plugins or with custom fields. On Haravan and Sapo, you can usually add a size guide in the product description or use the platform’s product attributes.
If you are not sure how to measure clothing for size charts, start with a guide like How to Measure Clothes for a Size Chart: Flat Garment Guide or Dress Size Chart: Bust, Waist, Hip and Length by Style.
Design and product-page flexibility
Fashion shoppers judge the product page heavily. You need large images, color swatches, clear size selection, and a layout that does not hide the “Add to cart” button. Some platforms lock you into templates; others let you edit the product page structure.
Ask: can I move the size selector, add a size guide link, show color swatches, and add custom blocks like fabric or fit notes? Shopify themes usually allow this in the theme editor. WooCommerce gives you full code control if you need it, but you may need a developer. Haravan and Sapo templates are quicker to set up but may be less flexible.
For color options, see How to use color swatches on product pages to boost sales.
Payments, COD and local carriers
Clothing stores in Vietnam often depend on cash on delivery. The platform must support COD labels, delivery fees, and order statuses that match what the carrier does. Internationally, you need card payments, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay, and shipping rates.
Shopify Payments is available in some countries, but if you use Shopify in Vietnam, you may need a third-party payment provider and a COD app or custom flow. WooCommerce can integrate with local payment gateways and shipping plugins, but COD setup is also mostly via plugins. Haravan and Sapo usually have local payment and carrier integrations built or available as add-ons, which can reduce setup time.
Check current fees and official terms with each platform and payment provider because they change.
Apps, integrations and setup effort
A platform’s app or plugin library decides how quickly you can add reviews, email marketing, loyalty points, size recommendations, returns handling, or a virtual try-on button. Setup effort varies: Shopify and Haravan/Sapo are more guided; WooCommerce is more manual but flexible.
Photo: Darina Belonogova / Pexels
Shopify: strongest all-round option for clothing stores
Shopify is a good first choice if you want a managed platform, reliable hosting, and a large theme and app ecosystem. It is widely used by international fashion stores and by Vietnamese shops that want a more professional storefront.
Setup and themes
Shopify’s setup is mostly guided. You create an account, choose a theme, add products, set payment methods and shipping, then buy a domain or connect one. The admin is polished and does not require server maintenance.
For clothing, choose a theme that supports quick view, size swatches, image zoom and a sticky add-to-cart bar. Many paid and free themes include product page sections where you can add a size chart, accordion for garment details, or model measurements. In the theme editor, look for “Product information” or “Product page” settings to show or hide blocks like variant pickers, quantity, and description.
Variants, size charts and product details
Shopify has a variant limit per product; many clothing stores manage within it, but check the current limit for your plan. If a product has many size and color combinations, test that your theme still shows them in a usable way.
To add a size chart, you can create a page in Shopify admin under “Pages,” then link it from the product description. Or you can use the theme’s built-in size chart feature if available. Many themes let you add an image or content block in the product section. If you want per-product size charts, use metafields: in Settings > Custom data, create a product metafield for “size chart,” then edit each product to upload its chart.
Payments, COD and shipping
Shopify supports Shopify Payments in supported countries, plus many third-party gateways. In Vietnam, you may need to connect a local payment provider and a shipping app. COD is not a native one-click setting in all countries, so many stores use a third-party order management or shipping app that prints COD labels and syncs tracking.
For Vietnamese local carriers, look for shipping apps or integrations that support the carriers you use. Check current fees and availability in the Shopify App Store or provider documentation.
Costs to check
Shopify has subscription plans and transaction fees depending on your payment setup. Because plan names, fee percentages, and available payment methods change, check the current official Shopify pricing page for your country before deciding. Also add paid theme and app costs if you need size charts, swatches, reviews, email, or a try-on widget.
WooCommerce: most control if you already use WordPress
WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress. It is not a hosted platform, so you manage hosting, updates, backups and security. For a clothing store that needs full control over product pages, checkout, or data ownership, it is often the most flexible option.
Setup and technical effort
You install WordPress, install WooCommerce, choose a theme, and configure products, payments, shipping and taxes. If you already run WordPress content, this is natural. If not, expect more setup than a hosted platform.
For clothing, use a WooCommerce-compatible theme with good product page hooks. You can edit product page layout in the WordPress customizer or with page builder plugins. You can also edit template files directly if you have development help.
Variants and product data
WooCommerce treats simple and variable products separately. For apparel, create a variable product in Products > Add New > Product data > Variable product. Add attributes like “Size” and “Color,” then generate variations. You can set a unique SKU, price, stock quantity and image for each variation.
You can also add size charts with a tab plugin or by adding a custom tab. Many stores create a “Size Guide” tab in the product data tabs. Another method is to add a product attribute such as “Size chart” and display it with a shortcode. If you need size recommendations, look for plugins in the WordPress plugin directory or WooCommerce marketplace.
Payments, COD and local carriers
WooCommerce supports many payment gateways through plugins. You can enable cash on delivery from WooCommerce > Settings > Payments > Cash on delivery. You can also add shipping methods, flat rates, free shipping, and carrier integrations. For Vietnamese carriers, you may need a local shipping plugin that supports COD and creates waybills. Check current plugin compatibility and fees.
Costs to check
WooCommerce itself is free open-source software, but you still pay for hosting, domain, SSL, theme, plugins, and possibly developer time. Transaction fees depend on your payment gateway, not WooCommerce itself. Because hosting costs vary widely and plugin prices change, check current official sources for any plugin or payment provider you plan to use.
Photo: Ivan S / Pexels
Haravan and Sapo: Vietnamese platforms built for local operations
Haravan and Sapo are common choices for small and medium Vietnamese clothing shops because they reduce the setup work for local payments, COD, carriers and basic store management. They are less known internationally, so they fit mostly domestic selling.
When Haravan fits
Haravan is a local ecommerce platform with Vietnamese-language admin, local payment integrations and a large set of Vietnamese apps and services. If you sell mostly through Facebook, Zalo or your own website and need COD and local carrier labels without much technical setup, Haravan can be attractive.
In Haravan, you can create products, add variants such as size and color, and attach product images. For size charts, you can add an image or a table in the product description, or use a page and link it from the product. Haravan themes are generally simpler than Shopify themes, but they can be configured in the admin theme section. Payments and shipping often connect through the platform’s local add-ons; check current official documentation because available carriers and fees change.
When Sapo fits
Sapo is another Vietnamese platform that focuses on local shop management. It often includes features for inventory, orders, customers, and delivery integration. If your main pain is managing COD orders and syncing stock across a website, Sapo can save time.
In Sapo, product setup is similar: create attributes for size and color, generate variants, and add a size guide as descriptive text or an image. For product page design, Sapo themes may have fewer deep customization options than WooCommerce or Shopify, but they cover basic fashion needs. Check whether the theme supports color swatches, size selection and a clear add-to-cart button.
Shared limitations to check
Haravan and Sapo are strongest for domestic Vietnam. If you plan to sell internationally later, check whether the platform supports the currencies, languages, payment methods and shipping integrations you need. Also compare subscription fees, transaction fees, and add-on fees with current official pricing because these change. Customizing product page design or adding advanced scripts may require support or a developer, so test before committing.
Which clothing platform fits which shop?
Use the following decision guide rather than a single “best” answer.
Choose Shopify if
- You want a managed platform with reliable hosting and fewer technical tasks.
- You plan to sell internationally or want a large selection of themes and apps.
- You can accept subscription costs and possible transaction fees.
- You need a product page that can grow with apps for reviews, email, loyalty, size charts and try-on tools.
Choose WooCommerce if
- You already use WordPress or want full control over product pages and data.
- You have developer help or are comfortable managing hosting, updates and plugins.
- You need flexible product variants, custom checkout fields, or integrations that hosted platforms restrict.
- You are okay paying for hosting and plugins instead of a platform subscription.
Choose Haravan or Sapo if
- You sell mainly within Vietnam and need COD, local carriers and Vietnamese-language operations.
- You want faster setup for a local store and do not need deep international features.
- You prefer a local support ecosystem and are comfortable with the platform’s template options.
- You will verify current local payment, shipping and fee terms before committing.
For a small shop that sells mostly on Facebook, TikTok or Zalo, any of these platforms can act as the official website and order hub. Start with one product page that has clear variants, a size chart, good photos and a simple checkout, then expand.
Checklist before you choose
Before paying for a plan or committing to a developer, test these items with a sample product:
- Create one variable product with at least 5 sizes and 3 colors. Check how long it takes and how the variant selector looks on mobile.
- Add a size chart to that product and open it on a phone. Is it readable?
- Create a test order with COD or a card payment. Print or view the shipping label and tracking status.
- Install any size chart, swatch, or email app you expect to use. Check if it slows the product page.
- Confirm where the add-to-cart button sits and whether shoppers can see color and size choices without scrolling.
- Check the platform’s current official pricing, transaction fees, payment gateway fees, and shipping app costs for your country.
- Ask the platform or theme developer whether you can add custom HTML or scripts, because that affects future features.
If a platform passes most of these checks, it is likely workable for a clothing store.
One feature that can help on any of these platforms is a virtual try-on button on the product page. Instead of relying only on size charts and guesswork, shoppers can see themselves wearing the item before buying. Macgi makes a lightweight AI virtual try-on widget that works on Shopify, WooCommerce, Haravan, Sapo or a custom site by adding one script tag and a button attribute. You can try Macgi in the free beta or see the business page for integrations and pricing.
FAQ
Which platform is cheapest for a small clothing store?
It depends on what you already have. WooCommerce may have lower platform subscription costs, but you pay for hosting, domain, plugins and possibly developer time. Shopify has a clearer subscription cost but may charge transaction fees depending on your payment provider. Haravan and Sapo have local pricing plans, but add-ons and transaction fees vary. Check current official pricing and test with your expected order volume.
Can I use COD on Shopify or WooCommerce?
Yes, but the setup differs. WooCommerce has a built-in cash on delivery payment option that you can enable in settings. Shopify may require a third-party app or payment setup to create COD orders and labels, depending on your country. Haravan and Sapo usually have domestic COD and carrier workflows more readily available.
Are Haravan and Sapo good for international clothing stores?
They are built mainly for Vietnamese domestic selling. International currencies, languages, payment methods and shipping integrations may be limited. If international sales are a major part of your plan, Shopify or WooCommerce is usually a safer base, but check the current features of Haravan and Sapo before deciding.
Can I switch platforms later?
Yes, but it is easier to avoid a rushed switch. Most platforms let you export products, customers and orders to CSV or use migration tools. Product images, SEO URLs and design usually need manual work. Choose the platform you can manage for at least one to two years, then switch only when the current one clearly limits your growth.
Can I add size charts and AI try-on to any of these platforms?
Yes. Size charts can be added through themes, pages, or plugins on Shopify and WooCommerce, and through product descriptions or add-ons on Haravan and Sapo. A virtual try-on widget can be added later if the platform allows custom HTML or scripts on the product page.
