Drapr’s platform allows customers to find the best clothing size and fit that matches their personal style and body type

GapHillcrestMall3

Specialty apparel company Gap acquires e-commerce start-up Drapr. (Credit: Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Scalable Grid Engine / Wikipedia.org)

American specialty apparel company Gap has acquired e-commerce start-up Drapr, which has developed an online application for offering a 3D virtual fitting room to allow customers to try on clothing online.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Through Drapr’s platform, customers can find the best clothing size and fit that suits their personal style and body type. At the same time, the platform helps retailers cut down on unnecessary returns.

Gap chief growth transformation officer Sally Gilligan said: “Fit is the number one point of friction for customers and, through their advanced 3D technology, Drapr has shown it can help shoppers efficiently find the size and fit they need.

“We plan to leverage Drapr to help Gap Inc. improve the fit experience for our customers and accelerate our ongoing digital transformation.”

The e-commerce start-up, which was part of the Y Combinator class of Summer 2020, was founded by David Pastewka, Richard Berwick, and Will Drevno. The trio had collaborated on 3D technology for more than 10 years with early support from Boost VC as well as Berkeley SkyDeck.

Gap said that the transaction was brokered by its Strategic Growth Office unit, which is responsible for thinking beyond the company’s core business to meet the consumer and industry demands of the future.

Drapr CEO David Pastewka said: “Most people either don’t know their exact measurements or are looking for a specific type of fit that numbers alone can’t tell them.

“Drapr has proven effective and we are excited about the impact we can have on customers at scale as part of the Gap Inc. family.”

Drapr’s app syncs all the product data of clothing stores and integrates them directly into their theme. After this, the app creates 3D renders of the clothing and lets customers to visualise all of the sizes and fits offered by the store.

According to the e-commerce start-up, stores can also track conversions, engagement, and customer body insights through its platform.