Drapr

Based in Berkeley, California, Drapr develops a 3D technology application that enables online retail customers to create virtual avatars for trying on apparel and determining accurate sizing. Operating with a dedicated core team of seven employees, the retail technology enterprise provides a software as a service platform designed to help apparel brands increase online conversion rates and significantly reduce costly merchandise returns. The startup participated in the Y Combinator Summer 2020 batch and secured early financial backing from institutional venture supporters including Boost VC. In August 2021, the company was acquired for an undisclosed amount by the multinational retail giant Gap Inc., which integrated the virtual fitting room technology across its broader portfolio of consumer brands such as Old Navy and Banana Republic. Drapr was founded in 2019 by Richard Berwick, Will Drevno, and David Pastewka.

High-Level Overview

Drapr is a technology startup that builds a 3D virtual try-on platform enabling customers to create personalized avatars of their bodies to virtually try on clothing online. It serves both consumers and retailers by addressing the persistent problem of fit and sizing in online apparel shopping, helping shoppers find the best size and style for their body type while reducing costly returns for retailers. Drapr’s technology enhances the online shopping experience by providing a realistic, personalized fitting room that accelerates digital transformation for fashion brands. Since its acquisition by Gap Inc. in 2021, Drapr’s platform has been integrated to improve fit accuracy and customer confidence across Gap’s portfolio of brands, including Old Navy and Athleta[1][2][4][8].

Origin Story

Drapr was founded by David Pastewka, Will Drevno, and Richard Berwick, who brought over a decade of experience in 3D technology development. The idea emerged from the challenge of helping consumers find accurate clothing fit online, a problem exacerbated by the rise of ecommerce and pandemic-driven store closures. Early support came from startup accelerators like Boost VC and Berkeley SkyDeck. Drapr gained traction by demonstrating its ability to reduce fit-related friction and returns, which attracted Gap Inc.’s Strategic Growth Office to acquire the startup in 2021 as part of Gap’s broader digital transformation and ecommerce growth strategy[2][4].

Core Differentiators

• Advanced 3D Avatar Technology: Drapr allows users to quickly create detailed 3D avatars that reflect their exact body shape and size, enabling realistic virtual try-ons.
• Size and Fit Personalization: Beyond visualization, Drapr provides personalized size recommendations based on precise body data, helping customers find the best fit and style.
• Return Reduction: By improving fit accuracy, Drapr helps retailers reduce costly returns, which can account for up to 10% of sales.
• Social Sharing Features: Drapr includes tools for users to share their virtual try-on experiences on social media, enhancing customer engagement and brand loyalty.
• Integration with Retailers: Drapr’s technology is designed to seamlessly integrate with ecommerce platforms, supporting retailers’ digital transformation efforts.
• Proven Impact: Drapr’s technology has been validated through its adoption by Gap Inc., which uses it to enhance fit experience across multiple brands[1][2][4][8].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Drapr rides the growing trend of virtual try-on and augmented reality (AR) in ecommerce, a sector accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift toward online shopping. The timing is critical as consumers demand more personalized, convenient, and confident shopping experiences without physical fitting rooms. Market forces such as rising ecommerce penetration, increasing returns due to poor fit, and advances in AI and 3D modeling technology favor Drapr’s solution. Drapr influences the broader ecosystem by setting new standards for digital apparel fitting, encouraging other retailers to adopt similar technologies, and contributing to the evolution of fashion retail into a more data-driven, customer-centric industry[1][3][4][8].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Going forward, Drapr’s integration within Gap Inc. positions it to scale its impact across a wide range of apparel brands and customer segments. The company is well-placed to leverage ongoing advances in AI, 3D modeling, and personalization to further refine fit accuracy and user experience. As virtual try-on technology becomes a standard expectation in ecommerce, Drapr could expand its influence by partnering with more retailers and enhancing social and community features to drive engagement. The trend toward immersive, personalized shopping experiences will likely shape Drapr’s evolution, making it a key player in the future of digital fashion retail[1][4][7][8].