Fashion terms / Virtual Try-On
What Is Virtual Try-On?
Virtual try-on is technology that lets shoppers see how clothing looks on their own body before buying, using their phone camera, a photo of themselves or a digital avatar. Online clothing stores use it to help shoppers judge style and fit without visiting a store.
How Does Virtual Try-On Work?
Virtual try-on technology works in three steps:
- The shopper adds themselves: by turning on their camera, uploading a photo or entering their body measurements.
- The garment is placed on them: the technology fits the clothing to their body shape and pose.
- The shopper sees the result: a live view or an image of themselves wearing the garment, which they can compare across sizes and colors where supported.
Types of Virtual Try-On for Clothing
- AR virtual try-on: the garment appears on the shopper in real time through their phone camera.
- Photo-based AI try-on: the shopper uploads a photo, and AI creates an image of them wearing the garment.
- 3D avatar try-on: the shopper builds a digital body from their measurements and dresses it.
- Virtual fitting room: a try-on combined with size and fit recommendations.
What Is a Virtual Fitting Room?
A virtual fitting room is the online version of a store's changing room. As well as showing the garment on the shopper, it usually suggests the best size based on their measurements or past purchases. The terms "virtual fitting room" and "virtual try-on" are often used for the same thing.
A visual preview is not a fit guarantee. Size recommendations require sizing or measurement data, and not every try-on tool provides them.
Virtual Try-On vs On-Model Photography
| Aspect | Virtual try-on | On-model photography |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Shoppers | Sellers and brands |
| Whose body is shown | The shopper’s own | A real or AI model |
| Where it appears | Inside a store’s app or product page tool | Product pages, marketplaces, ads, social media |
| What it needs | The shopper’s camera, photo or measurements | A photo of the garment |
| Main purpose | Helping one shopper picture themselves in it | Showing every shopper how the garment looks when worn |
Most online clothing stores start with on-model photos, because every product page needs them, and some add virtual try-on later.
Benefits and Limits of Virtual Try-On
Benefits
- Shoppers can picture the garment on themselves
- It can help shoppers choose the right size when supported by sizing data
- It makes shopping online more interactive
Limits
- Fit and fabric drape aren’t always shown accurately
- It needs good product images and data for every garment
- Shoppers must share a photo, camera access or measurements
Start with On-Model Photos
Before adding virtual try-on, every product page needs clear on-model images. ApparelAI puts your garments on realistic AI models of different body types, so shoppers can see how clothes look on someone like them. Create them with our AI fashion model generator.
Start free: 3 credits, no cardRelated Terms
On-Model Photography
Product photography showing a garment worn by a real or AI model.
Virtual Model
A computer-generated person used to show clothes online without a photoshoot.
PDP Images
The product photos and videos shown on an ecommerce product detail page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is virtual try-on safe?
Generally yes, but it depends on how the store handles your photo, camera access or measurements. Check the store’s privacy policy to see what is stored and for how long.
Is virtual try-on worth it for a clothing store?
It can help shoppers feel more confident about style and size. But it takes setup for every product, so many stores first make sure every product has clear on-model photos, then add try-on for key items.
How much does virtual try-on cost?
It varies widely, from monthly plugins for online stores to custom-built systems for large retailers. The price usually depends on the number of products, the type of try-on and the platform.
Which brands use virtual try-on?
Google Shopping offers photo-based try-on for supported clothing listings. Amazon has introduced virtual try-on for selected shoes. Availability depends on the country, device and product; check the provider’s current listing for access.
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