9 Examples on How Retail Can Use Virtual Try-On Technology
Spending hours in front of the mirror trying on different outfits but still unsure? Or hesitant about how a product will look on you while shopping online? Say goodbye to shopping dilemmas! Virtual Try-On (VTO) technology provides an effortless, engaging, and innovative way to experience products before making a purchase.
As traditional in-store shopping gives way to digital and interactive solutions, consumers can now virtually try on products that best match their style and preferences. Whether it's glasses, lipstick, or sneakers, a few taps on your phone screen allow you to see how they look on you instantly! This technology not only enhances customer confidence but also benefits brands by increasing conversion rates and minimizing returns.
But how does virtual try-on reshape the retail landscape? Here are nine standout use cases showcasing the power of this technology.
Key Insights
Enhances the online shopping experience: By utilizing augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), virtual try-on allows customers to visualize products in real time before purchasing.
Boosts conversion rates and reduces returns: Consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, leading to higher sales and fewer product returns. Research shows that 66% of shoppers express interest in using AR to enhance their shopping experience.
Applicable across various industries: From fashion and eyewear to beauty and furniture, virtual try-on makes shopping more immersive and convenient.
Transforms traditional shopping experiences: By eliminating lengthy try-on sessions in physical stores, VTO offers a faster, more personalized alternative.
Provides a strategic advantage for brands: Virtual try-on increases customer engagement, strengthens brand loyalty, and drives social media virality. Brands leveraging AR experiences are 41% more likely to capture consumer attention compared to those that don’t.
9 Examples of How Retail Can Use Virtual Try-On Technology
The shopping experience is evolving rapidly, and consumers no longer need to visit physical stores to try on products. Virtual try-on technology allows users to realistically experience products with just a few taps. But how exactly does this technology work?
What is Virtual Try-On?
Imagine you're searching for a new pair of glasses but don’t have the time to visit a store. Or you've found the perfect lipstick shade but aren’t sure if it will complement your skin tone. One of the biggest challenges of online shopping is the inability to try products before making a purchase. That’s where virtual try-on (VTO) technology comes in.
Powered by augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), virtual try-on allows users to see how a product will look and feel—without ever physically trying it on. Whether it’s glasses on your face, sneakers on your feet, or a sofa in your living room, VTO brings products to life in a completely virtual environment. And the best part? No special equipment is required—just your phone, computer or any smart device with camera!
This technology addresses one of the biggest pain points of online shopping: the uncertainty of whether a product will truly suit you. Instead of visiting multiple stores and trying on countless options, you can make faster, more confident purchase decisions with just a few taps.
The benefits extend beyond convenience. Customers enjoy a more informed and seamless shopping experience, while brands see higher conversion rates, fewer returns, and greater customer satisfaction. Simply put, virtual try-on isn’t just enhancing e-commerce—it’s revolutionizing it.
How Does Virtual Try-On Work?
Virtual try-on technology leverages advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D modeling to help users visualize and evaluate products before making a purchase.
Real-Time Face and Body Tracking
Virtual try-on relies on real-time tracking to detect facial features, hands, and body movements using a device’s camera.
Face Recognition: Analyzes facial structures for eyewear, lipstick, and makeup applications.
Hand Detection: Tracks hand movements for accessories like watches and bracelets.
Body Analysis: Assesses proportions for clothing and footwear to ensure an accurate fit.
3D Modeling & Digital Product Catalog
Brands create high-fidelity 3D models of their products using advanced scanning techniques, ensuring a lifelike virtual representation.
Realistic textures, colors, and reflections mimic physical products.
The system simulates fabric movement and shoe fitting for an authentic look.
The product dynamically adjusts to user movements, offering a seamless experience.
Augmented Reality (AR) for Immersive Try-Ons
AR overlays virtual products onto users in real time, providing an interactive shopping experience.
Eyewear: Frames align perfectly with facial contours.
Lipstick: Colors blend naturally with the user’s skin tone.
Footwear: Angles and shadows adjust dynamically based on foot positioning.
AI-Powered Personalized Recommendations
AI enhances the experience by offering tailored product suggestions based on user attributes.
Algorithms recommend styles based on face shape, skin tone, and body measurements.
AI-driven insights highlight trending products based on customer preferences.
Smart sizing technology ensures accurate clothing and footwear selections.
Real-Time Data Processing for a Seamless Experience
Virtual try-on technology processes movements in milliseconds, delivering instant, realistic visuals.
Advanced cameras track face and body movements with precision.
Lighting and shadows are dynamically adjusted for authenticity.
Users can explore products from multiple angles and instantly switch colors or styles.
With these capabilities, virtual try-on transforms online shopping into a highly interactive, personalized, and confidence-boosting experience—enhancing customer satisfaction while driving conversions for brands.
The Advantages of Virtual Try-On vs. Traditional Shopping
Virtual try-on (VTO) technology is transforming both online and in-store shopping by enabling digital product trials, allowing consumers to make more informed purchase decisions. Compared to traditional shopping methods, VTO delivers a faster, more personalized, and more reliable experience. But what makes it so effective?
Personalized Shopping Experience
Unlike traditional shopping, which relies on static product images, VTO provides real-time, interactive experiences. AI-powered algorithms analyze face shapes, body structures, and skin tones to recommend the most suitable products. For example, when trying on sunglasses virtually, the system suggests frames that best complement the user’s face shape—making shopping more engaging and efficient.
Higher Conversion Rates
A major challenge in e-commerce is helping customers feel confident in their purchase decisions. Uncertainty about fit or appearance often leads to cart abandonment. VTO eliminates this hesitation by allowing shoppers to see products on themselves before buying, significantly boosting conversion rates. Studies show that brands offering virtual try-on features experience a 30-40% increase in conversions.
Lower Return Rates
High return rates are a persistent issue in online retail, especially in fashion and cosmetics. Many returns result from incorrect sizing, unexpected colors, or product mismatches. VTO minimizes these risks by offering users a highly accurate preview of their purchase. As a result, brands can lower logistics costs, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.
Enhanced In-Store Shopping with Digital Integration
Physical stores can integrate virtual try-on technology to create interactive and frictionless shopping experiences. Customers can use smartphones or smart mirrors to try on products without physically handling them, streamlining the process while enhancing hygiene and convenience.
Social Sharing & Viral Engagement
VTO is also a powerful marketing tool. Consumers enjoy sharing their virtual try-on experiences on social media, generating organic exposure for brands. Gen Z and millennial shoppers, in particular, are drawn to social-driven shopping experiences. By allowing users to instantly share their virtual try-ons on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, brands can reach broader audiences and drive engagement.
Seamless Omnichannel Shopping
As consumers expect greater flexibility in how they shop, omnichannel retail strategies are becoming essential. VTO bridges the gap between online and offline shopping by enabling customers to try products digitally before finalizing purchases in-store—or vice versa. This ensures a cohesive, convenient, and connected shopping experience.
Data-Driven Insights for Brands
Virtual try-on technology provides valuable consumer insights, such as frequently tried-on products, popular colors, and preferred styles. By analyzing this data, brands can optimize inventory management, enhance marketing strategies, and deliver more personalized recommendations—ultimately improving customer satisfaction and driving sales.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Shopping
Traditional product trials contribute significantly to a brand’s carbon footprint, particularly in industries like fast fashion, where overproduction and returns generate substantial waste. VTO reduces unnecessary trials and returns, promoting a more sustainable shopping model. Beyond cost savings, brands that adopt this technology can position themselves as leaders in eco-conscious retail.
Shaping the Future of Shopping
Virtual try-on is more than just a convenience—it's a game-changing technology redefining how consumers interact with products. By merging online and offline retail, it enhances personalization, speeds up decision-making, and drives business growth. As brands continue to embrace VTO, they’re not just improving customer experience—they’re shaping the future of shopping itself.
9 Virtual Try-On Examples and Industry Applications
Virtual try-on (VTO) technology leverages augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enable customers to experience products virtually. By eliminating the need for physical trials, it makes shopping more interactive and seamless. Thanks to these advantages, VTO is now widely embraced by leading brands across various industries.
1. Fashion & Apparel – Zara Virtual Fitting Room
Zara’s virtual fitting room, integrated into its mobile app, allows users to visualize how clothing fits their bodies. By using their smartphone cameras, customers can assess the fit, fabric drape, and overall style. This innovation helps online shoppers choose the right size, reducing return rates.
2. Footwear – Nike Fit
Nike Fit uses virtual try-on technology to scan users' feet via smartphone cameras, providing precise shoe size recommendations. Powered by AI, the system considers foot shape and measurements to suggest the best fit. Available both online and in physical stores, Nike Fit significantly reduces size-related returns.
3. Eyewear – Warby Parker Virtual Try-On
Warby Parker’s AR-powered virtual try-on feature enables customers to see how eyeglasses will look on their faces. The app analyzes facial features and accurately simulates frame fit, including nose bridge placement and ear alignment, eliminating the need for in-store visits.
4. Watches & Jewelry – Rolex AR Try-On
Rolex enhances the luxury shopping experience with an AR application that allows customers to preview how different watch models will look on their wrists. Users can explore various designs, straps, and case sizes in real time, making more confident purchasing decisions.
5. Makeup & Cosmetics – L’Oréal Modiface
L’Oréal’s AI-powered Modiface platform enables customers to virtually try on beauty products, including lipstick, foundation, and eyeshadow. By analyzing skin tone, the system suggests the most flattering shades. Retailers like Sephora and Ulta Beauty have also integrated this technology to enhance personalization.
6. Furniture & Home Décor – IKEA Place
IKEA’s AR app, IKEA Place, allows users to visualize how furniture will look in their homes. By scanning their space with a smartphone camera, customers can evaluate dimensions, color coordination, and aesthetics. The app offers precise scale measurements, preventing incorrect purchases.
7. Beauty & Personal Care – Garnier Virtual Hair Color Try-On
Garnier’s virtual hair color try-on feature lets users preview different shades in real time using their phone cameras. This technology helps customers see how a color complements their skin tone before committing to a purchase.
8. Automotive – BMW Virtual Showroom
BMW offers an immersive virtual showroom experience using AR and 3D visualization. Customers can personalize their chosen car models by selecting colors, interior trims, and wheels, while also exploring the vehicle’s interior and exterior in detail before purchasing.
9. Luxury Fashion – Gucci
Gucci utilizes Virtual Try-On (VTO) technology, enabling users to try on shoes and makeup products through augmented reality (AR). Gucci Sneaker Garage allows users to preview sneaker models in real time via the mobile app, while Gucci Beauty Virtual Try-On lets them test lipsticks and eyeshadows virtually. Through a partnership with Snapchat, AR lenses enable users to try on select Gucci sneakers directly via social media. Additionally, the fully digital sneaker Gucci Virtual 25 exists exclusively in virtual spaces. These technologies aim to enhance the digital customer experience in luxury fashion.
Step into the Future with Virtual Try-On!
Are you ready to embrace digital transformation, just like virtual try-on technology? At Artlabs, we help brands lead this evolution. With our cutting-edge 3D and augmented reality solutions, we enable businesses to deliver the best customer experiences.
Discover how you can integrate virtual try-on technology and take your business to the next level. Contact our expert team today!
