7 Ways AI Virtual Try-On Reduces Shopping Returns

Online fashion shopping has a return problem. In 2024, U.S. retail returns hit 16.9% of sales, costing over $890 billion. For online clothing, the numbers are even worse - 50% of purchases are returned, with 70% of those due to poor fit or style. AI virtual try-on technology is tackling this issue head-on by helping shoppers make better decisions before they buy. Here’s how:

• Accurate sizing: AI tools analyze body measurements to recommend the right size, cutting return rates by up to 80%.

• Realistic previews: See how clothes fit and move on your body using photo-based or AR try-ons.

• Personalized suggestions: AI tailors recommendations based on your shopping history, reducing uncertainty.

• Interactive product visuals: 360-degree views and detailed descriptions help shoppers understand fit, color, and texture.

• Reduced bracketing: Virtual try-ons eliminate the need to order multiple sizes, lowering returns by up to 64%.

• Lower costs and waste: Fewer returns mean less shipping, packaging, and landfill waste, saving retailers money and reducing pollution.

• Improved confidence: Shoppers can trust their choices, leading to fewer returns and higher satisfaction.

AI virtual try-on tools like BetterMirror are transforming online shopping by addressing the root causes of returns - poor fit and unmet expectations. Retailers benefit from fewer returns, lower costs, and happier customers, while shoppers enjoy a smoother, more confident buying experience.

Better Size Accuracy Through AI Measurements

Finding the right size has always been one of the trickiest parts of online fashion shopping. Traditional size charts often miss the mark because they don’t consider individual body shapes, differences between brands, or how fabrics behave. Enter AI virtual try-on technology - a game-changer that uses advanced measurement systems to deliver precise, personalized size recommendations. This innovation doesn’t just improve the shopping experience; it also leads to significant reductions in return rates.

Take BetterMirror, for example. Using computer vision and machine learning, the platform captures detailed body measurements and creates a comprehensive understanding of how clothes will fit. It accounts for details that standard size charts simply overlook.

The results speak for themselves. Accurate sizing technology has been shown to cut return rates by as much as 80%. This is because customers are more likely to receive clothing that fits them properly the first time.

Camera-based sizing has also taken things to the next level. Instead of requiring customers to manually measure themselves, AI systems can analyze photos or videos to determine exact measurements. This makes the process quicker and easier for shoppers.

Some success stories highlight just how effective these innovations are. Zalando, for instance, has invested heavily in AI-powered sizing tools. By analyzing user data and purchase history, their algorithms recommend the best sizes for each customer. This approach has helped Zalando lower return rates, cut operational costs, and improve customer satisfaction. In 2023, they went a step further by introducing a feature that uses just two photos to generate size recommendations, offering a glimpse into the future of virtual fitting rooms with 3D avatars.

Similarly, the Polish CCC group, which includes eObuwie and CCC brands, has blended online and offline shopping with its eSize.me solution. By using 3D foot scanners in physical stores, customers can save their exact measurements for seamless footwear purchases through the app.

In the U.S., these advancements address unique challenges in the fashion retail space. With 70% of online clothing returns linked to poor fit, AI sizing solutions can increase conversion rates by up to 20% and reduce the frustrating cycle of ordering, returning, and reordering.

BetterMirror’s AI system doesn’t just stop at its current capabilities. It continues to improve with every interaction, learning and refining its recommendations. This steady progress in sizing technology is setting the stage for even more transformative changes in online shopping, as we’ll explore further in how AI minimizes returns.

Realistic Clothing Previews on Your Body

One of the biggest hurdles in online shopping is figuring out how a piece of clothing will look and fit on your body. Seeing a dress or pair of jeans on a model doesn’t always help - what looks great on them might not work for your unique shape. This uncertainty often leads to returns, which no one enjoys.

AI is stepping in to solve this problem with virtual try-on technology. By analyzing a photo or live video of you, these systems can create realistic previews of how a garment will fit your body shape and proportions. The process involves identifying key landmarks on your image and overlaying the clothing in a way that feels natural and accurate.

Some of the most advanced virtual try-on tools can analyze up to 44 measurement points for precise fit predictions. Solutions using 30 or more measurements have been shown to improve accuracy by 25–30% compared to simpler methods. These systems even simulate tension maps to show where clothing might feel snug or loose. According to FASHN AI:

"We ensure that every try-on stays true to the person's original body shape, preserving natural proportions without alteration."

Beyond fit, these tools also address color and style concerns. They display the garment's true color and how it will look on your body, helping to avoid surprises when the item arrives.

Real-time augmented reality (AR) takes this a step further. Using your phone’s camera, you can see how a piece of clothing moves with you as you turn, sit, or raise your arms. This dynamic preview gives you a better sense of not just how the outfit looks but how it behaves.

Companies like BetterMirror focus on keeping these previews as authentic as possible, ensuring they reflect your true proportions. This level of accuracy builds confidence in your purchase, reducing the need to order multiple sizes "just in case." For the best results, look for solutions that capture full-body dimensions and use proper lighting and positioning during the try-on process.

Custom Recommendations Based on Your Shopping History

Personalized recommendations take online shopping to the next level by aligning suggestions with your unique style. Building on accurate sizing tools and realistic previews, AI-powered virtual try-on systems analyze your past purchases, browsing habits, and preferences to offer tailored options that match your taste.

These systems go beyond just tracking what you buy - they aim to understand why you make those choices. Using natural language processing and image recognition, AI interprets product reviews, style searches, and feedback to curate selections that feel personal.

Take H&M's mobile app, for example. It uses AI to create a customized storefront for each user. Instead of generic new arrivals, you’re greeted with items that reflect your browsing history and fashion preferences. It’s like having a personal shopper that knows your style inside and out.

ASOS takes this concept further with its "Complete the Look" email recommendations. By analyzing what customers have purchased, their AI suggests complementary pieces that work well together. This targeted approach has resulted in a 24% increase in repeat purchases.

The benefits of AI-driven recommendations are clear: retailers using these systems see a 35% boost in conversions. When shoppers find products that resonate with their style, they’re more confident in their choices and less likely to return items. Zalando, for instance, has seen a 40% jump in click-through rates thanks to its AI-powered suggestions, helping customers discover what they love faster while reducing uncertainty.

What’s even better? These systems get smarter over time. AI continuously learns from your evolving preferences. If your shopping habits shift - say, from office attire to workout gear - the recommendations adjust seamlessly. Some platforms even go a step further, curating entire outfits based on your style, body type, and even local weather conditions. This eliminates much of the guesswork from online shopping.

The results speak for themselves. Sapphire, a fashion retailer in Pakistan, reported a 12X return on investment after implementing AI-powered recommendations. Plus, 91% of consumers say they’re more likely to shop with brands that offer relevant suggestions.

Better Product Details and Interactive Images

AI-powered tools are transforming how shoppers interact with product information online. By analyzing customer reviews and product data, these systems create detailed descriptions that highlight key features like fit, material, and care instructions. This level of detail helps eliminate much of the guesswork before purchase, blending seamlessly with advanced sizing tools and visual previews to give customers more confidence in their choices.

One standout feature is AI-driven 360-degree views, which allow shoppers to examine items from every angle, closely mimicking the in-store experience. These interactive visuals go beyond static photos by showcasing fabric textures, draping, and how the product moves - details that are hard to capture otherwise. Together with detailed descriptions, these features create a richer shopping experience.

The impact is clear: studies reveal that pairing accurate product descriptions with interactive images can cut return rates by up to 30%. Levi's, for instance, introduced AI-based size suggestions and enhanced imagery on its e-commerce platform in 2024. This resulted in better fit accuracy, happier customers, and noticeably fewer returns. Their product pages now even demonstrate how clothing adapts to different body types, adding another layer of personalization.

Another game-changer is color accuracy. AI systems can fine-tune product images to display true-to-life colors, regardless of the device or lighting conditions. Shoppers can also explore product color variants in real time without needing to switch pages, making the process more engaging and efficient.

Over half of online shoppers (51%) say they’re less likely to return an item if they can interact with it virtually before buying. Enhanced visuals like these have reduced return rates by 28%, significantly cutting reverse logistics costs for retailers.

For US-based retailers, adopting AI-powered tools means integrating platforms that analyze customer data to generate dynamic, tailored content. These systems are designed to align with American shopping habits, using US-specific sizing standards, inches for measurements, and other localized details. By offering precise sizing, personalized recommendations, and interactive visuals, retailers can build trust and improve the online shopping experience. These innovations not only reduce returns but also help streamline the entire ordering process, setting a new standard for e-commerce.

Less Multiple-Size Ordering and Return Shopping

"Bracketing" - ordering the same item in multiple sizes or styles, keeping only what fits, and returning the rest - is a shopping habit that’s common in the U.S. Free return policies have made this practice even more widespread. But it’s costly for both shoppers and retailers. Enter AI-powered virtual try-on technology, which is helping shoppers pick the right size upfront, reducing the need for guesswork.

These tools go beyond just showing detailed product visuals. By offering realistic, personalized previews based on actual body measurements, virtual try-on significantly reduces the urge to order multiple sizes. Retailers using these tools have reported return rate drops of up to 64%. For instance, instead of ordering a dress in sizes 8, 10, and 12, shoppers can now confidently select the size that fits them best. While this habit of ordering extra sizes might ease purchase anxiety, it creates a logistical nightmare for retailers, who must deal with shipping, restocking, and processing returns.

Virtual try-on tackles this issue head-on by removing the uncertainty about fit. In fact, over 51% of shoppers say they’re less likely to return an item if they can try it virtually before buying. This shift benefits everyone: retailers see up to a 40% drop in returns, saving on shipping costs and improving profit margins. Shoppers, on the other hand, enjoy a smoother experience - getting the right size the first time means no waiting for refunds or dealing with the hassle of returns.

There’s also an environmental upside. Fewer returns mean fewer shipments, which translates to a smaller carbon footprint. By cutting down on multiple-size ordering, virtual try-on makes shopping not only more efficient but also more eco-friendly.

Cost and Waste Reduction Benefits

Reducing return rates through AI-powered sizing tools and realistic previews can significantly impact both the environment and retailers' bottom lines. In 2022 alone, return shipping generated a staggering 24 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions - comparable to the yearly output of 3 million cars. On top of that, up to 40% of garments purchased online were returned.

The waste problem doesn’t stop there. A shocking 9.5 billion pounds of returned items ended up in landfills in 2022. Many of these garments couldn’t be resold due to damage, contamination, or the high costs of processing, adding to the growing issue of textile pollution.

"Every returned product tells a story of wasted resources. But the root cause is often preventable: inaccurate or incomplete product information that leads to mismatched customer expectations." – Fred de Gombert, President, Akeneo

Packaging and transportation further compound the issue. Online shopping produces up to 4.8 times more packaging waste than buying in-store. Returns also increase shipping emissions by an additional 30%, all while retail logistics already account for 37% of greenhouse gas emissions. Tackling these logistical inefficiencies is essential for both environmental and economic reasons.

AI virtual try-on solutions, like BetterMirror, address these problems head-on. By enabling shoppers to make smarter purchasing decisions, BetterMirror reduces the likelihood of returns. This technology improves fit accuracy, helping customers buy items that suit them the first time, which means fewer shipments and less packaging waste.

For retailers, fewer returns translate into savings on return processing, restocking, and losses from unsellable items. These cost reductions can either be passed on to consumers or reinvested in greener business practices. Shoppers also benefit - less time spent on returns and quicker access to clothes that fit properly. The result? Tangible savings, streamlined shopping experiences, and a lighter environmental footprint. AI virtual try-on tools like BetterMirror are proving to be a win-win for everyone involved.

Conclusion

The seven approaches discussed earlier highlight how AI virtual try-on directly addresses the key factors behind high return rates. By leveraging precise AI-driven measurements, lifelike body previews, personalized recommendations, and detailed product information, these tools work together to create a shopping experience that inspires confidence among US consumers.

Virtual try-on technology has the potential to cut return rates by as much as 64%. Major retailers are already seeing improvements in customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Beyond the numbers, these advancements translate into substantial cost savings and a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste and shipping emissions.

For retailers in the US, the advantages go far beyond fewer returns. Shoppers benefit from increased confidence and higher conversion rates, knowing they’re selecting items tailored to their unique body shapes. At the same time, retailers save millions in reverse logistics and processing costs.

Take BetterMirror as an example. This platform combines cutting-edge AI measurements with realistic body visualizations while offering smooth integration with existing systems. With the US fashion AI market expected to grow from $1.26 billion in 2024 to $1.77 billion by 2025, retailers adopting these technologies position themselves as leaders in digital transformation.

The benefits ripple across the board: shoppers make better-informed decisions, retailers cut operational costs, and the environment sees reduced packaging waste and shipping emissions. With virtual try-on boosting sales conversion rates by 2.5 times, the real question isn’t whether this technology is worth adopting - it’s how quickly retailers can implement it to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. AI virtual try-on is shaping the future of online fashion, where uncertainty fades, and confidence takes center stage.

FAQs

How does AI virtual try-on technology figure out my body measurements without me having to input them?

AI virtual try-on technology leverages 3D imaging, deep learning, and AI algorithms to determine your body measurements with remarkable precision - completely hands-free. By analyzing photos or videos, these systems can interpret visual data to build detailed models of your body shape and size.

This process is driven by AI models trained on large datasets of body scans, enabling them to predict measurements that often surpass the accuracy of traditional manual methods. The result? A dependable virtual fitting experience that takes the uncertainty out of online shopping and helps you choose the right size with confidence.

How do AI virtual try-on tools benefit the environment?

AI virtual try-on tools offer a practical way to reduce waste and save resources. By cutting down on returns, they help limit textile waste and avoid unnecessary production. Plus, they eliminate the need for physical samples and fittings, which saves both materials and energy.

Another major perk is the impact on carbon emissions. Fewer returns mean less shipping, which helps the fashion industry shrink its carbon footprint. This makes shopping not only easier but also a greener choice for both retailers and consumers.

How does AI-powered personalization improve the online shopping experience and help reduce returns?

How AI Personalization Enhances Online Shopping

AI-driven personalization is changing the way we shop online. By analyzing what customers like, what they've bought before, and even how they browse, AI can suggest products that genuinely align with their preferences. This makes it easier for shoppers to discover items that suit their style, size, and expectations, boosting their confidence in making a purchase.

Accurate recommendations also mean fewer mistakes. When customers feel certain about their choices, the chances of returns drop significantly. This not only saves time and hassle for shoppers but also creates a smoother, more enjoyable shopping experience overall. AI is helping to make online shopping feel more intuitive and personal than ever before.