AI Try-On Technology: Common Questions Answered
Online Shopping
Jul 14, 2025
Explore how AI try-on technology is transforming online shopping by enhancing fit accuracy, boosting confidence, and reducing returns.

AI try-on technology is reshaping online shopping by letting you virtually try on clothes, shoes, makeup, and accessories from anywhere. It uses artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and 3D modeling to create a realistic preview of how items will fit and look on your body or face, solving common issues like sizing uncertainty and high return rates.
Key Takeaways:
What It Does: Merges AI, AR, and 3D modeling to simulate clothing and products on your body or face in real time.
Why It Matters: Reduces returns (up to 64%), boosts confidence in purchases, and increases conversion rates by 40%.
How It Works: Uses body scanning, 3D avatars, and fabric simulations for a lifelike experience.
Real-World Impact: Sephora’s AI tool drove 200 million virtual makeup trials, while Avon saw a 320% jump in conversions with virtual try-ons.
Convenience: Works on smartphones, tablets, and desktops - no special hardware needed.
This technology is transforming online shopping by making it easier to find the right fit, shop confidently, and reduce returns - all from the comfort of your home.
How AI Try-On Technology Works
Step-by-Step Process Overview
AI try-on technology turns a simple photo into a virtual fitting room through a series of advanced steps. It starts with body scanning and mapping, where computer vision algorithms analyze an uploaded image or live video feed. These algorithms identify key details like body landmarks, facial features, and proportions. For clothing, the system measures height, width, and posture. For eyewear, it focuses on specifics like nose bridge width, temple distance, and eye spacing to ensure a tailored fit.
The next step is 3D modeling and avatar creation. Here, algorithms create a realistic digital version of the user's body or face. For instance, H&M uses the SMPL (Skinned Multi-Person Linear Model) to generate 3D body avatars. This is paired with deep learning fabric simulations that replicate how materials behave on different body shapes and in various postures.
Then comes the garment simulation phase, where AI recreates clothing virtually, taking into account fabric properties, drape, and movement. Zara’s AR app uses cloth simulation models to show how fabrics naturally flow and adjust to different poses.
Finally, real-time visualization ties everything together. Augmented reality overlays the digital product onto the user’s live image. Pose estimation algorithms track movement in real time, making the try-on experience interactive. Nike’s virtual fitting feature, for example, uses tools like MediaPipe and DeepLabCut to detect foot poses, allowing their 3D sneakers to adapt dynamically as users move.
Each of these steps combines to create a seamless and personalized virtual try-on experience, with algorithms constantly improving to enhance accuracy and realism.
AI Algorithms and Machine Learning
This technology is powered by machine learning, which plays a key role in improving precision and personalization. Computer vision algorithms, often built with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), enable accurate image segmentation and product placement. Gucci, for example, uses CNNs in its AR try-on feature for shoes and accessories, integrating hand gesture recognition for interactive experiences with items like rings and watches.
Pose estimation algorithms add another layer by tracking the user's body in real time. These algorithms ensure that virtual garments adjust naturally to movements. Over time, machine learning models refine these processes by analyzing data from each try-on session, improving size recommendations and visual accuracy.
To make virtual products look lifelike, techniques like Physically Based Rendering (PBR) simulate how light interacts with different materials. This ensures that a silk blouse, for instance, reflects light differently than a cotton t-shirt, creating realistic textures, shadows, and reflections.
"It's powered by a new custom image generation model for fashion, which understands the human body and nuances of clothing - like how different materials fold, stretch and drape on different bodies." – Google
Device Compatibility and Sizing Standards
Today's AI try-on platforms are designed to work across a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. The technology adapts to varying camera qualities and processing power, ensuring a smooth experience whether you're using an iPhone, an Android device, or a desktop browser. Many platforms operate directly through web browsers or mobile apps, so no specialized hardware is needed.
Sizing standardization is a major hurdle for the fashion industry, with 70% of returns linked to sizing issues and return rates in fashion e-commerce ranging from 18% to 40%. AI try-on platforms tackle this challenge with advanced size-matching software that translates between different sizing systems, such as US, UK, European, and Asian standards.
Some systems go a step further with 2D-to-3D AI modeling, allowing users to capture accurate body measurements using just two photos from a standard smartphone. These cloud-based solutions integrate seamlessly with e-commerce platforms. For example, a menswear brand reported an 80% drop in fit-related issues, while another fashion retailer saw return rates decrease by 45% and conversion rates rise by 18% after implementing this technology.
To ensure consistency, cross-platform integration allows these tools to work smoothly across different devices and operating systems. ARKit, for example, provides full-body tracking for iOS devices, while ARCore delivers strong performance on Android. Web-based solutions further enhance accessibility by converting between inches and centimeters and aligning with local sizing norms for U.S. shoppers.
The technology also adjusts for real-time processing differences between devices. High-end smartphones handle complex rendering, while older devices get optimized versions that maintain accuracy without overloading the system. This adaptability ensures that users get accurate and reliable results, no matter what device they’re using.
Key Benefits of AI Try-On for Shoppers
Personalization and Product Recommendations
AI try-on technology takes online shopping to a new level by tailoring the experience to each individual. By analyzing browsing habits, social media activity, and past purchases, it suggests products that align with personal preferences. This personalized approach meets a growing demand, as 71% of consumers expect personalized content from companies.
But it doesn’t stop there. AI try-on tools also consider physical features like body shape, skin tone, and facial structure. For example, Sephora's Virtual Artist app uses facial recognition to recommend makeup that suits your face shape and skin tone. Similarly, Warby Parker uses computer vision to analyze facial features, offering eyewear recommendations that fit perfectly.
What’s even more impressive is how these systems learn over time. AI continuously updates user profiles based on new interactions, seasonal trends, and even life changes. This ensures the recommendations stay relevant and fresh, helping address the frustration that 67% of consumers experience when businesses fail to tailor interactions to their needs.
Plus, by offering personalized suggestions, AI boosts shopping confidence. When shoppers feel their choices are spot-on, they’re more likely to trust their decisions and enjoy the process.
Fewer Returns and Better Shopping Confidence
One of the standout benefits of AI try-on technology is its ability to cut down on returns while giving shoppers more confidence in their purchases. In the fashion world, returns are a huge challenge, particularly for online retailers.
AI try-on replaces outdated size charts with dynamic fit analysis. By examining factors like body shape, purchase history, and even how fabrics behave, it can reduce return rates by up to 50% - and in some cases, as much as 80%. This precision helps customers pick the right size from the start, leading to fewer returns and happier shoppers.
"By providing users with a highly accurate, virtual try-on experience, we significantly reduce the risk of returns. This not only improves the bottom line for retailers but also enhances customer satisfaction. We're bringing the in-store experience into the digital age." - Olivia Dicopoulos, chief creative officer and cofounder of Fytted
And it’s not just about sizing. Virtual try-ons help shoppers feel more confident overall. In fact, 51% of shoppers said they’d be less likely to return an item if they could try it virtually first. This increased confidence also drives engagement, with retailers using virtual try-on technology reporting a 200% boost in customer interactions and a 64% reduction in return rates thanks to AI-powered tools.
By improving fit accuracy and building trust, AI try-on is reshaping how people shop online.
Convenience and Easy Access
AI try-on doesn’t just personalize and perfect the shopping experience - it makes it incredibly convenient. Forget the hassle of store visits; this technology brings the fitting room to your home. You can try items on virtually, anytime, anywhere, offering a level of ease that often surpasses physical stores.
This convenience is especially impactful for those who face challenges with in-store shopping. Whether it’s individuals with disabilities, those in remote areas, or anyone with limited mobility, AI try-on ensures they can enjoy the same seamless shopping experience. Virtual assistants powered by AI can even provide real-time help, like describing products, sharing prices, or offering audio navigation cues.
Retailers are embracing this shift. ASOS’s "See My Fit" feature lets shoppers see clothing on models with similar body types. Adidas uses augmented reality to virtually fit shoes on customers' feet through its app. Warby Parker has expanded its virtual try-on options to include prescription glasses and sunglasses, all through a smartphone camera.
This ease of use resonates with shoppers. 71% of consumers said they’d shop more often if AR try-ons were available. And the demand is clear - the global virtual fitting room market is expected to grow from $6.86 billion in 2025 to $24.30 billion by 2032.
"Virtual fitting rooms are highly convenient, especially for those customers who do not like to go to brick-and-mortar stores. By eliminating the need to personally go to a retail store and physically try on items inside in-store fitting rooms, a virtual fitting room saves customers time and effort." - T. Leigh Buehler, Assistant Professor
AI try-on is more than just a tool - it’s a game-changer for modern shopping, offering a blend of personalization, confidence, and unparalleled convenience.
BetterMirror's AI Try-On Solution

Main Features and Capabilities
BetterMirror introduces a cutting-edge AI-powered virtual try-on experience that offers a highly detailed and realistic visualization of how clothes will fit and move on your body. Instead of relying on generic size charts, the platform uses your actual body measurements to create a tailored digital representation. This means you can see how garments will look and move on your body, not just a standard model.
One standout feature is its integration with BetterPic headshots, allowing you to preview complete outfits from head to toe. Whether you're shopping for a professional wardrobe or a special occasion, this feature ensures you can see the full picture. Additionally, the AI gets smarter over time by learning from your interactions, including past try-ons, purchase history, and feedback, continuously refining its accuracy and recommendations.
These advanced capabilities aim to elevate the shopping experience for U.S. consumers.
Benefits for U.S. Shoppers
BetterMirror tackles some of the most common frustrations of online shopping, making the process more seamless and reliable. By providing a realistic preview of how clothes will fit, the platform helps shoppers make better decisions, boosting confidence in purchases and cutting down on returns. In fact, early data suggests that AI-powered virtual fitting room tools have reduced return rates by over 40%. This not only saves time and money but also reduces the environmental impact associated with shipping returns.
The platform also addresses the issue of inconsistent sizing across brands by offering precise fit predictions based on your unique measurements. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient - accessible from anywhere with just a smartphone camera - making it a perfect match for the fast-paced lifestyles of American shoppers.
Beta Access Plan Details
BetterMirror is inviting early adopters to try its free Beta Access plan, giving shoppers a chance to explore its advanced features. These include realistic body visualizations, complete outfit previews, and the BetterPic headshot integration. Signing up is simple: just provide basic body measurements to personalize your virtual try-on experience instantly.
Beta users play a key role in shaping the future of this technology by offering feedback that helps refine the AI’s accuracy and ensure the features meet real-world needs. With the virtual fitting room market projected to grow from $6.86 billion in 2025 to $24.30 billion by 2032, early adopters will get a sneak peek at the future of online shopping while helping to perfect it.
Practical Uses of AI Try-On Technology
Virtual Dressing Rooms
Virtual dressing rooms bring the concept of a fitting room into the digital world, allowing shoppers to see how clothes might look on a personalized avatar. This is achieved by analyzing body measurements and simulating how fabrics would drape on an avatar tailored to the shopper’s proportions.
The influence on shopping habits is undeniable. Take Google’s generative AI virtual try-on tool, for example. It enables users to digitally try on apparel from brands like H&M, Loft, Everlane, and Anthropologie by simply clicking on items with a "Try On" symbol. The tool showcases how clothing fits across various body types, addressing a major pain point for online shoppers - visualizing how an item will look on someone with a similar body shape.
Warby Parker was an early adopter of virtual try-on technology, launching an iOS app in 2025 that used Apple’s ARKit and TrueDepth technology. This app allowed customers to see 3D models of glasses on their faces before making a purchase. Similarly, Knix introduced a virtual fitting room during the pandemic to replicate the personalized service of in-store visits for online shoppers, leading to thousands of fittings each month. In the luxury sector, Balmain collaborated with Bods to create an online fitting room where shoppers could design 3D avatars and virtually try on digital replicas of the brand’s clothing.
Social Media and Digital Fashion Events
AI try-on technology is making waves beyond shopping by reshaping how brands market themselves and engage with audiences. Augmented reality (AR) campaigns have proven to be highly effective, capturing five times more attention than traditional campaigns. In fact, 80% of brands using AR report better sales and increased brand visibility. These campaigns not only drive purchases but also encourage customers to share their experiences, amplifying the brand’s reach organically.
This approach resonates strongly with younger audiences. For instance, 83% of Gen Z shoppers view online shopping as an immersive experience rather than just a transactional process. Upcoming collaborations highlight the potential of this technology. Balenciaga and Apple, for example, are teaming up on a Spring 2025 project to develop an app for the Vision Pro headset. This app will include an interactive lookbook and allow users to explore the Balenciaga Spring 2025 collection in a virtual environment that mirrors the craftsmanship of the physical designs.
"This is a generation of experimenters - shopping for clothes will continue to evolve in the digital world, and will never be the same again."
Pavel Shaburov, CEO of Glam Labs
Additionally, AR technology helps reduce the need for large-scale physical events and minimizes overproduction.
Local Adaptations for U.S. Shoppers
AI try-on solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of U.S. shoppers, addressing issues like inconsistent sizing standards, diverse body shapes, and regional fashion preferences. These features go beyond basic adjustments like converting measurements or currency. They also offer solutions to the common frustration of varying sizes across brands by providing precise fit predictions based on individual body measurements.
For example, Fytted’s virtual fitting room analyzes over 50 real-time body measurements to recommend clothing from a catalog of over one million items and 600 brands. This approach has significantly reduced return rates by more than 40%.
The technology also caters to the mobile-first habits of American shoppers. Nike’s app includes an AR feature that lets users see how sneakers will look on their feet using their smartphones. Pricing is displayed in dollars, and the platforms integrate seamlessly with popular U.S. payment options and shipping methods. They even consider regional style preferences, offering recommendations based on trends like West Coast casual wear or East Coast business attire. These personalized touches help shoppers feel more confident in their purchases, reducing the likelihood of returns.
The Future of AI Try-On Technology
Key Takeaways for Shoppers
AI try-on technology is reshaping online shopping by providing tailored fit and style recommendations. By analyzing facial features, body shape, and skin tone, it helps customers make more confident purchases. The results? A 40% boost in conversions, 2.5 times higher sales, and a 94% conversion rate in augmented reality (AR)-driven shopping experiences. This technology not only reduces the guesswork and return rates but also supports inclusivity by catering to a wide range of body types and characteristics, paving the way for a more accessible and efficient shopping experience.
BetterMirror's Vision for AI-Powered Shopping
BetterMirror is taking these advancements a step further, using cutting-edge AI to deliver a shopping experience that feels uniquely personal. Their platform creates highly realistic body visualizations and full outfit previews. By incorporating BetterPic headshots, shoppers can see themselves in outfits with incredible accuracy. Through its free beta program, BetterMirror gathers real-time feedback to refine its AI, ensuring it meets the needs of U.S. shoppers with ever-improving precision.
What's Next
The virtual try-on market is expected to grow from $9.17 billion in 2023 to a staggering $46.42 billion by 2030. This growth is fueled by advancements in virtual reality (VR) and AR, which promise to make online shopping more immersive and interactive. Future innovations could include 3D holographic imaging and in-store AR booths, blending the convenience of digital shopping with the tangibility of physical retail. AI will continue to play a key role, sharpening recommendations and personalizing the experience even further. Social shopping is also on the horizon, with features like live virtual try-ons that let users share their looks with friends and get instant feedback.
"Personalization is evolving from general experiences based on demographics to highly individual interactions based on unique search intent, preferences, and context. And generative AI-powered solutions can help brands deliver hyper-personalized experiences at scale, leading to significantly higher engagement and conversions." - Paul Longo, GM of AI Ads, Microsoft Advertising
FAQs
How does AI try-on technology provide accurate sizing for different brands and body types?
AI try-on technology relies on advanced algorithms trained with massive datasets, including body measurements, fit preferences, and customer feedback. By evaluating your specific body dimensions, it provides personalized size recommendations that adapt to the sizing differences between various brands.
Many systems incorporate 3D modeling or detailed body scans to create a virtual version of your body. This approach helps deliver a more accurate fit, ensuring you can find the right size no matter the brand or style. Plus, the technology continuously improves by analyzing return data and user feedback, making it smarter and more precise over time.
How does machine learning enhance the accuracy and personalization of AI-powered virtual try-ons?
Machine learning is at the heart of improving AI virtual try-ons, making them more precise and personalized. It works by analyzing user data - things like body measurements, style preferences, and past interactions. Over time, it identifies patterns and adjusts to individual needs, delivering customized size and style suggestions.
As users provide feedback or their shopping behavior evolves, machine learning fine-tunes its predictions. This creates a more lifelike and satisfying virtual try-on experience. The result? Shoppers are more likely to find the right fit, feel confident in their choices, and return fewer items.
How does AI try-on technology make shopping easier for people with limited mobility or those living in remote areas?
AI try-on technology is transforming the way people shop by making it easier and more accessible for everyone to explore fashion. With this tool, users can virtually try on clothes or accessories without ever leaving their homes. This is particularly helpful for individuals with limited mobility or those living in remote areas, as it removes the need to visit physical stores.
This technology allows shoppers to experiment with different styles, sizes, and fits effortlessly, offering a sense of independence and convenience. It ensures that shopping feels personal and accessible, no matter where someone lives or what their physical abilities might be.