Virtual Try-On vs In-Store Shopping: Which Wins?
Online Shopping
Jul 14, 2025
Explore the advantages and challenges of virtual try-on technology versus in-store shopping, and find out which suits your preferences best.
Virtual try-on technology and in-store shopping each cater to different needs. Virtual try-ons offer convenience, personalization, and reduced return rates, with tools like AI and AR allowing users to see how clothes fit without leaving home. In-store shopping, on the other hand, provides a tactile experience, immediate purchases, and human interaction.
Key Insights:
Virtual Try-Ons: Use AR and AI for realistic garment previews. Benefits include higher conversion rates, fewer returns, and shopping flexibility. Drawbacks include lack of tactile feedback, privacy concerns, and tech access issues.
In-Store Shopping: Offers sensory experiences, instant purchases, and personalized help. Downsides include limited stock, time investment, and potential pushy sales staff.
Quick Comparison:
Feature | Virtual Try-On | In-Store Shopping |
|---|---|---|
Convenience | Anytime, anywhere | Requires travel and store hours |
Tactile Feedback | Not available | Full sensory experience |
Return Rates | Reduced by up to 64% | Lower than online but still present |
Stock Variety | Extensive, online options | Limited by physical space |
Privacy Concerns | Data collection may deter users | Not applicable |
Tech Requirements | Modern devices and stable internet | No tech needed |
Both methods have strengths and weaknesses. The choice depends on whether you prioritize convenience or sensory engagement when shopping.
Virtual Try-On: Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks
How Virtual Try-On Technology Works
Virtual try-on technology uses a mix of augmented reality (AR), computer vision, and image processing to create digital overlays of products on images or videos of users. It starts when you upload a photo or use your device's camera. AI algorithms analyze your body dimensions, facial features, and proportions to craft a personalized digital model. Based on this, the system can even recommend items tailored to your body type, style preferences, and past purchases.
Platforms like BetterMirror take things a step further by simulating how garments move and fit in real-time. Instead of just showing a static image, this technology displays how clothes drape and stretch on your body, making the virtual experience feel more lifelike than traditional flat product images.
Another interesting addition is the integration of BetterPic headshots, which allows users to enhance professional photos with outfit previews. Smart mirrors, blending reflective surfaces with digital displays and sensors, are also making waves in this space. In fact, the smart mirror AR market was valued at $514.6 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at 8.8% annually through 2030.
These advancements aren't just flashy - they’re reshaping how we shop.
Benefits of Virtual Try-On
Virtual try-on technology offers more than just novelty; it’s changing how shoppers interact with brands. For example, these tools have been shown to increase add-to-cart rates, drive sales, and reduce return rates by up to 64%.
One of the biggest perks is convenience. You can try on clothes anytime, anywhere - no need to worry about store hours or commuting. This flexibility is especially appealing to busy professionals or parents who struggle to find time for in-person shopping.
Retailers also benefit significantly. Fashion brands using virtual try-on tools report fewer returns. Shopify, for instance, saw a 40% drop in returns in 2020 after adopting AR visualization. And it doesn’t stop there: companies using AI and AR technologies have experienced a 40% jump in conversion rates. In Brazil, cosmetics brand Océane achieved a 20.15% add-to-cart rate with virtual try-on, compared to the industry average of just 3%.
Another major advantage is the confidence boost it gives shoppers. Seeing how an outfit looks on your body before buying removes much of the guesswork that comes with online shopping. This reassurance leads to higher satisfaction and stronger brand loyalty.
From an environmental perspective, virtual try-on also promotes sustainability. Fewer returns mean less packaging waste and fewer emissions from shipping, helping reduce the overall carbon footprint of online shopping.
Drawbacks of Virtual Try-On
Despite its benefits, virtual try-on technology has its share of challenges. One clear downside is the lack of tactile feedback. You can’t feel the fabric’s texture, weight, or quality through a screen. This can be a dealbreaker for items like sweaters, where material plays a big role in comfort and satisfaction.
The technology also relies heavily on modern hardware and stable internet connections. Users with older smartphones or slower internet speeds may face delays or poor-quality visualizations, which can frustrate rather than help.
Accuracy issues are another concern. Factors like lighting and skin tone can affect how products appear on screen. For example, poor lighting might alter the perceived color of a garment, leading to disappointment when the actual product arrives.
"A poorly orchestrated try-on could actually discourage a consumer instead of helping them make a purchase decision. What I've seen a lot of recently is people trying to utilize these new channels, but not really putting in the know-how and the expertise and the experience design side of things", says Jinder Kang, Innovation Consultancy Lead at Netguru.
Privacy is another sticking point. Since virtual try-on requires collecting facial data and body measurements, many users worry about how their sensitive information is stored and protected. This hesitation can deter some from trying the technology, even if it improves their shopping experience.
Adoption barriers also exist for certain groups, particularly older demographics who may feel uneasy navigating AR interfaces. The learning curve associated with new tech can discourage users who prefer more familiar shopping methods.
Finally, limited product availability can be frustrating. Not every brand or clothing item supports virtual try-on, forcing shoppers to switch between traditional and digital methods. From the retailer’s side, the cost of implementation can be steep, with some services priced between $129 and $549 per month. These expenses can make it difficult for smaller businesses to adopt the technology, limiting its reach.
In-Store Shopping: Strengths and Drawbacks
Advantages of In-Store Shopping
Shopping in physical stores offers a sensory experience that online alternatives just can't replicate. Walking into a store means engaging your senses - seeing the colors, touching the fabrics, and even catching the subtle scents of the environment. Interestingly, 63% of shoppers say they value brands that provide this kind of multisensory engagement.
One of the biggest perks of in-store shopping is the ability to physically interact with products. Feeling the texture, weight, and stretch of fabrics gives you a better understanding of quality and comfort before you buy. This tactile connection can reveal details about a product that images online simply can’t capture.
"If a given product is designed to appeal to the customer's sense of touch, it is critical to know under what specific forms of stimulation people report pleasant tactile experiences" - Spence and Gallace
Trying on clothes is another clear advantage. You can immediately see how a piece fits, feels, and moves with your body. Whether it’s checking how a jacket fits across your shoulders or ensuring a dress flows the way you want, this hands-on experience leads to more confident purchasing decisions.
In-store shopping also gives you access to knowledgeable staff who can provide personalized advice. They can recommend sizes, suggest complementary items, or introduce you to styles you might not have considered. This human touch adds a layer of expertise that online filters and algorithms can’t fully replicate.
Another undeniable benefit? Instant gratification. Unlike waiting for shipping, you can walk out of the store with your purchase in hand, ready to use it right away.
"Convenience depends on individual preferences and needs. In addition, online shopping offers the convenience of shopping anywhere at any time. In contrast, in-store shopping provides the immediacy of obtaining items instantly and the ability to physically see and touch products before purchasing." - Clipping Outsource
Lastly, there’s the social aspect. Shopping in-store can be a shared experience, whether you’re getting opinions from friends, chatting with other shoppers, or soaking in the lively atmosphere of a retail space. This human interaction adds a layer of enjoyment that’s hard to replicate online.
Drawbacks of In-Store Shopping
While the in-store experience has its perks, it’s not without its challenges. For starters, the time and effort involved can be a barrier. A quick shopping trip can turn into a long outing when you factor in commuting, parking, and navigating through crowded stores.
Another downside is the limited variety in physical stores. Unlike online platforms, which can showcase endless options, brick-and-mortar locations are constrained by space. This means they can’t stock every size, color, or style, often leading to stockouts. In fact, retailers lost a staggering $818 billion last year due to inventory issues - 52% from stockouts and 44% from overstocks.
Sales staff, while often helpful, can sometimes be a drawback. Overly pushy associates can make you feel rushed or pressured into buying something you’re not entirely sure about, which can detract from the overall experience.
In short, while in-store shopping offers a rich, sensory experience and immediate access to products, it also comes with practical hurdles that can make it less appealing for some shoppers.
Current Trends and Data
Consumer Adoption and Preferences
By 2025, nearly 60% of the U.S. population is projected to be frequent users of augmented reality (AR) technology. Among American shoppers, over 90% either already use AR or are open to trying it for their shopping needs. For those who have experienced AR, 98% found it useful in making purchase decisions, and 92% of Gen Z shoppers express a strong desire to use AR tools in e-commerce. Furthermore, 43% of U.S. smartphone shoppers in beauty and apparel now expect brands to offer AR-based try-on features.
The impact of AR on shopping behavior is striking. Products featuring 3D or AR content experience an average of 94% higher conversion rates, while brands utilizing AR visualization tools have seen up to a 40% drop in product return rates. Real-world examples highlight the effectiveness of this technology: Gucci’s Snapchat AR shoe try-on lens reached over 18 million users, driving a 188% increase in product page views and a 25% boost in purchase intent. Similarly, Nike reported an 11% jump in sales from AR-powered product try-ons, and Macy’s virtual fitting rooms brought their return rate down to under 2%.
The virtual try-on market in the U.S. is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 24% between 2024 and 2030. Meanwhile, the broader digital fashion market is valued at approximately $74.90 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach around $448.53 billion by 2034. Consumer behavior data further emphasizes this trend: 60% of Gen Z shoppers say AR makes shopping feel more personalized. Considering the high online apparel return rates of 30–40%, compared to just 8–10% for in-store purchases, virtual try-ons offer a game-changing solution for both consumers and retailers. These developments have created fertile ground for platforms like BetterMirror to transform the virtual try-on experience.
BetterMirror's Role in the Virtual Try-On Revolution
In response to these shifting consumer preferences, BetterMirror provides an AI-powered virtual try-on platform that delivers highly realistic previews of how clothes fit and move on individual body shapes. By factoring in unique body dimensions and proportions, BetterMirror ensures its visualizations closely mirror how garments will look and fit in real life.
The platform takes personalization a step further by integrating with BetterPic headshots, enabling users to see complete outfit previews that include their actual facial features. This added layer of customization addresses the needs of 78% of virtual try-on users who report feeling more confident in their purchase decisions after using such tools.
BetterMirror also aligns with the industry’s push to reduce return rates. Fashion retailers using comprehensive virtual try-on solutions have achieved up to a 40% reduction in returns, saving millions in logistics and restocking costs.
"AR, coupled with AI, makes for a highly personalized shopping experience. AR/AI can sense your skin tone and shape to recommend clothing, makeup, and accessory purchases. In addition, when added to past purchase behavior data, the increased personalization can significantly enhance the customer experience in e-commerce for individual brands and marketplaces by providing a more interactive and immersive shopping experience."
Kevin Nicholas, CMO of Growth Marketing
BetterMirror is also at the forefront of avatar-based try-on technology. This feature allows shoppers to create accurate 3D avatars for precise garment visualization. By moving beyond basic overlays, BetterMirror is setting the stage for truly personalized digital fitting rooms, representing the next evolution in virtual shopping experiences.
The Future of Augmented Reality in Shopping: Virtual Try-Ons, Enhanced In-Store Experience
Which Option Best Suits Your Shopping Style?
Your shopping habits - whether you lean towards the convenience of online browsing or prefer the hands-on experience of in-store shopping - play a big role in determining the best approach for you. Each method comes with its own perks, tailored to different preferences.
If you’re someone who values convenience, customization, and saving time, BetterMirror's virtual try-on is a game-changer. It’s perfect for shopping from home, quickly comparing options, and visualizing how items like eyewear, makeup, or clothing will look on you. These categories especially benefit from virtual try-on since fit and appearance are so crucial to the final decision.
On the other hand, in-store shopping shines when you want tactile feedback, instant purchases, and the ability to assess quality on the spot. It’s a great option for those who enjoy the social aspect of shopping, need in-person assistance, or are buying items where texture, weight, or material plays a big role in the decision-making process.
Finding the right balance depends on what matters most to you. Tech-savvy shoppers might gravitate towards the personalized previews offered by virtual try-on, while others may prefer a hybrid approach - using virtual tools to explore options before heading to the store for the final purchase. Virtual try-on offers a level of customization that static images simply can’t match, giving you a tailored glimpse of how items will work for you.
The numbers back this up: brands that use augmented reality (AR) experiences are 41% more likely to grab consumer attention. With social media platforms increasingly incorporating AR features and metaverse shopping gaining traction, virtual try-on is quickly becoming a staple in the shopping experience, not just an alternative to traditional retail. BetterMirror excels at this, offering realistic previews that elevate the online shopping process.
"Virtual try-on is revolutionizing the way people shop online, especially in the beauty and fashion industries. By offering realistic, personalized, and engaging experiences, VTO helps brands enhance customer satisfaction, reduce returns, and increase conversions." - Snapcart
As virtual try-on technology continues to evolve, your shopping preferences might shift as well. The key is to pick the method that fits your current priorities while staying open to new tools that can make your shopping journey even better.
FAQs
How does virtual try-on technology ensure user privacy and keep personal data secure?
Virtual try-on technology takes user privacy seriously by employing data encryption, anonymization, and secure storage to safeguard sensitive details like facial images and biometric information. These steps are designed to keep personal data confidential and shield it from unauthorized access.
Many platforms also enforce strict privacy policies, clearly explaining how data is collected and ensuring limited sharing of information. By restricting the use of biometric data and using strong security measures, virtual try-on tools reduce risks and help users feel confident while enjoying a tailored shopping experience.
What should I consider when choosing between virtual try-on and in-store shopping for my purchases?
When weighing virtual try-on against in-store shopping, it really comes down to the type of product and what you prioritize as a shopper. Virtual try-ons work especially well for items like clothing, accessories, and furniture - any product where seeing how it fits, looks, or can be customized is important. They’re a time-saver, offer a more tailored experience, and can even help cut down on the hassle of returns.
On the flip side, in-store shopping is ideal for products that benefit from a hands-on approach. Think fabrics, jewelry, or anything where touching and examining the texture or quality is key. Plus, shopping in person means you can walk out with your purchase immediately and get help from staff if needed.
Ultimately, your decision might hinge on how complex the product is, whether you need to physically inspect it, and whether convenience or a hands-on experience is more important to you. Both options bring something valuable to the table - it’s all about what fits your needs best.
How is the lack of tactile feedback in virtual try-on technology being improved, and what advancements are on the horizon?
The challenge of providing realistic tactile feedback in virtual try-on technology is being tackled with wearable haptic devices. These devices mimic touch sensations like pressure, vibration, and even temperature, offering users a more lifelike and engaging experience. Designed to be lightweight and wireless, they can recreate the sensation of handling physical objects, making virtual interactions feel significantly more authentic.
In addition, multi-sensory haptic technologies are being developed to blend various touch stimuli, taking the realism of virtual try-ons to the next level. These advancements are set to play a key role in shaping future AR and VR systems, bringing virtual shopping experiences closer to the feel of in-person interactions.