Virtual Fitting Rooms for eCommerce: Transform Shopping Experience

Sometimes, people hesitate buying clothes online, and the most popular concern is the fit. They think the piece of clothing won’t fit them, resulting in the return or replacements. Imagine a world where you could virtually try on clothes from the comfort of your couch. That’s where the virtual fitting rooms come in.

Virtual fitting rooms are revolutionizing the online shopping experience. With it, you get a feel for the size and style before ever having to deal with returns. It leverages technology like 3D body scanning and augmented reality. So the customers can see a realistic representation of how clothes would look on them.

In this blog, I’ll tell you how the eCommerce experts integrate virtual fitting rooms in their eStores. And what kind of benefits it presents.

What is a Virtual Fitting Room?

A virtual fitting room is essentially the digital equivalent of a traditional in-store changing room. It uses technology to allow shoppers to try on clothing items virtually before they buy them. This can be done in a couple of ways:

Augmented Reality (AR)

Imagine using your smartphone’s camera to see a live video feed of yourself with a virtual clothing item overlaid on top. This can be done with advanced computer vision that tracks your movements and adjusts the clothing item accordingly, so you get a real-time sense of how it would drape on your body.

3D Body Scanning

Some virtual fitting rooms use 3D scanning technology to create a digital model of your body. You can then use this model to try on clothes virtually from the comfort of your home. This approach offers a more personalized experience, but it often requires entering your body measurements or using a mobile app that can scan your proportions.

By utilizing these technologies, virtual fitting rooms aim to bridge the gap between online shopping and the in-store experience. So you can assess the fit, style, and look of clothes before you hit “purchase”.

One of the best examples of virtual fitting rooms is offered by the website style.me. Here, you can set your height, weight, waist size, and body shape. Based on that, you can try out different items and create looks for a body similar to yours.

Why Use Virtual Fitting Rooms in eCommerce?

Virtual fitting rooms (VFRs) are becoming increasingly popular in eCommerce. There are several compelling reasons for both the customers and the businesses. Here are a few key advantages:

For Customers

• Reduced Uncertainty and Increased Confidence: One of the biggest hurdles in online apparel shopping is size and fit. VFRs alleviate this concern by allowing you to virtually try on clothes, reducing the risk of getting the wrong size and the hassle of returns.
• Improved Shopping Experience: VFRs make online shopping more interactive and engaging. You can experiment with different styles and colors, virtually mix and match outfits, and get a better sense of how the clothes will look on you, leading to a more enjoyable shopping experience.
• Enhanced Personalization: Some VFRs allow you to input your body measurements or use a 3D scanning app to create a personalized avatar. This enables you to see clothes on a body type similar to yours, providing a more accurate representation of the fit.

For Businesses

• Reduced Returns: Improper fit is a major reason for returns in online clothing sales. VFRs can significantly decrease return rates by giving customers a clearer idea of how clothes will fit, leading to happier customers and fewer return headaches for businesses.
• Increased Sales and Conversion Rates: By boosting customer confidence in sizing and fit, VFRs can encourage more people to complete purchases and potentially increase sales.
• Valuable Customer Data: VFRs can collect data on customer preferences, sizing trends, and popular combinations. This valuable information can be used to improve product offerings, sizing recommendations, and overall customer experience.

Overall, virtual fitting rooms offer a win-win situation for both online shoppers and eCommerce businesses. You, as a business, benefit from the improved sales, reduced returns, and better customer insights. And the customers get a more convenient and personalized shopping experience without the risk of “wrong sizes”.

That’s why you should opt for the best eCommerce development services to integrate virtual fitting rooms in your eStore.

How do Virtual Fitting Rooms Work?

As I mentioned earlier, there are two main approaches to virtual fitting rooms: Augmented Reality and 3D body scanning. Both these approaches work differently to create a cool virtual try-on experience.

Augmented Reality

Here’s how virtual fitting works with augmented reality:

Step 1: Live Camera Feed: This is the most common approach. You’ll grant access to your smartphone or webcam, and the VFR will activate your camera.

Step 2: Pose Estimation: Advanced computer vision software analyzes the live video feed to track your movements and body position in real-time. Think of it as having a virtual tailor constantly taking your measurements as you move!

Step 3: Virtual Garment Overlay: Once the software understands your body’s position, a digital replica of the clothing item is overlaid onto the live video feed.

Step 4: Dynamic Adjustments: As you move your arms, bend over, or walk around, the virtual garment adjusts accordingly, mimicking how the real clothing would drape on your body. This allows you to see how the clothes move and flow with your movements.

3D Body Scanning

Here’s how the virtual fitting works with 3D body scanning:

Step 1: Measurement Input or Scanning App: This method might involve entering your body measurements manually or using a mobile app with scanning capabilities. The app may use your phone’s camera to capture multiple images from different angles to create a 3D model of your body.

Step 2: 3D Model Creation: The provided measurements or scanned data are used to generate a digital avatar with your unique body proportions. Imagine a personalized mannequin that looks just like you!

Step 3: Virtual Try-on: With your 3D avatar created, you can virtually try on different clothing items. The VFR software simulates how the garment would fit on your specific body type, offering a more personalized experience.

While both AR and 3D scanning offer virtual try-on functionality, they have some key differences. AR is often faster and easier to use, requiring no prior setup or measurement input. However, the accuracy of the fit simulation might be slightly less precise compared to 3D scanning.

The 3D scanning, on the other hand, provides a more personalized experience with a higher potential for fit accuracy. But the setup process may be a little more complex.

How to Integrate a Virtual Fitting Room into an eCommerce Website?

Integrating virtual fitting rooms (VFRs) into your eCommerce website can be a game-changer, boosting customer confidence and sales. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Choose a VFR Solution

First off, decide which technology best suits your needs. AR is faster and easier to implement, but may have limitations in fit accuracy. On the contrary, 3D scanning offers a more personalized experience but might require additional setup for users.

Based on the technology, sift through the solution providers and choose the most suitable one based on a bunch of key factors.

• Accuracy and Realism: Evaluate the provider’s track record in creating realistic and accurate virtual try-on experiences. Look for features like dynamic garment adjustments and various body size and shape options.
• Size Recommendations: Does the VFR offer AI-powered size recommendations based on user input or body scans? This can significantly improve the customer experience and reduce size-related returns.
• Personalization Options: Consider features like the ability for users to create personalized avatars or choose from a diverse range of avatar body types to enhance inclusivity.
• Integrations: Does the VFR solution integrate seamlessly with your existing eCommerce platform and analytics tools? Smooth integration ensures a cohesive shopping experience and simplifies data collection.
• Pricing Models: Compare pricing structures offered by different providers. Some may charge a monthly subscription fee, while others might have a per-transaction cost. Choose a model that aligns with your budget and sales volume.
• Scalability: Consider the provider’s ability to scale with your business growth. Will the solution remain affordable and efficient as your product range or customer base expands?
• Ease of Use: Evaluate how user-friendly the VFR is for customers. The onboarding process and virtual try-on experience should be intuitive and require minimal technical know-how.
• Customer Support: Does the provider offer reliable customer support in case you encounter technical difficulties during integration or customer usage?
• Security: Make sure the VFR solution prioritizes data security, especially if it involves 3D body scanning technology. Look for providers with strong data encryption practices and customer privacy policies.

Also, do comprehensive research and read the reviews to gain valuable insights into the solution’s effectiveness and user experience.

Assess Technical Compatibility

Assessing technical compatibility is a vital step before integrating a virtual fitting room (VFR) solution into your eCommerce website. After you have chosen this feature, assess the following:

• Platform: Identify the platform your website is built on (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento, or something else). Different VFR providers offer varying levels of compatibility with these platforms. Some have pre-built integrations or plugins, while others might require more custom coding.
• Coding Language(s): Knowing the programming languages used to build your website (e.g., PHP, JavaScript) is helpful. The VFR solution might require specific code snippets or libraries to function correctly, so ensure compatibility at this level.
• API Integration: Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) allow the VFR solution to communicate with your website’s backend. eCommerce API integration offers more flexibility but might require developer involvement to customize the integration.
• SDK Integration: Software Development Kits (SDKs) are essentially toolkits provided by the VFR solution provider. They can include pre-written code snippets and functionalities that streamline the integration process for developers.
• Server-Side Requirements: Some VFR solutions might have specific server-side requirements like processing power or storage capacity. Ensure your website’s hosting plan can accommodate these needs for smooth operation.

If your chosen VFR solution requires complex integration beyond plug-and-play options, consult with our eCommerce development company. We’ll complete the integration accordingly. 

Integrate the VFR Technology

After ensuring the technical compatibility, it’s time to prepare the product data for virtual fitting. The data requirements will also depend on your chosen VFR technology. Here’s a breakdown of the same.

For AR-based Virtual Fitting Rooms

• High-quality Product Images: AR VFRs rely on digital overlays of your clothing items on a live camera feed. Therefore, high-resolution product images from multiple angles (front, back, sides) are crucial. These images should be taken on a clean background with consistent lighting to ensure accurate representation in the virtual try-on experience.
• 360° Product Views (Optional): While not essential, offering 360-degree product views can further enhance the AR experience. This allows customers to virtually rotate and examine the garment from all sides, providing a more comprehensive understanding of its details and fit.
• Size and Fit Specifications: Provide detailed size charts with accurate measurements for each clothing item. This helps customers choose the appropriate size for their body type and gives the AR VFR a better reference point for positioning the virtual garment overlay.

For 3D Body Scanning VFRs

• 3D Garment Models: If you opt for a 3D scanning VFR, you’ll need 3D models of your clothing items. These models can be created using specialized 3D software or by partnering with a 3D modeling service. The accuracy and detail of the 3D models significantly impact the realism and fit simulation of the virtual try-on experience.
• Material Properties: For a truly immersive experience, consider incorporating material properties like drape, flexibility, and texture into your 3D garment models. This allows the VFR to simulate how the clothing would move and flow on a body in real life.
• Sizing and Fit Data: Similar to AR VFRs, having accurate size and fit data for your garments is crucial. This data is used to calibrate the 3D models and ensure they correspond to real-world garment sizes.

As you add new products or update existing ones, ensure your product data stays current within the VFR system. That guarantees the customers are presented with the most accurate virtual try-on experience possible.

Prepare the Product Data

Preparing product data for a virtual fitting experience goes beyond simply having images and measurements. Here’s a closer look at the specific details you should consider for both AR and 3D body scanning VFRs:

For AR-based VFRs

• Image Quality and Background: Beyond high resolution, ensure your product images have a clean, neutral background (white or light gray is ideal). So the AR software can isolate the garment precisely and overlay it accurately onto the live camera feed during the virtual try-on. Avoid busy backgrounds that might cause confusion or blending.
• Image Consistency: Maintain consistent image styles and lighting across all your product photos. This creates a cohesive look for your brand and helps the AR VFR accurately represent the color, texture, and overall appearance of your clothing items.
• Multiple Angles and Zooming: Provide product images from various angles (front, back, sides) and consider including zoom options. So customers can virtually inspect details like stitching, pockets, collars, and any unique design elements that might influence their purchase decision.

For 3D Body Scanning VFRs

• 3D Model File Formats: There are various 3D model file formats, each with its own advantages and compatibility considerations. Common formats include FBX, OBJ, and GLTF.
• 3D Model Polygon Count: The polygon count refers to the number of geometric shapes used to create a 3D model. A higher polygon count translates to a more detailed and realistic model, but also increases file size. Strike a balance between detail and file size for smooth loading times.
• Material Properties and Textures: Include material properties like drape, flexibility, and texture to enhance the virtual try-on experience. There are various techniques for achieving this, like using specialized software or partnering with 3D texturing services.

Prepare the product data carefully for efficient visualization. That leads to increased sales, reduced returns, and a more satisfying shopping experience.

Design the UI and Do Integration

Integrating a VFR into your eCommerce website requires careful UI design and smooth technical integration. First, let’s check the UI components for this feature.

• “Try On Virtually” Button: This prominent button should be easily accessible on product pages, encouraging customers to engage with the VFR.
• Size Selection: Allow users to choose their size (or input their measurements for 3D scanning VFRs) before the virtual try-on experience.
• Instructional Overlays: Provide clear on-screen instructions within the VFR interface, guiding users through the virtual try-on process (e.g., how to position themselves, adjust camera angles).
• Multiple Views: Offer options to view the virtual try-on from different angles (front, back, sides) for a comprehensive look.
• Zoom Functionality: Allow users to zoom in on specific areas of the garment to examine details like stitching or fabric texture.
• Style Comparison: For some VFRs, consider features that allow users to compare how the same garment looks in different colors or sizes.
• Sharing Options: Enable users to share their virtual try-on experience with friends or on social media (optional).

Along with the UI design, you need to take care of the integration. The specific method depends on the solution. It could involve adding code snippets to your website pages. Alternatively, you may need to use APIs to connect your website to the VFR system or implement SDKs (Software Development Kits).

After the design and integration, you will have to do rigorous testing. Test the VFR functionality across different devices (desktop, mobile) and browsers to ensure a smooth experience. You should also do A/B testing to understand what can be improved for the best user experience.

If you need help with integrating a virtual fitting room in your eCommerce website, I suggest you consult with our eCommerce development agency. We have dedicated experts to integrate the most advanced technologies in an eStore project.

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FAQs on Virtual Fitting Room for eCommerce

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Conclusion

Ever hesitated to buy clothes online because you weren’t sure how they’d fit?  Virtual fitting rooms are here to change that! They allow you to see how clothes would look on you virtually, from the comfort of your couch.

To integrate virtual fitting room in your website, you have to two options:

• Augmented Reality (AR): You use your smartphone camera to see a live video feed of yourself with a virtual clothing item overlaid on top.
• 3D Body Scanning: Some VFRs create a 3D model of your body based on measurements or scans. You can then use this model to virtually try on clothes.

If you need help with this feature on your eStore, consult with our experts today!