Virtual Fitting: The Ultimate Guide to Online Try-On Technology

What is virtual fitting

Virtual fitting is a technology that allows shoppers to "try on" clothing and accessories in a digital environment. It utilizes various technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), 3D modeling, and artificial intelligence, to create a realistic preview of how an item will look and fit on a user's body. This is done through a virtual fitting room, which can be an app or a physical mirror.

The primary benefits of virtual dress up or fitting include reducing the number of returns, improving customer confidence in their purchases, and enhancing the overall online shopping experience.

Types of virtual fitting experiences

Virtual fitting technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it encompasses a diverse range of applications tailored to different retail needs and consumer behaviors. The following section explores the various types of virtual fitting, highlighting how different approaches are used to solve unique challenges, whether for general apparel, specialized gear, or on-the-go shopping.

Virtual dress-up and fitting rooms

Virtual dressing rooms focus on creating a simulated try-on experience for online shoppers. The goal is to replicate the in-store fitting room by allowing customers to see how clothes might look on them.

• Style.me's approach: This platform uses advanced 3D body avatars. Users can input their measurements to create a personalized digital model of themselves. A recommendation engine then suggests accurate sizes and styling options. This method allows for a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the garment on the user's custom avatar.

• FitRoom's approach: FitRoom uses AI to overlay clothing onto a user's uploaded photo. Instead of building a 3D avatar, the technology focuses on rendering the fabric, shadows, and drapes of the garment realistically on a static 2D image. This provides a quick and visual way to see how an item might look.

• Other prominent examples: Many major retailers have embraced this technology. A well-known case is H&M's virtual fitting room, which has partnered with technology firms to allow customers to create digital twins of themselves. Users can then "try on" outfits and receive personalized size recommendations, helping to reduce the number of returns.

Specialized virtual fitting

Beyond general clothing, virtual fitting is being applied to niche markets that require precise measurements and a highly accurate fit.

• Virtual bike fitting: This technology is used by cyclists to find the perfect posture and geometry for their bike. By analyzing videos of a rider on their trainer, a virtual fitter can use specialized software to measure angles and distances, making recommendations for saddle height, handlebar position, and other adjustments to optimize comfort and performance.

• Virtual fitting mirror: This is a physical device, often found in retail stores, that combines a screen, camera, and augmented reality (AR) to overlay clothes on a live video feed of the customer. It's a key part of the modern "smart fitting room" experience, allowing shoppers to see how an item looks without having to physically try it on. Some mirrors also offer style recommendations and allow users to share their looks.

Virtual fitting room apps

The rise of mobile technology has made virtual try-on accessible to everyone. These applications bring the virtual fitting experience directly to a consumer's smartphone. These apps typically use a smartphone's camera to create a live augmented reality view, superimposing a digital model of a product onto the user's body. They allow users to try on a variety of items, from shoes and clothes to accessories and makeup, all from the comfort of their home.

Some of the prominent examples include apps from brands like Warby Parker for eyewear and Sephora for makeup, both of which were pioneers in the mobile virtual try-on space.

Now that you have a robust idea as to what virtual fitting is and its various types, it is essential that you also start exploring Pippit, which allows you create a virtual try-on video in just a matter of minutes, without much effort, time, or investment.

Elevate your style with Pippit's virtual fitting experience

Pippit's virtual try-on video feature allows brands to create engaging, realistic videos of products on diverse AI models without a physical photoshoot. Imagine a fashion brand launching a new collection; they can instantly generate multiple videos showcasing their dresses on various body types and ethnicities. This elevates the customer's online shopping experience by enabling them to better visualize the fit and style. The key features here are AI-powered model generation and diverse avatars, which ensure a quick, inclusive, and scalable content solution. This streamlined process is just one example of how Pippit is redefining e-commerce.

How to create the perfect virtual fitting experience with Pippit

If you are looking to try on various clothing and/or accessories virtually, without having to visit your nearest shopping mall or retail store, then follow the below-mentioned steps to efficiently utilize Pippit's virtual try-on feature.

STEP 1
1. Navigate to the "Video generator > Product showcase" section

The primary step of the process involves signing up for Pippit using your email address. Once you sign-up for the platform, head over to your dashboard and select the "Video generator" option. Under "Video generator", you will find the option for "Product showcase". Be sure to click on that and proceed to the next step.

STEP 2
1. Enter your details for Pippit's virtual try-on feature

Proceed to first select the "Make a > virtual try-on video" option, which will allow you to create a virtual fitting video of your clothes/garments/accessories. Then, under "I want", select your preferred AI avatar, on which you want to showcase your garments. We have chosen "Ava" for our experiment here, as there are multiple models to choose from. Finally, under "to try on and show", you will need to upload the picture of the item that you want to virtually try on. For instance, we have uploaded a picture of a black shirt (with a blazer) and a pair of black trousers. Additionally, you will have the option to add a voiceover for your AI avatar as well. Once you make your selections, click on "Generate".

STEP 3
1. Finalize and export your virtual fitting video

In the next step, Pippit will create three (3) mock-up images of the avatar you have chosen, wearing the outfit (whose photo you have uploaded) that you have uploaded. Select the one that closely resembles your vision and then proceed to click on "Generate" again. Pippit will also disclose the amount of time you will need to wait for the finalized video.

Once the video generation process is completed, you will receive a notification for the same on your Pippit dashboard. You can then proceed to preview the same and then "Download" the video, to share the same at a later period, on your social media channels.

Key features of Pippit for creating virtual fitting rooms

• AI-powered model generation: Pippit's core feature allows brands to bypass traditional photoshoots by using AI to generate realistic models for product showcases. From just a product image, the platform can create multiple try-on options, significantly cutting down on costs and production time. This technology provides businesses with a powerful tool to produce professional-quality visual content efficiently and at scale.

• Inclusion of realistic and diverse AI avatars: A key advantage of Pippit is its diverse library of AI avatars, which includes models of various ethnicities, body types, and genders. By showcasing products on a wide range of realistic avatars, brands can better connect with their target audience and help customers visualize how a garment might fit them.

• Quick turnaround for content scaling: Pippit's automated, AI-driven workflow dramatically speeds up the content creation process. Instead of waiting weeks for a photoshoot and post-production, businesses can generate and update product images and videos for their entire catalog in a matter of minutes.

• Diverse voiceover presets: To add another layer of professionalism and personalization, Pippit offers a selection of AI-generated voiceover presets. These presets come in different accents, tones, and languages, enabling brands to easily localize their videos for global markets without the expense of hiring voice actors. The voices can be seamlessly synced with the AI avatars' movements, creating a cohesive and polished final video.

• Effortless sharing options: Once the content is created, sharing it is simple and straightforward. Pippit provides direct download options for its virtual try-on videos, allowing users to use them for their e-commerce websites or publish them directly to popular social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Challenges and criticisms of virtual fitting room apps

Despite its promise, the virtual fitting concept faces significant hurdles. The following are some major challenges that can be experienced either today, tomorrow, or in the near future.

• Technical limitations in realism: Current technology often struggles to accurately replicate the drape, texture, and movement of different fabrics, such as silk, denim, or knitwear. This can lead to an unrealistic depiction of how a garment would truly look and feel on a person.
• Inaccurate sizing and fit: While virtual fitting aims to solve sizing issues, it can sometimes be inaccurate. This is often due to variations in brand sizing, the difficulty of capturing subtle body measurements, and the lack of standardization across different virtual fitting platforms.
• User perception and body image issues: The use of virtual avatars or models can sometimes be a jarring experience for users. The technology may not perfectly reflect an individual's unique body shape, potentially leading to dissatisfaction or negatively impacting body image if the representation is not accurate or inclusive.
• Data privacy and security concerns: To create a personalized virtual try-on experience, these services often require users to provide sensitive data, including body measurements, photos, and even biometric scans. This raises significant privacy concerns about how this information is stored, used, and protected from potential breaches.
• Barriers to widespread adoption: For some consumers, the initial setup process, which involves creating an avatar or uploading photos, can be cumbersome and time-consuming. In addition to that, a non-intuitive user interface or a clunky experience can deter users and limit the widespread adoption of this technology.

The future outlook of virtual fitting room technology

While after reading the challenges and criticisms, it is natural to be pessimistic about the virtual fitting concept. However, if you are an optimistic fool, like Albert Einstein once was, then the following points of future outlook for this technology may interest you.

• Hyper-personalized AI stylists: The next generation of virtual fitting will go beyond simple try-on. AI-powered assistants will act as personal stylists, using your virtual try-on data, purchase history, and even social media activity to curate entire outfits and offer proactive style recommendations.
• Integration with the metaverse and digital assets: Virtual fitting technology will be a cornerstone of the metaverse. Consumers will be able to try on and purchase digital clothing for their avatars, which could be linked to physical counterparts for a truly integrated shopping experience.
• Haptic feedback for a sense of touch: Haptic technology is set to revolutionize the virtual shopping experience by providing a sense of touch. This will allow users to "feel" virtual clothing, replicating the texture, weight, and quality of fabrics without ever physically touching them.
• Sustainability and waste reduction: Virtual try-on will become a critical tool for sustainability. By giving customers a highly accurate preview, it can significantly reduce the number of returns due to poor fit or styling, thus minimizing the carbon footprint and waste associated with e-commerce logistics.
• Seamless omni-channel integration: The future will see a complete fusion of online and in-store shopping. A consumer could virtually try on an item at home, save it to a digital wishlist, and then a smart system could have that item ready for them to try on or purchase the moment they walk into a physical store.

Conclusion

In conclusion, virtual fitting is revolutionizing retail by bridging the gap between digital and physical shopping, though it still faces technical challenges. And like with any new technology, customers are showing more interest than even before to virtually try on their favourite products, clothes, or accessories. In addition to that, platforms like Pippit are leading the charge, empowering brands to unlock their creative potential.

With its AI-powered model generation and diverse avatars, Pippit makes it effortless to create and scale realistic virtual try-on content. This innovation helps brands overcome logistical hurdles and truly connect with their audience. So, if you are ready to transform your brand's visuals, then start exploring Pippit's virtual try-on or even the product showcase features today!

FAQs

1
1. What is a virtual fitting room, and how does it work?

A virtual fitting room is an online tool that lets shoppers "try on" clothes without physically wearing them. It uses technologies like AI and AR to overlay garments onto a user's image or 3D avatar, showing how an item might look and fit. Pippit's AI-powered platform lets brands create realistic virtual try-on videos for their products in minutes, showcasing them on diverse, high-quality AI models.

2
1. How does a virtual fitting room app differ from a virtual fitting mirror?

A virtual fitting room app brings the try-on experience to a user's smartphone, using the phone's camera for a live AR view. A virtual fitting mirror is a physical, in-store device that uses a large screen and cameras to allow shoppers to try on clothing virtually without having to change. Pippit's solution is primarily app and web-based, enabling brands to generate the content for a variety of digital platforms rather than relying on a single, in-store hardware solution.

3
1. Is there a virtual fitting room H&M service?

Yes, H&M has experimented with virtual fitting room services. They have partnered with technology providers to allow customers to create digital avatars and try on outfits, helping them to find the right size and style. While H&M uses a specific partnership model, Pippit offers a more widely accessible, on-demand solution for any brand to create similar high-quality, AI-generated virtual try-on content.

4
1. What are the key benefits of using a virtual fitting mirror for shoppers?

A virtual fitting mirror offers shoppers the convenience of trying on many outfits quickly and getting instant size recommendations without physically changing clothes. It makes the in-store experience more efficient and interactive. Pippit provides a similar benefit of speed and convenience, but for brands creating content, allowing them to produce a wide range of try-on visuals on a large scale, which in turn helps online shoppers visualize products more easily.