E-commerce Virtual Try-On: How It Reduces Returns and Boosts Sales

Are you planning to integrate virtual try-on technology into your e-commerce but feeling unsure? In this article, we explain why it’s worth considering and share the top use cases and applications to inspire you.

 

What if we say that e-commerce businesses lose billions of dollars yearly simply because shoppers can't find the right fit?

 

Moreover, we have proof of our words. 

 

According to Snap's Global Product Marketing Lead, businesses face up to $550 billion in losses annually from product returns, with 70% of customers needing help finding clothing that fits them.

 

McKinsey’s research shows that 70% of returned fashion items are due to poor fit or style, reflecting a significant gap in the online shopping experience. 

 

And this is exactly where virtual try-on technology comes in. Implementing it into your business you can:

 

• modernize the shopping experience you provide
• reduce returns
• avoid hassle for shoppers and retailers
• boost conversions
• and many many more!

In this article, we help you to understand better:

 

• virtual try-on benefits for e-commerce businesses
• how you can implement it to drive measurable results
• what the future holds for virtual try-on experiences
• how Onix can help you build your own solution

 

What Problem Are You Solving by Implementing Virtual Try-On?

You can solve or avoid some of the most pressing challenges in your e-commerce business by implementing virtual try-on technology. 

 

Here are some of the key benefits of virtual try-on for e-commerce:

 

From high return rates to fewer product returns

Just look at these statistics:

 

• 30% of online purchases are returned
• return cost often eats up 20% to 70% of the initial sale price for retailers, which can seriously impact their bottom line.

 

If you build e-commerce virtual try-on technology, you open up new opportunities for shoppers. 

 

You will allow them to:

 

• see how products will look or fit in real time
• give them the confidence to make the right choice
• reduce the chances of returns.

 

Read also: Benefits and Use Cases of Augmented Reality in Shopping And Retail

 

No hesitation and abandoned shopping carts, only high conversion rates

When customers can see how a product looks on them in real-time, they feel confident about a product and are more likely to hit "buy."

 

Virtual try-ons reduce doubts and cart abandonment by letting shoppers "try before they buy," making it easier to complete a purchase.

 

In fact, virtual try-ons help retailers increase sales by up to 30% and cut returns by 20%, which means better profits. Studies have shown that cosmetics giant Avon saw amazing results with their virtual try-on feature, including a 320% jump in conversions and a 33% higher average order value.

 

Engaging experiences that lead to buying

Virtual try-ons are not just practical. They’re fun. 

 

Virtual try-on allows customers to explore your website or app more, often leading to greater satisfaction and loyalty. The "try-before-you-buy" experience adds excitement to online shopping, all from the comfort of home.

 

With intelligent algorithms and machine learning, virtual try-ons offer highly personalized experiences, tailoring products to each shopper.

 

And, of course, we can't do without statistics, which show that AR can boost engagement by an impressive 200%.

 

A virtual fitting is your key to standing out

Today, online shopping is more competitive than ever, so companies must have a competitive advantage to succeed.

 

Statistics show us that only 1% of retailers are experimenting with AR. So, implementing virtual try-on sets e-commerce stores apart by offering a shopping experience many competitors can’t match.

 

This helps to:

 

• attract tech-savvy shoppers
• show your commitment to staying ahead of the trend
• meet modern customer expectations.

 

Key Virtual Try-On Use Cases in E-Commerce with Real-Life Examples

 

The impact of virtual try-on on eyewear

A virtual try-on significantly enhances the shopping experience, even for glasses or sunglasses. People can now virtually try any product they like and see what glasses fit them best.

 

A famous example is Warby Parker.

 

The website lets users try up to five frames with free return shipping included. The app employs computer vision to analyze face shape and skin tone, providing personalized fit recommendations.

Image source: Warby Parker

 

Virtual try-ons enhance makeup and skincare product selection

Build a virtual try-on solution and let your customers see how makeup products like lipstick or foundation will look on their unique skin tone. Sounds great, doesn't it?

 

But that's not all. 

 

As for skincare, virtual tools use intelligent technologies like AI to analyze customers’ skin through photos or live cameras. They can assess texture, skin tone, and any blemishes.

 

Based on the users' data, the solution can recommend products like moisturizers or treatments that match customers' unique needs and find the perfect skincare care.

 

Just like Sephora’s virtual artist did.

 

They use facial recognition to analyze users' face shapes and skin tones to create a personalized makeup look. Their customers can also experiment with full makeup, save their favorite looks, and share them with friends.

Sephora’s virtual artist app

 

 

What's more, within 2 years of the app's launch, Sephora Virtual Artist saw over 200 million shades tried on and over 8.5 million visits to the feature.

 

Learn more: 3 Universal Applications of Augmented Reality in Business

 

Virtual try-on for footwear to offer perfect fit

Well, footwear and technology.. What's the connection? 

And we can tell. 

 

With the help of AR and foot-tracking tools, it's now possible to preview how shoes will look and fit from every angle without physically trying them on.

 

Everything is simple: Virtual try-on technology puts a 3D model of the chosen shoes on the buyers' feet to show their appearance

 

Your customers can even change colors or sizes and, what is more, get sizing recommendations based on their foot measurements. 

 

Nike’s AR-powered virtual try-on feature lets users scan their feet and get hyper-accurate sizing recommendations. This feature makes shoppers not afraid to mistake the size and safely buy shoes online.

Nike’s AR-powered virtual try-on feature

 

Virtual try-on for watches and jewelry

Have an online watch or jewelry store?

 

Well, here is how virtual try-on technology can work for your business:

 

Customers can choose items they like, such as rings or watches, in your app or website. The camera scans their wrist, finger, or neck, and users see how the items look on them online.

 

The app then overlays a realistic 3D model of the chosen watch or jewelry piece onto their body part, allowing them to see how it looks from every angle.

 

Customers can even zoom in, adjust the size, and switch between different styles and colors to find their perfect match. 

 

 

Let's consider Chrono24, which introduced the Virtual Showroom to simplify the watch selection process by allowing customers to try watches right at home.

 

They offer a simple and engaging shopping process that requires no special skills, just a smartphone.

 

Virtual try-on technology for furniture and home decor

Are you thinking about building a virtual try-on for furniture and home decor? 

 

It's a promising idea.

 

Just imagine how your customers capture their rooms using smartphone cameras and visualize how different pieces will look in their own space. And all this happens before purchasing.

 

And that's not all.

 

Customers can:

 

• move the virtual items around
• adjust their placement to visualize how they will fit and complement the existing decor
• make more confident decisions by having a realistic sense of size, style, and layout.

 

IKEA’s AR app is a perfect illustration of this technology. 

IKEA’s AR app

 

The main idea behind Ikea is to let customers see how furniture will look in their homes before they buy it. They are the first to make the decision process more confident and enjoyable in this field.

 

Read also: Best AR/VR Applications in Mobile Apps

 

Virtual try-ons for fashion and apparel: make shopping smarter

Using AR technology, shoppers can create a virtual version of themselves and try on different clothes in real time. They also can adjust their size and body shape to try various styles, sizes, and colors before purchasing.

 

For example, ASOS has a virtual catwalk feature that lets its customers see how clothes move and fit on models, providing a more dynamic online shopping experience.

ASOS virtual catwalk feature

 

Virtual try-ons for hairstyling made easy

Now, people can avoid unnecessary experiments with their hair and styling. All they need to do is:

 

1. upload photos or use their phone's camera to capture their faces
2. overlay various hairstyles, colors, and wigs in real time
3. chose a color or style they prefer.

 

Garnier has a simple virtual hair color try-on tool that analyzes the user's face, hairstyle, and texture to create an accurate virtual hair color experience. Users can easily switch between colors and instantly share the results with friends.

Garnier’s virtual hair color try-on tool

 

Although we’ve only covered a small selection of virtual try-on applications in e-commerce, it’s already clear that this technology has incredible potential. The secret lies in knowing your audience and building a solution with features that truly resonate with them.

 

Tomorrow’s Virtual Try-On: Trends Every E-Commerce Business Should Know

“Immersive, accurate, and personal. This is the next wave of virtual try-ons.”

Alexandr Gergardt, Head of the ML department at Onix

 

Virtual try-ons are on the rise, promising even better, engaging, and effective online shopping.

 

Let's look at the future trends of virtual try-ons:

 

AI-powered personalization

Using machine learning algorithms and AI models, businesses can tailor virtual try-on experiences to each customer based on their preferences, purchase history, and personal characteristics.

 

For example, an AI engine can recommend accessories that complement previously purchased outfits.

 

3D body scanning for enhanced accuracy

Accurate size and fit recommendations are now possible. 

 

Implementing 3D scanning technology, e-commerce platforms can create precise and realistic virtual body models. So to speak, a detailed 3D copy of a buyer's body. 

 

Shoppers can scan their bodies with just a smartphone, and the app will produce a detailed 3D replica. The virtual try-on will perfectly fit clothing or accessories to the digital model.

 

Real-time collaboration in virtual try-ons

Applying cloud-based collaboration platforms and real-time video AR integration, e-commerce brands can allow users to share their virtual try-on experience with friends or family in real-time for feedback.

 

Read also: How VR App Development Helps Navigate Business Growth

 

Integration with the metaverse

Metaverse is now on the rise. 

 

Brands can create virtual stores within the metaverse where customers can try on digital versions of products for real-world or virtual use, like NFTs or avatars.

 

Sustainable virtual try-ons

In 2025 and beyond, the focus on sustainable development shows no signs of slowing down. Sustainability will be a top priority in various industries, and e-commerce is no exception.

 

Companies can demonstrate virtual prototypes of products before manufacturing, minimizing overproduction. Moreover, virtual try-ons also reduce the environmental impact associated with the delivery and return of goods.

 

Onix Experience in Building Virtual Try-On for E-commerce

At Onix, we have hands-on experience creating innovative virtual try-on solutions for e-commerce.

 

One of our AR projects involved developing an app for virtual eyewear try-ons. 

 

TRYME Face AR technology allows for a seamless real-time augmented reality experience, as if users are actually standing in front of a mirror.

 

This software improves the eyewear selection process for consumers, brands, retailers, and e-commerce companies.

 

Using the platform, users receive fully personalized stylist services like never before, setting a new standard in the fashion industry.

An app for virtual eyewear try-ons built by Onix

 

By integrating AR into the buying process, we helped our client enhance customer engagement, make online shopping more accessible, and reduce returns and costs.

 

Ready To Implement a Virtual-Try On Tool Into Online Store?

We provide a full range of AR and VR software development services to deliver the best possible user experience and outperform your competitors!

 

Here is how we can help:

 

           - Want to see if your AR/VR product idea will work?

We can create a proof of concept to test essential functionality and ensure your idea is solid before investing in full development.

          - Are you planning to build a virtual try-on solution and looking for a reliable team?

We can build a dedicated software development team to handle all the project details and ensure a transparent development process.

           - How do I get started with a virtual try-on technology?

We can provide you with a consultation. We’ll show you how to integrate virtual try-on technology into your e-commerce and recommend the best solutions based on your goals.

 

Whether you're just starting or need help at any stage of development, Onix is here to help.

Contact us today!

 

FAQ

 

How does virtual try-on technology work?

Virtual try-on technology uses augmented reality or computer vision to overlay products onto a customer’s image, allowing them to see how the item looks or fits before purchasing.

 

What challenges should businesses consider when adopting virtual try-on technology?

Businesses should consider challenges like ensuring accurate product representation, compatibility with different devices, user experience optimization, and the cost of development and maintenance.

 

How much does it cost to develop a virtual try-on solution?

The cost to develop a virtual try-on solution typically depends on the complexity of the technology, features, and customization required. Basic solutions with limited features can cost around $30,000 to $50,000, while more advanced, highly personalized AR experiences with integration and ongoing support can push costs closer to $200,000 or more.

 

How can Onix help businesses implement a virtual try-on solution?

Onix offers custom development services to design, build, and integrate virtual try-on solutions tailored to your business needs, ensuring a seamless user experience and maximum ROI.

 

What are the key steps to implement virtual try-on technology for a business?

Key steps include identifying the proper use case, selecting the appropriate technology, designing a user-friendly interface, integrating with your e-commerce platform, testing for accuracy, and launching the solution while tracking customer feedback for continuous improvement.