Virtual Try-on App Development: Benefits, Examples and Use Cases

In the ecommerce world, returns are the juggling act that every retailer dreads. To simply say, the return process is no walk in the park. Nearly 40% of retailers grapple with the increasing number of “serial returners”, finding themselves in a precarious balancing act between keeping customers happy and their own sanity intact.

Well, virtual try-ons are curated at the front of everything that packs a great experience for the customer. An AR app development company helps in building solutions that allows shoppers to view products in real-time so that they know what they are buying and if it compliments them. This tech advancement directly impacts the product return ratio, minimizing the return of frauds, and notably offering an unparalleled shopping experience.

Sephora increases makeup sales by 35%, 28% increase in user adoption and 48% increase in overall traffic with virtual try-on.

Herein, we’ll discuss why AR/VR app development is a great idea for your business and how you can do this without mistakes. Also, we’ll analyze the big brands and their strategies behind this integration and how they are generating high revenue. Basically everything from the development process, cost breakdown, use-cases, benefits of Augmented Reality and virtual reality app development services.

Virtual Try-On Solutions – Today and Tomorrow’s Perspective

Today’s buzz – “Virtual Try-On” solutions or aka “digital try-ons” or “virtual fittings” is a technology letting users explore or “try-on” products digitally, like trying on a pair of jeans or seeing how a certain shade of lipstick will look without any physical trials.

This is possible with Augmented Reality which augments digital objects over the real world using the device’s camera. The inherent VR/AR app development blends the device’s motion tracking, camera scene capture, advanced scene processing, and display convenience to superimpose 3D models on the user’s figure. This type of model proves to be responsive to the user’s body movements and acts like their real-world counterparts. This method is extensively used by online stores to offer users with a virtual try-on experience from their comfort zone.

Today, Augmented Reality based virtual try-ons are a widely used solution in e-commerce, as they offer a way to reduce return rates and grow customer satisfaction. These solutions provide businesses with insights into customer preferences that help in product development as well as marketing strategies.

In Essence, VR/AR Technology Is Turning Out To Be Both Customer and Business Favorite!

This rapid growth is attributed to AR delivering uncommon combinations that refashions how people relate with online content and simultaneously improving the performance, compactness and convenience.

In addition, 71% of shoppers shop with brands that have integrated VR/AR development solutions into their customer purchase journey. To support the technology advent in e-commerce, the virtual fitting room market is projected to grow from $5.71B in 2024 to $25.11 billion in 2032 with a CAGR of 20.3% annually.

To your surprise, most of the companies across the world are reshaping their off-store retail business with the help of a premier AR app development company.

Back in 2021, H&M launched a virtual dressing room in Germany to promote and show its new collection. H&M Germany collaborated with an AR development company to integrate the Fusion III Body scanner. The partnership aided customers with an amazing virtual try-on experience.

Benefits of Virtual Try-On Apps for Businesses

The smart amalgamation of augmented reality with machine learning treasures more than just revolutionary shopping opportunities. Often, the impact of virtual fitting on business metrics is significant and profitability increases exponentially.

So, let’s explore what to expect.

1. Improved Customer Experience

There’s no doubt, AR boosts the user engagement by 200%.

Virtual try-on provides customers an immersive yet engaging shopping experience, diversifying the shopper journey with the “try-before-you-buy” functionality. Also, with advanced algorithms and machine learning, a VTO tool provides hyper-customization.

2. Reduced Return Rate

Reduced return rates turn out to be one of the biggest challenge among mid and large US retailers. Shopping glasses, jewelry or watches can turn into a demur with failed expectations resulting in high return rates.

Herein, a virtual fitting room helps customers make more informed purchasing decisions and minimize return rates by 64%.

3. Savings and Sustainability – All at Once

Establishing AR app development leads to huge cost savings for businesses by reducing the need for physical staples, inventory holding expenses and in some cases brick-and-mortar stores. In addition, virtual try-ons contribute to  a more sustainable business model by minimizing waste and environmental impact associated with conventional retail practices.

4. Higher Conversions Rates and Sales

Offering customers with the potential to virtually try on products, businesses can skip doubts and uncertainties related to online shopping, eventually leading to higher conversion rates. Shopify has proved this statement true by indicating a whopping of 94% growth.

This clearly portrays the confidence gained from virtually trying on products translates into higher conversions as customers are more likely to make purchases. Thus, it’s advisable to ride the wave with AR app development company to cement your footprints.

5. Reach Wider Audience

AR enabled try-on solutions enable businesses to reach a wider audience by removing geographical barriers and time constraints related to the old-school shopping approach.

Now, customers can virtually try on products anywhere, anytime through their mobile phones, resulting in a more convenient and accessible shopping experience.

6. Strengthened Brand Loyalty

Nurturing customers with a personalized and interactive shopping experience with virtual try-on solutions, businesses can easily strengthen brand loyalty. Surprisingly, shoppers who have positive experiences with virtual try-ons are probably the ones returning to the brand for future purchases and also act as a positive word-of-mouth, paving the way for long-term relationships and repetitive business.

7. First-Mover Advantage

Businesses must leverage VR/AR development solutions to offer a cutting-edge and innovative shopping experience, differentiating themselves from the competition. Presently, only 1% of retailers are using AR in their businesses.

Thus, businesses must embrace AR/VR solutions to reap the first-mover benefits and position themselves as leaders in the industry.

Beyond Clothes – AR App Development Use Cases

We’ve created an extensive list of selected AR use cases. Let’s explore more about AR applications.

1. Medical

Medical students use AR 3D models for anatomy study and surgical training, whereas remote physicians guide real surgeries in real-time. Primarily, handheld scanners can locate veins for accurate blood draws. Also, AR enhances diagnosis explanations and drug information, offering clearer insights into treatments and medication.

Recommendation – Understand How Augmented Reality is Revolutionizing Medicine  

2. Education

Interactive AR books with animated 3D models, sound, and engaging actions is not a thing out of a sci-fi movie.

Customizable printable AR worksheets related to specific lessons for in-class use, homework, and study is leveling up education. Moreover, enhanced field trips with AR features offer more information and interaction for better understanding.

3. Decor

With AR VR development services, users can visualize and adjust the size, color, and placement of furniture in their space before making a final call.

4. Fashion

AR dressing rooms allow consumers to virtually try on clothes or accessories, change colors, size and more.

5. Manufacturing

Static PDF work instructions are being swapped by real-time, intuitive AR content to guide employees on complex assembly lines.

6. Supply Chain

In supply chain industry, partnering with VR AR app development company to leverage AR helps warehouse employees to scan orders, receive prompts that guide them on the fastest route and indicate precise storage locations for enhanced efficiency

7. Tourism and Travel

Travel guides and maps enhanced with AR, allow tourists to scan their surroundings for instant info on dining, accommodations, reviews, directions, transport, historical facts, interactive maps, personalized itineraries, and more.

8. Maintenance and Repair

In the service on-demand segment, technicians use AR to scan machines for faults, with 3D graphics guiding repairs at precise locations. AR also replaces traditional manuals and setup guides.

9. Construction

In the construction industry, AR projects subsurface utilities for safe excavations, measuring object distances, and allowing engineers to preview finished projects on-site before construction.

10. Retail

Retail is harnessing augmented reality for a wide spectrum consisting of product visualization, enhanced showrooms (product exploration, feature highlights), indoor navigation (product finder, loyalty rewards, discounts), shopping assistance (product details, comparisons, personalized suggestions), sampling campaigns, and much more.

11. Art

Art is no exception to Augmented Reality.

Artists are using AR to overlay digital art on public spaces, while people can leave notes and doodles visible through AR. Besides, museums have also embraced AR offering guided tours with an opportunity to relive the history again.

12. Gaming

AR-based gaming spectrum varies from tactical space shooting quests to traditional board games, creating immersive experiences in gaming and entertainment.

13. Navigation

With the advent of AR, traditional GPS is enhanced to display directions in the user’s line of sight, real-time hazards, traffic, and indoor navigation, minimizing distractions and improving safety.

14. Aviation

AR technology replaces expensive training equipment like simulators and aircraft. Also, leveraging AR enhances pilots’ navigation and situational awareness by improving runway identification, obstacle detection, terrain mapping, and tracking other aircraft.

How Does Virtual Try-On Work?

Let’s talk about the bare minimum features on which virtual try-on apps working rely, these are:

• Body Scanning – This feature uses the camera on the device to create a 3D representation of the user’s figure.

• Product Overlay – After creating the 3D figure, the app superimposes digital images of the product onto the model, offering a lifelike preview of how the try-ons will look.

• Personalization – Herein, users have access to customize various aspects of the product, including size, color and style allowing for a more personalized experience.

Features That Makes User Love Virtual Try-On Solutions

Virtual try-on apps is an excerpt of “what’s not possible”. Primarily, blending AR/VR app development  with utter convenience and customization to improve the shopping experience. Let’s understand what makes them stand out:

1. Advanced Augmented Reality

These virtual try-on solutions leverage Augmented Reality app development services to simulate realistic product try-ons, enabling users to see how the item will fit and look at them. This boosts user confidence and helps them make improvised purchasing decisions.

2. Enhanced 3D Modeling

Well-defined 3D models provide users a comprehensive view of products from every aspect. Whether it’s clothing, accessories, eyewear, users can easily analyze items precisely, making it a lot easier to choose the right fit.

3. Precise Face and Body Mapping

Body and face mapping technology make accurate virtual try-ons by leveraging cameras to map user’s features or body figures. This is especially beneficial for products like clothes, glasses, ensuring a perfect fit.

4. Tailored Recommendations

AI-integrated models learn user purchase history and shopping behavior to recommend products personalized to individual choices. This personalization optimizes the shopping process and maximizes the likelihood of a purchase.

5. AR Filters and Flawless Shopping

Mostly, virtual try-on apps are related to e-commerce platforms, allowing users to make purchases within the app. In addition, AR filters act like an added feather in the hat encouraging users to share on social media and grow app engagement.

6. Virtual Wardrobe

The virtual wardrobe is a user loved feature, allowing them to save favorite products and experiment with different combinations. This helps them plan outfits accordingly and see how well their mix and match will feel.

8 Easy AR VR App Development Steps for Building Your App

Developing an engaging virtual try-on app requires a well-detailed process to ensure flawless integration and high performance. From thorough research and feature personalization to rigorous testing, each step is equally crucial for achieving success in developing a virtual try-on solution.

Step 1: Research and Outline Objectives

First and foremost, carry market research to understand user preferences, competitor landscapes, and technological trends. Next, define objectives for your virtual try-on app, like deepend customer engagement or enhanced user experiences, to ensure development synchronizes with strategic goals and strengthen market effectiveness.

Step 2: Choose App Features and Tech Stack

Choose features and technologies that amplify user experience and engagement. Integrate advanced functionalities like facial recognition and seamless e-commerce integration offering immersive try-on experiences, boosting user satisfaction, and simultaneously increasing sales.

Step 3: Design User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX)

Pay attention to creating intuitive and visually appealing interfaces to capture user attention and ensure flawless navigation. A well-designed UI/UX mirrors positive interactions, encourages engagement, and brings conversions.

Recommended Reading – UI/UX Design Mistakes to Avoid for a Successful App Development  

Step 4: Develop App Prototypes and MVP

Build prototypes and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) to test app concepts and gather user feedback at an early stage. Here, iterative testing and refinement help cater user expectations, address pain points, and align apps with market demand, increasing the likelihood of a successful launch.

Step 5: Integrate Backend Systems and APIs

This is inevitable for a successful VTO (Virtual Try-On).

Establish backend systems and APIs for crucial features and functionalities like product management, user authentication, and payment processing. A dynamic infrastructure supports smooth operations, enhances security, and provides a seamless user experience.

Step 6: Establish AR and Virtual Try-On Functionality

Add bespoke features of Augmented Reality app development services to allow users to visualize products in real-time. An experienced AR app development company uses AR frameworks and computer vision to deliver precise and realistic try-ons, nurturing engagement and building brand loyalty.

Step 7: Test, Iterate & Try

Do rigorous testing and iteration to ensure app quality and functionality.

Gather user feedback, resolve issues, and iterate features to improve overall quality and user satisfaction. Plu, regular iteration helps adapt to evolving user needs, market trends and bridge the gaps without mistakes.

Step 8: Launch and Maintain

Once thorough testing is done, it’s time to launch the app on the respective stores – Google Play Store and App Store.

Track performance metrics and user engagement post-launch to optimize marketing, identify improvement areas, and drive adoption, manifolding the app’s market impact.

Cost of Developing a Virtual Try-On Solution

Cost-Influencing Factors To Consider for AR VR App Development

Developing an AR virtual try-on app envelops numerous factors that influence overall development costs:

1. Real-Time Body Meshing Complexity: Accurate body meshing impacts costs. High precision requires advanced technology to represent various body shapes and movements. Supporting different body figures and clothing styles adds complexity and cost, as algorithms must adapt to different poses and clothings.

2. Fabric Simulation Fidelity: Realistic fabric simulation is important for an immersive experience. This includes showing how fabrics behave in terms of stretchiness and stiffness, and adding environmental effects like gravity or wind, which can add on both complexity and cost.

3. AR/VR Hardware Requirements: Ensure app’s compatibility with several AR and VR devices influence development efforts and costs. Thus, testing and optimizing for different devices, like smartphones and VR headsets, requires an AR app development company armed with experienced and technically-sound resources.

4. AI Model Training: Training AI models involves costs due to data requirements. Gathering and processing data for precise body tracking, pose estimation, and fabric simulation can contribute to added expense. Further, the complexity of AI models, including deep learning networks, can be addressed with AI development services.

5. Integration With Existing Systems: Integrating the app with existing systems like e-commerce platforms and customer management tools may seem complex and costly at first. Thus, ensuring smooth API connections and data transfer between the app and other existing systems contribute to development costs, but are quintessential for an unparalleled user experience.

Final Thoughts…

AR’s backed virtual try-on brings endless benefits to both businesses and consumers. It offers convenience to users in context to transparency while making an online purchase. At the same time, it minimizes the number of returned items because of numerous reasons, saving businesses a lot of money. It also helps businesses foster a deeper and long-term relationship with their customers ensuring success and profitability.

Thus, AR app development services are no longer an option but a must-have asset for businesses.

However, a word of caution – an imperfectly built try-on solution could even discourage a user and be a roadblock in their buying journey. Therefore, an expert VR AR app development company like Apptunix can help you navigate this landscape easily and successfully.