A Wren Says

Google recently released a virtual try-on tool. The product was developed using generative AI. It takes models of varying body sizes and shapes and then reproduces the item on them so that the person shopping can better imagine what the clothing will look like on them. As of right now, the tool only is for women’s tops in a few brands. I personally wasn’t able to find any items that had the try-on badge, indicating that I could use the tool. And that was even when I searched specifically for the products in the Google article. I imagine it is probably extremely limited in the roll-out (even though this tool has been published everywhere) across users, or maybe I just don’t know how to find it.

If you are able to use it, this tool can help you if consistently shop on online and want to be able to visualize things on yourself. It helps you feel like you are reducing the risk of having to return things because they don’t work out. But really, you’re still going to have to try it on at some point. As much as AI tries, it can’t reproduce everything that plays into a decision. Unless they are having all of these models actually try things on, they have no idea how the fabric with drape on different frames or whether or not it fits true to size. And an AI generated image cannot tell me if that wool is itchy. Or if the color of the shirt is going to look that way in natural light.

While technology provides more information for shoppers, at the end of the day they still need to experience the product in-person. I wonder how stores will respond given the rise of AI and all of the advancements to make online shopping easier and easier. As much as we are driving towards more tech, we’re still going to need the human touch to continue to elevate the shopping experience no matter if it’s online or off.

Source:

Rincon, L. (June 14, 2023). Virtually try on clothes with a new AI shopping feature. Google: The Keyword https://blog.google/products/shopping/ai-virtual-try-on-google-shopping/