How Can Augmented Reality Be Used in the Fashion Industry?

At a time when innovation is key to attracting and retaining customers, adopting augmented reality (AR) in the fashion industry is a game-changing strategy. Integrating AR into your business puts you on the cutting edge of technology. 

With this technology, you can offer customers virtual try-ons, immersive showcases of your collections, interactive marketing campaigns, and more. Consider this remarkable statistic:

40% of consumers are willing to pay more for a product if they can experience it through AR. 

Interested in the details? Let’s talk about the most popular AR use cases in fashion.

Benefits of Using AR Technology for the Fashion Industry

Augmented reality merges the digital and physical worlds. Utilizing this technology, you can get a unique platform for your fashion brand to innovate and captivate your audience. 

Famous brands, such as Nike, Gucci, Adidas, Zara, Sephora, Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, and others, leverage AR to provide innovative solutions ranging from virtual try-ons to immersive marketing experiences.

Key benefits of using AR in the fashion industry:

• Immersive shopping experiences.
• Enabling a try-before-you-buy approach for customers.
• Personalized fit visualization.
• Enhanced online engagement.
• Innovative brand storytelling.
• Efficient inventory management.
• Reduced return rates.
• Invaluable data insights.
• Sustainable fashion practices.
• Increasing the percentage of customers’ trust in the brand.

Nike is a perfect image of how fashion brands can use augmented reality in their business. This company uses AR tools for sneaker releases. Customers can virtually try on shoes through their app, viewing how different styles look on their feet in real-time. 

How Can Augmented Reality Be Used in the Fashion Industry?

Fashion manufacturers, designers, clothing store owners, and retailers have a great chance to improve their professional activities as well as attract new customers and surprise regular ones. If you belong to at least one of the listed categories of specialists, consider implementing augmented reality. You will be amazed at the results. Now, let’s look at specific AR applications. 

Augmented Reality Apparel Fitting

With AR apparel fitting, customers can virtually try on clothes using their smartphones. Technology blends the convenience of online shopping with the certainty of in-store fittings. For example, luxury brand Burberry has implemented AR fitting rooms. Their customers can overlay digital images of clothing items onto their live photos. 

AR Magic Mirror

This application is like the previous one. AR magic mirror tool transforms the traditional fitting room experience into an interactive, digital adventure. Customers stand in front of a digital mirror that uses AR technology to superimpose clothing items onto their reflection. 

Have you ever heard about Uniqlo’s magic mirror? It lets customers see how different colors of the same item look on them with just a few taps. The process of trying on clothes is more straightforward and engaging. 

AR Product Configurator

Brand Gucci successfully uses an AR product configurator, enabling customers to try on sneakers virtually. Users can select different models and colors, seeing how each option looks on their feet through their phone’s camera. With this app, customers can make more informed purchasing decisions.

Virtual Tailors

Using AR offers virtual tailor-made clothing experiences. AR technology scans the customer’s body for accurate measurements, ensuring a perfect fit. Customers can select fabrics, colors, and design elements through a virtual interface.

Changes in design or fit can be visualized in real time on the customer’s virtual avatar. Users can try on virtual clothes using their scanned measurements to see how the final product will look. It is all about a more personalized shopping experience.

New Product Launches

With AR, fashion brands can create buzz and excitement around new releases. Technology allows customers to see and interact with new products in a virtual space, making the launches more memorable and impactful. For instance, Adidas used AR to create a unique unboxing experience where customers could scan the shoebox to unlock an exclusive AR experience.

AR Virtual Showrooms

Luxury fashion brand Balenciaga launched an AR virtual showroom for one of its collections. Customers could navigate through a virtual space, interact with the collection, and view detailed 3D models of each item. It provided an innovative way to showcase their designs and made the collection accessible to a global audience, transcending geographical and physical limitations. 

AR Filters for Social Media Apps

Filters, accessible on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, allow users to try on and showcase fashion products virtually. Dior’s Instagram has one. Using it, potential and regular customers can virtually try on iconic sunglasses and headbands. Users experiment with different styles, share their looks on social media, and even purchase the products directly through the app. 

Accessory Matching & Makeup Sampling

How often do you want to see how accessories and makeup products will look on you before purchasing? With AR, you have this opportunity and can offer it to your customers as well. 

Sephora’s Virtual Artist app is a remarkable example of AR in makeup sampling. This app uses facial recognition technology. Customers can try on different makeup products, including lipsticks, eyeshadows, and foundations, and experiment with various colors and styles in real-time, making it easier to choose products that suit them best.

AR Technology as a Growth Driver for Shopping

Augmented Reality brings a blend of innovation and practicality to the shopping experience. It provides immersive, interactive and personalized engagement for customers.

The technology has transformed online shopping in particular, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds.  AR has improved the way consumers interact with products, leading to more informed purchase decisions and greater customer satisfaction.

Let’s drive innovation in your company! Share your needs with us and we will help you develop the perfect AR solution for your business.