Google enhances virtual try-on with expanded clothing options

Google is expanding its Virtual Try-On tool to include more clothing options, as it continues to refine its AI technology to offer more accurate depictions of how items will look on different body types.

Originally launched last year for men’s and women’s tops, the Virtual Try-On feature uses artificial intelligence to show how garments fit on a variety of body types, right down to the “shadows, wrinkles and draping,” improving the online shopping experience.

The latest update expands the feature to dresses, allowing shoppers to visualise how different styles might look on real models of various sizes.

As Google explained, “If you’re in the U.S, simply search for dresses on Search and click any style that includes a 'try on' badge. From there, you can see what that garment looks like on a diverse set of real models, ranging in sizes from XXS-XXXL. Select a model that resonates with you to get a better sense of how the dress looks. Once you find what you’re looking for, click out to the retailer’s site to buy it.”

This development marks a significant step forward for Google’s virtual shopping capabilities, offering consumers a more realistic glimpse of how clothing will appear when worn. The aim is to help people make more informed decisions when shopping online, potentially reducing the need for returns due to sizing or fit issues.

While in-store shopping remains the preferred choice for many when making certain purchases, tools like Virtual Try-On could make the online shopping experience more seamless, helping to reduce the frustration of returns by mail.

The new Virtual Try-On process is currently available for selected items in the US , with plans for a broader rollout in the future.