Augmented reality fashion is transforming buyers’ shopping experience and reinventing how companies engage with their target audience in the online world. Immersive technologies like AR and VR in fashion retail are helping retail giants to make online shopping interactive, immersive, and intriguing for online customers.
AR fashion allows customers to virtually try on products and visualize how it looks on them before they finally hit the purchase button. The interactive digital content not only eases the customer buying journey but also helps retailers to reduce the high product return rates and improve conversion rates.
In this guide, we’ll reveal how AR in fashion can revamp buying and selling products virtually and develop different ways for brands to interact with loyal shoppers.
How Is AR Being Used In Fashion?
Augmented reality in retail seamlessly combines the digital and physical worlds, which is not a new concept in the digital environment. In fact, an IBM study revealed that 32% of shoppers in 2020 used AR to try products like apparel, makeup, etc., before purchasing. Furthermore, the survey conducted by Eclipse Group indicated:
- 71% of shoppers would shop more often if they could use AR during shopping.
- 55% of respondents said that AR makes shopping fun and exciting.
- And around 40% of buyers said they are ready to pay extra for a product if they can test it through augmented reality.
Witnessing the growth of AR technologies, retailers in the fashion market are integrating technology to stay ahead. Below are a few ways augmented reality applications can be used in the fashion industry.
AR Product Try-On
AR allows customers to see, try, and shop the products using their smartphones. Customers can place their phone’s camera in front of their body and try on hundreds of clothing, shoes, or other products before choosing the right one – all using virtual try-on.
Similarly, shoppers can virtually place digital goods like furniture in their living space to determine if the size and style fit well. This advanced AR implementation enables customers to confidently purchase products, while retailers can reduce the return rate using augmented reality in fashion.
Big brands like IKEA, Walmart, Lego, Gucci, etc., have implemented AR in fashion retail to help their loyal customers try products and see how it looks on their bodies from the comfort of their homes.
Try Before You Buy
The fashion market is becoming competitive, with brands adopting new strategies and technologies to stay ahead and win against competitors. Many beauty and fashion brands, like L’Oréal, Sephora, etc., have introduced makeup try-on apps to help cosmetic enthusiasts find the right product and make informed decisions.
When customers can try products before buying in the virtual world, it keeps them engaged for a longer time and provides a fun and novel browsing experience. The improved customer experience with the latest AR apps and digital tools helps retailers boost conversions, convert new visitors into repeat customers, and encourage additional purchases with personalized recommendations.
Magic Mirrors
Though it is not an online AR application, it has witnessed tremendous growth in the selling world. Usually found in virtual fitting rooms or shop floors, augmented reality technology-powered magic mirrors can help customers visualize different garments without physically changing the clothes.
Many brands are rolling out magic mirrors in-store in partnership with augmented reality apps. This helps customers try clothing, makeup, shoes, etc., and understand how a particular product will look on their bodies. The fun and engaging experience for customers in the digital world ensures they can browse through the vast range of products using their hand-held devices.
One feature-rich and advanced augmented reality technology available in the market is the SelfStylo makeup try-on tool. The AR technology helps customers try makeup products like lipsticks, eyeliners, eyeshadows, etc., and make more informed purchase decisions.
Future Of Augmented Reality In Fashion Industry
Augmented reality in fashion retail promises new opportunities for brands. It is also a great way to establish meaningful customer relationships and deliver better customer service.
A Statista report reveals that the global augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality market is expected to grow to US $250 billion by 2028, indicating its high adoption. When it comes to improving the user’s existing purchase experience and brand awareness, brands can implement AR filters and run AR-based campaigns on social media platforms.
Additionally, with the new-gen technology, companies can understand their clients better. The valuable insights from customer behavior help companies streamline visitors’ pre- and post-purchase journey.
Leverage The Power Of Augmented Reality Fashion
Retail and eCommerce businesses are benefitting immensely from AR tools. AR can help brands with 3D content in the virtual world and significantly impact customers shopping online. Using immersive technology and AR content, brands allow customers to try on items and encourage the creation of unique user-generated content for brand promotion.
If you’re a beauty and fashion brand wanting to improve your chances of staying ahead, contact SelfStylo AR experts. The advanced SelfStylo application helps brands deliver intriguing shopping experiences to customers and attract a broader audience. Get in touch with our augmented reality fashion experts today and drive business growth using advanced tech.