One of the biggest problems in online clothing retail is that buyers can't try on a product before purchasing. This leads to high return rates (up to 30-40% in the fashion segment) and low conversion. AI-based virtual try-on technology solves this problem, letting shoppers see how clothing will look on them before placing an order.
What is AI Virtual Try-On?
Virtual Try-On is a technology that uses artificial intelligence to overlay a clothing image onto a photo of the buyer. Modern AI models can realistically adapt clothing to a person's figure, accounting for fabric folds, lighting, and perspective.
Implementation example: a WooCommerce plugin
Video of the plugin in action
We recently built a WordPress plugin that integrates AI try-on from TheNewBlack.ai into WooCommerce stores. The plugin lets you:
- Upload a photo of the buyer directly on the product page
- Automatically generate the result — the AI overlays the selected clothing onto the user's photo
- Get the result in 10-15 seconds — the buyer sees how the item will look on them
Technical implementation details
The plugin works through an API integration and includes:
Admin panel:
- API credentials configuration
- Meta fields for each product (clothing type: top, bottom, dresses)
Frontend:
- A photo upload block on the product page, with a sample result
- Every photo (including the user's original photo) is remembered for the duration of the session
- An animation during try-on generation
- Asynchronous processing via AJAX
- A polling mechanism for tracking result readiness
- Displaying the generated image
Options for implementing AI try-on
1. API integration (as in our plugin)
Advantages:
- Fast implementation (1-2 days of development)
- No need for your own AI infrastructure
- Regular model updates from the provider
Drawbacks:
- API fees (with the minimum package, one try-on costs 10 cents).
Best suited for: small and medium businesses.
2. SaaS solutions (ready-made services)
Platforms like Looklet, Vue.ai, and Veesual offer ready-made solutions with widgets.
Advantages:
- Implementation in a few hours
- Technical support included in the price
- Usage analytics
Drawbacks:
- Limited customization options
- Higher cost in the long run
Best suited for: stores that want to quickly test the technology
3. Custom development based on open-source models
Using models like VITON-HD, HR-VITON on your own servers.
Advantages:
- Full control over the process
- No API subscription fee
- Ability to fine-tune for the specifics of your products
Drawbacks:
- High initial development cost
- GPU servers required
- Need for ongoing support and updates
Best suited for: large stores with a technical team
Benefits of implementing AI try-on
For businesses:
Increased conversion: Studies show a 20-35% increase in conversion after implementing virtual try-on.
Reduced returns: When a buyer sees how clothing looks on them, the return rate drops by 25-40%.
Competitive advantage: Few Ukrainian stores currently use this technology — you can stand out.
Data collection: Try-on usage analytics gives insight into which products interest buyers the most.
Reduced support load: Fewer questions like "How will this look on me?"
For buyers:
Confidence in choice: Being able to see themselves in the clothing reduces purchase anxiety.
Time savings: No need to order multiple sizes just to try them on.
A personalized experience: Interactive engagement makes shopping more interesting.
Safety: No need to go to a physical store — especially relevant under wartime conditions.
Technical requirements
To implement AI try-on on WooCommerce you need:
- WordPress 5.8+
- WooCommerce 6.0+
- PHP 7.4+
- HTTPS (for working with camera/files)
- Quality product photos (minimum 800x800px)
Conclusions
AI try-on isn't futuristic fiction — it's a real tool that can already boost your online store's sales today. The technology is developing quickly, becoming more accessible and more accurate.
For small and medium businesses, API integration is the optimal solution — fast, relatively inexpensive, and effective. This is exactly the approach we used in our WooCommerce plugin.
If you want to implement AI try-on or other modern technologies in your online store, we're ready to help.