Google Adds Dresses to Its Virtual Try-On Tool
Google is taking dress shopping to a new level by updating its virtual try-on tool to include dresses, which is "one of the most-searched apparel categories," according to the company. This feature will make shopping even more accessible for those trying to get the perfect fit without the usual disappointment of online shopping purchases.
The company's press release claims that shopping online can be fun. However, it can also be challenging.
The release states, "It’s hard to tell how a new style will look on you, and buying something that doesn’t work can send you through the returns process, which is burdensome for both shoppers and retailers. It’s why we launched a virtual try-on tool for women's and men’s tops last year, which uses generative AI to help you see every detail — down to the shadows, wrinkles and draping — of a piece of clothing."
The company claims that shoppers have found great success with their purchases since introducing this tool. Google claims that "virtual try-on images on Search receive 60% more high-quality views, and on average, people try on clothes using four models per product. Shoppers are also more likely to visit a brand’s site after viewing virtual try-on image."
Last year, we launched virtual try-on for men's and women's shirts, letting you preview every detail — down to shadows and draping — of an item using AI. Now, we're expanding it to include dresses in sizes XXS to XXXL. 👗 Learn more ↓ https://t.co/iKF5RofUNP
— Google (@Google) September 9, 2024
This is how it works. Using Google's Shopping Graph, shoppers can see dresses on models that represent their specific body type, featuring hundreds of clothing brands.
Search for dresses in the Google search bar and click on a style with a "try-on" badge. Then, shoppers can see what that dress looks like on real models in sizes from XXS to XXXL. Using a model that looks the most like their body type allows shoppers a better sense of how the garment will look when they receive it. All they have to do is click on the retailer's website and purchase.
Google claims this revolutionary feature is based on generative AI technology created for virtual try-on (VTO), which uses a diffusion technique. This allows Google to "generate every pixel from scratch to produce high-quality, realistic images of tops and blouses on models."
The website Retail Systems reports that the technology initially featured a smaller range of well-known brands for shoppers to review, including Anthropologie, Everland, H&M, and LOFT. However, it has since expanded to include brands such as SIMKHAI, Boden, Staud, Sandro, and Maje.