AR in Fashion: An Emerging Technology or a Game-Changer for the Industry?

Fashion is an industry that is constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies, and Augmented Reality (AR) is no exception. AR is an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience and interact with fashion. In this article, we will explore how AR is being used in the fashion industry, its benefits and challenges, and its potential as a game-changer for the industry.

Kristina Vilyams
3 min readApr 11, 2023
Balenciaga’s BB Earrings Instagram filter video. Courtesy of Balenciaga

How AR is Being Used in Fashion

AR is being used in various ways in the fashion industry, from virtual try-ons to immersive shopping experiences. One of the most popular applications of AR in fashion is virtual try-ons, which allow customers to try on clothes and accessories virtually. This technology allows customers to see how clothes will look on them without actually having to try them on, which can save time and reduce the need for physical inventory.

AR is also being used to create immersive shopping experiences. For example, some retailers are using AR to create virtual stores that customers can visit from their own homes. These virtual stores allow customers to browse and purchase products in a more immersive and engaging way than traditional online shopping.

Another way that AR is being used in fashion is through digital styling tools. These tools allow customers to mix and match clothes and accessories virtually, creating personalized outfits that they can try on virtually.

Benefits and Challenges of AR in Fashion

AR has several benefits for the fashion industry, including increased engagement and a more personalized shopping experience. By using AR, fashion brands can create more immersive and engaging shopping experiences that can help to increase customer loyalty and sales.

However, there are also several challenges to using AR in fashion. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of implementing AR technology, which can be expensive for smaller fashion brands. Another challenge is the need for high-quality 3D models of products, which can be time-consuming and costly to produce.

AR in Fashion: A Game-Changer for the Industry?

Despite the challenges, AR has the potential to be a game-changer for the fashion industry. By using AR, fashion brands can create more engaging and immersive shopping experiences that can help to increase customer engagement and loyalty. Virtual try-ons, for example, can help to reduce returns and improve customer satisfaction.

In addition, AR can help to create a more sustainable fashion industry by reducing the need for physical inventory and reducing the carbon footprint of shipping products around the world.

However, to fully realize the potential of AR in fashion, there are several challenges that need to be overcome. These include the need for more affordable AR technology and the need for high-quality 3D models of products.

AR is an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry. By using AR, fashion brands can create more engaging and immersive shopping experiences that can help to increase customer loyalty and sales. However, there are also several challenges to using AR in fashion, such as the cost of implementing AR technology and the need for high-quality 3D models of products. With continued investment and innovation, AR has the potential to be a game-changer for the fashion industry, creating a more sustainable and engaging future for fashion retail.

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Kristina Vilyams

Product designer & Augmented Reality Developer. Pioneering AR fashion and interior. Featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Australia, Yahoo. kristinavilyams.com