Walmart’s new virtual try-on technology lets customers be their own model

By Cheryl Ainoa, SVP, New Businesses & Emerging Tech, Walmart Global Tech

Last fall, my daughter and I were shopping for her homecoming dress, and although it was a bonding experience for us, we weren’t alone. Her friends were with us – virtually – every step of the way. They were sending us dresses they found online, and my daughter was snapping and sharing dresses as we browsed the racks and as she tried them on. Online, instore – it was all one fluid experience.

One of the most exciting parts of my job is overseeing the development of new tech-powered features that make shopping experiences like this one faster, easier and more fun. Over the past six months, we’ve launched five new augmented reality (AR) shopping experiences across apparel, home and optical. Today, we’re launching our most transformative one to date: Be Your Own Model, our newest virtual try-on experience, which we brought to market in less than a year.

The extended Walmart Global Tech team are experts at making highly complex technology simple to use. There’s true artistry in this skill and Be Your Own Model is an excellent example.

There are a few ways our technology sets this experience apart.

First, we start by using algorithms and intricate machine learning models – techniques originally utilized in developing highly accurate topographic maps – to create a “topographic map” of a customer – in other words, an image that will allow them to try on items virtually.

Second, neural networks show how an item looks on various “topographies” – in this case, customers’ images – from how the fabric drapes, to the lengths based on height, to how one size looks compared to another.

Lastly, our virtual try-on experience/technology uses images of the actual garment to create more a realistic look, instead of using 3D models. For example, a single blouse can come in different colors, patterns, sizes, and sleeve lengths – our systems can account for these variations.

These features work together to create a unique experience that is incredibly simple for our customers to use, and it will be available at an unprecedented size and scale, with more than 270K items.

I can’t help but imagine how far Be Your Own Model’s tech-powered features will go in creating a more personalized and engaging shopping experience for our customers. I know my daughter and her friends would have enjoyed using Be Your Own Model as part of our homecoming shopping fun. 

Be Your Own Model virtual try-on is now available on the Walmart iOS app. I can’t wait to hear what you think!