Fair question and you shouldn't have to take our word for it. Here's what independent industry research says, in short. (The full report with all sources is on our site: The Confidence Gap - How Virtual Try-On and Size Technology Are Reshaping Fashion E-Commerce)
The problem the data describes
Online apparel is returned at 20–40% of orders - versus just ~6% for the same items bought in-store (ICSC). That gap is the price of shoppers not being able to see or size an item before buying.
70% of fashion returns are down to fit or style (McKinsey). In other words: most returned garments have nothing wrong with them - the shopper just couldn't answer "how will it look on me?" and "will it fit?" before paying.
63% of shoppers admit to "bracketing" - ordering multiple sizes and returning the rest (industry surveys). That's not misbehaviour; it's what people do when the product page can't answer their size question.
What the evidence says about try-on and size tools
Shoppers who use virtual try-on have been reported to convert at up to 10x the rate of shoppers who don't (DressX data, reported by Forbes - platform-reported, so treat as directional).
Fit and size tools are credited with 10–20% reductions in apparel returns, with AR try-on deployments reporting 30–40% where used (returns-industry data).
Shoppers are asking for it: a 2026 study of 1,000 consumers ranked fit & returns assistance the #2 most-wanted AI shopping feature (Appinio).
Why AI Frame combines both
The hesitation has two halves: try-on answers "how does it look on me?", the size chart answers "will it fit?". Answer only one and the other keeps causing abandonment and returns, which is why AI Frame puts both in one widget, on the same product page, at the moment of decision.
Honest limits
Try-on is a realistic preview, not a physical simulation, it works best with clear product photos (see Product Photo Tips for the Best Try-On Results) and honest presentation. And your shoppers' photos are sensitive data: AI Frame stores nothing and never uses shopper photos to train AI (see Is Shopper Data Safe?).
📄 Want the full picture? Read the complete industry report, with all 13 sources: The Confidence Gap - How Virtual Try-On and Size Technology Are Reshaping Fashion E-Commerce
Need a hand? If you're weighing whether try-on fits your store, send us a message - we'll give you an honest answer, including if it's "not yet."