How New Digital Tools Are Revolutionizing the Search for the Perfect Fit

Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be an overwhelming process. Whether you’re browsing in-store or shopping online, the sheer variety of fits—mid-rise, low-rise, skinny, wide-leg, if you’re shopping for jeans —can leave consumers confused about which style will suit them best. This dilemma becomes even more complex when shopping online, where you can’t physically try on different styles before making a purchase. Fit becomes the #1 problem.

Luckily, new digital tools and technologies are making it easier for consumers to find the perfect fit, even from the comfort of their homes. These innovations are revolutionizing the online shopping experience, allowing consumers to make informed decisions and reducing the dreaded return rate of ill-fitting clothing.

The Challenges of Choosing the Right Fit

Before diving into the tools that are simplifying online shopping, let’s explore why finding the right fit is often a challenge—especially when it comes to jeans. Consider three popular fits in the denim space: mid-rise, low-rise, and skinny jeans. Each style offers a different look, feel, and silhouette, but choosing between them can feel like an impossible task without trying them on first. And while trends will often dictate the fit a consumer is looking for, they are not the only consideration: Comfort is still king.

• Mid-Rise Jeans: These are a classic, sitting comfortably on or just below the waist. They’re perfect for a balanced, everyday look and provide coverage without being too restrictive. However, some consumers struggle with whether mid-rise will truly suit their proportions or if they should opt for a higher or lower rise instead.
• Low-Rise Jeans: A favorite during the early 2000s, low-rise jeans sit below the hips, offering a laid-back and slightly edgy vibe. However, this style can be tricky because it often requires a longer torso to pull off comfortably, and consumers may worry whether this fit will provide enough coverage or suit their body type.
• Skinny Jeans: Skinny jeans are a snug fit that follow the contours of the body, often highlighting the legs. While a staple for many, the tight fit can be uncomfortable for some body types, leaving shoppers questioning whether to go for skinny or opt for something looser like a straight-leg or boyfriend fit.

In each case, shoppers face a myriad of questions: Will these jeans sit comfortably? Will they look flattering? Should I size up or down? These are difficult to answer when shopping online—especially since sizing and fit can vary from brand to brand.

Digital Tools to the Rescue: Personalized Fit Solutions

Recognizing the challenge of buying jeans online, fashion brands and retailers have started implementing cutting-edge digital tools to help customers make more confident purchases. Here’s a look at some of the most innovative solutions reshaping the online shopping experience:

1. Virtual Fitting Rooms

Virtual fitting rooms have emerged as a game-changer for online shopping. Using augmented reality (AR) or AI technology, these tools allow customers to “try on” jeans virtually, seeing how different fits and sizes would look on their body in real-time.

For example, imagine a shopper deciding between mid-rise and low-rise jeans. By uploading their measurements or using a live AR tool, they can instantly visualize how each fit would sit on their waist, hips, and legs. This not only eliminates guesswork but also provides a realistic view of how different styles flatter different body types.

How It Helps: Virtual fitting rooms save time and help consumers make more informed decisions, significantly reducing the number of returns due to poor fit. The ability to see how jeans will look before buying makes it easier to confidently choose between tricky fits like low-rise or mid-rise.

2. AI-Powered Fit Recommendation Engines

Many online fashion retailers are now using AI-powered fit recommendation engines to enhance the shopping experience. These tools collect customer data—such as height, weight, body shape, and even previous purchases—to recommend the perfect size and fit.

Let’s say a shopper has had difficulty finding pants that fit well. By inputting their measurements, the AI can analyze their body shape and suggest whether a size up or down would be better, or even if they should consider a different fit altogether (like mid-rise straight-leg jeans). This data-driven approach personalizes recommendations, helping shoppers feel more confident in their choices.

How It Helps: Fit recommendation engines minimize the uncertainty that comes with online shopping. They help eliminate the common frustration of ordering jeans only to find out that they don’t fit as expected. This tool is particularly useful when deciding between similar styles or sizes.

3. Body Scanning Apps

Body scanning apps take the guesswork out of sizing by creating a 3D model of the consumer’s body. Customers use their smartphone cameras to scan their bodies, and the app generates precise measurements that can be used to find jeans that will fit perfectly. These apps are especially useful for people who have unique body proportions that standard sizes don’t always accommodate.

How It Helps: Body scanning apps ensure that customers get a true-to-life representation of how jeans will fit them, greatly reducing the risk of ordering the wrong size. This tool is especially helpful for customers who have found it hard to fit into standard sizing in the past.

4. Detailed Size Charts and User Reviews

Another tool that has helped bridge the gap between in-store and online shopping is the enhancement of size charts and user-generated reviews. Detailed size charts now include specifics like inseam length, rise measurements, and leg opening width, helping shoppers compare styles more easily. In addition, many retailers encourage customers to leave reviews with specific information on how the jeans fit their body type.

For example, a shopper interested in how a low-rise or mid-rise jeans will fit or if they run short or long can check user reviews to see how others with similar body types found the fit. Someone might mention that the jeans run small or that they’re ideal for shorter torsos, helping the next shopper make a more informed decision.

How It Helps: Comprehensive size charts and reviews from real customers provide valuable context. Shoppers can gauge if the jeans will run true to size or if they should size up or down based on the experiences of others.

The Impact of Digital Tools on Fashion Brands

The benefits of these digital tools extend far beyond convenience for the consumer. Retailers, too, are seeing significant advantages. Return rates—especially on items like jeans, where fit is critical—are being reduced, and customer satisfaction is on the rise. These tools provide a more personalized and enjoyable shopping experience, fostering greater customer loyalty in the long term.

For brands, the insights gathered from these digital tools allow them to better understand their customer base, optimize product offerings, and ultimately offer more tailored services. By implementing these technologies, fashion retailers are positioning themselves as forward-thinking and customer-centric.

In today’s digital age, shopping for jeans has become less of a guessing game. With innovations like virtual fitting rooms, AI-powered recommendation engines, and body scanning apps, consumers can now find the perfect fit without ever stepping foot in a store. These tools not only enhance the shopping experience but also empower consumers to make more informed and confident decisions, especially when choosing between mid-rise, low-rise, or skinny jeans.

Thank you to the Grow Big and Silver Jeans teams for their support in writing this article and for their contributions to the growing field of digital fashion technology.

 

Sources:

• WGSN – https://www.wgsn.com

• The Business of Fashion – https://www.businessoffashion.com

• Vogue Business – https://www.voguebusiness.com

• Silver Jeans – https://www.silverjeans.com