The Mirror isn't on the wall anymore

In an era where shoppers are no longer confined to malls or trial rooms, AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) have emerged as the new frontier of retail experiences, especially for fashion and accessories brands on Shopify. What used to be a limitation (the inability to touch, feel, or try) is now an opportunity to wow users with immersive digital interactions that feel genuinely real.

From allowing a user to see a pair of sunglasses on their face or rape a scarf around their neck virtually. AR/VR is bridging the gap between desire and decision. But here's the thing: this isn't just for big-budget retailers anymore. With tools like <model-viewer>and Shopify metafields, along with a little JavaScript, even small to mid-sized stores can offer an interactive try-on experience.

Let's break it down.

Why Virtual Try-on Matters for Fashion eCommerce

Fashion buyers are visual. But more than that, they’re emotional. The lack of physical interaction is often the biggest blocker in eCommerce. That’s where AR/VR steps in.
Here’s what immersive try-ons bring:

Increased confidence in purchase decisions
Reduced returns, especially for accessories and fit-sensitive items
Higher engagement on product pages
Better storytelling and brand perception

And the best part? You can start small. Let’s explore how.

Getting Started with AR Try-On in Shopify

We’ll show you how to integrate a simple 3D product viewer into your Shopify store. This setup works well for items like:

Sunglasses
Shoes
Jewelry
Bags
Headwear

Step-by-Step Code: Using `<model-viewer>` for 3D Try-On

Google’s <model-viewer> is a powerful web component that allows you to render .glb or .usdz 3D files directly in the browser, with support for AR on mobile.

## Step 1: Upload your 3D models

In your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Files and upload your .glb(Android/Web) and .usdz (iOS) files.

Tip: You can also store model URLs in Shopify metafields.

Step 2: Edit your theme code

Add this to your product-template.liquid or relevant product section:

<!-- Load model-viewer script -->
<script type="module" src="https://unpkg.com/@google/model-viewer/dist/model-viewer.min.js"></script>

<!-- Embed the 3D Model -->
<model-viewer 
  src="{{ product.metafields.custom.model_glb_url }}" 
  ios-src="{{ product.metafields.custom.model_usdz_url }}" 
  alt="3D view of {{ product.title }}"
  ar 
  ar-modes="scene-viewer webxr quick-look"
  camera-controls 
  auto-rotate 
  style="width: 100%; height: 500px; background: #f8f8f8;">
</model-viewer>

Note: Be sure your 3D model metafields are defined under custom.model_glb_url and custom.model_usdz_url.

Step 3: Enable Metafield for Products

In your Shopify admin:

Navigate to Settings > Custom Data > Products

Add two fields:

model_glb_url(file URL)
model_usdz_url (file URL)

Then, edit the product and upload the model files for each product.

Step 4: Add Conditional Try-On CTA Button

To keep things clean, you can show a “Try in AR” button only if the model URLs are present:

{% if product.metafields.custom.model_glb_url != blank %}
  <button class="btn btn--primary" onclick="document.querySelector('model-viewer').scrollIntoView({behavior:'smooth'});">
    Try in 3D/AR
  </button>
{% endif %}

This gives you a simple, elegant way to highlight try-on-enabled products.

Scaling Up? Here’s Where a Shopify Plus Agency Can Help

If you’re working with a large catalog or want to deeply integrate AR with custom storefronts, automation, and post-purchase flows, partnering with a Shopify Plus agency can streamline the process.

These agencies often:

Build custom apps to manage 3D content across SKUs
Integrate AR try-ons with headless commerce using Shopify Hydrogen
Optimize loading performance and fallback logic
Implement AR/VR analytics and event tracking

So while small brands can test the waters with basic embeds, serious fashion houses and scaling DTC brands benefit from enterprise-level AR enablement through expert teams.

Real-World Apps That Go Beyond

While <model-viewer> gives you a no-code gateway, you can also explore these Shopify apps for deeper AR/VR integrations:

VTO Try-On – Ideal for eyewear and cosmetics
Sayduck – Upload 3D files, customize try-on, includes analytics
3DLOOK – Full-body scans and virtual fitting technology
NexTech AR – Enterprise-grade AR product viewers

These platforms often provide Shopify app embeds or custom API integrations for larger catalogs and wearable items.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Skipping mobile testing (AR is heavily mobile-first)
Using heavy 3D files (>5MB) that slow down load times
Not setting fallbacks for browsers/devices without AR support
Ignoring the product context (i.e., showing a flat watch on a rotating table is less useful than on a wrist)

Final Thoughts

The try-on experience is no longer locked behind glass storefronts or dressing room curtains. It’s dynamic, it’s interactive, and it’s ready to live inside your Shopify store—powered by code, creativity, and a few good models (3D ones, that is).

So go ahead—let your products be worn, turned, tapped, and tried... even before they’re bought.

Lucy @lucy1