How to Measure Yourself Accurately for Virtual Try-On

VTS achieves 96% accuracy on size recommendations. That accuracy depends on the AI having clear, well-framed photos to work from. Giving the AI good input is the single most effective thing a shopper can do to get the most accurate results.

This guide covers exactly how to take the photos that produce the most accurate measurements.

What You Need

Before you start, make sure you have:

• Your smartphone with camera
• Fitted clothing — more on this below
• A clear space with about 1.5 metres between you and where you will prop your phone
• Good lighting — natural daylight is best, but any consistent indoor lighting works

That is it. No special equipment, no mirrors, no assistance required.

Step 1: Wear the Right Clothing

This is the most important factor in scan accuracy. The AI extracts your measurements by analysing your body's contours and proportions in the photos. Baggy or loose clothing obscures these contours and reduces accuracy.

Wear:

• Fitted t-shirt or top — the closer to your body, the better
• Fitted trousers, leggings, or jeans — no flared or wide-leg cuts
• Flat shoes or bare feet — heels change your posture and affect measurement accuracy

Avoid:

• Oversized jumpers or hoodies
• Loose dresses or skirts for the scanning photos
• Bulky outerwear
• Shapewear that significantly compresses your natural measurements

Step 2: Set Up Your Phone

You need your phone to take the photo from approximately 1.5 metres away at roughly the height of your chest or waist.

Good options for propping your phone:

• Stack a few books on a table
• Use a phone stand or tripod if you have one
• Ask someone to hold it — but keep them at the same 1.5 metre distance

The phone should be roughly level with your mid-section. Photos taken from too high (looking down at you) or too low (looking up at you) affect measurement accuracy because they distort proportions.

Step 3: Take the Front Photo

Stand facing the camera directly — feet shoulder-width apart, arms slightly away from your body so they are not pressed against your sides.

Look for:

• Your full body in frame from head to feet
• Arms visible and not pressed against your torso
• Standing straight — not leaning or slouching
• Face forward, not turned to the side

The front photo captures measurements including shoulder width, chest, waist, and hip circumference.

Step 4: Take the Side Photo

Turn 90 degrees to your right so your left side faces the camera. Same stance — standing straight, feet shoulder-width apart, arms slightly forward of your body so they do not obscure your torso profile.

Look for:

• Your full profile in frame from head to feet
• Arms slightly in front of your body, not pressed back
• Standing naturally upright — not arching your back or hunching forward

The side photo captures measurements including chest depth, waist depth, and posture-related proportions.

Step 5: Check the Photos Before Submitting

Take a moment to review both photos before uploading them to VTS.

Check:

• Is your full body visible from head to feet in both photos?
• Are you standing straight with no lean?
• Is the lighting consistent — no harsh shadows across your body?
• Is your clothing fitted clearly showing your body outline?

If any of these are not right, retake the photo. It takes 30 seconds and significantly affects your recommendation accuracy.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake: Phone too close Result: Only upper body visible, feet cut off. Fix: Move the phone further back until your full body fits in frame.

Mistake: Wearing loose clothing Result: AI cannot accurately identify body contours. Fix: Change into a fitted t-shirt and leggings or jeans.

Mistake: Poor lighting Result: Shadow across body obscures contours on one side. Fix: Stand facing a window or under even overhead lighting.

Mistake: Leaning or slouching Result: Inaccurate posture measurements affect length and proportion calculations. Fix: Stand against a wall briefly to calibrate your natural posture, then step away and take the photo.

Mistake: Arms pressed against sides Result: Arm and torso boundaries are indistinct, affecting chest and waist measurements. Fix: Hold your arms slightly away from your body — not raised, just not pressed against your sides.

After the Photos: What the AI Does

Once you submit both photos, VTS processes them in 15 to 20 seconds. During this time, the AI:

• Identifies body landmarks — shoulders, chest, waist, hips, knees, feet
• Extracts 20+ measurements from the front and side data combined
• Matches your measurements against the selected product's size chart
• Generates a fit heatmap showing how each size will feel on your body
• Returns a specific size recommendation with confidence scoring

The quality of this output is directly proportional to the quality of the photos. Good photos, taken following this guide, consistently produce 96% accurate recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need someone to take the photos for me?

No. Most shoppers take their own photos by propping their phone against books or a stand and using the timer. A helper can make it easier but is not required.

What if I do not have fitted clothing?

Swim or gym wear also works well. The key is that the AI can clearly see your body's outline. Underwear is acceptable if you are comfortable — it gives very clear measurement data.

How far should I stand from the phone?

Approximately 1.5 metres — roughly five feet. If you are very tall, you may need slightly more distance to get your full body in frame. Check the preview before taking the final shot.

Can I use photos I already have?

Yes, if they meet the criteria — full body visible, fitted clothing, front and side angles, standing straight. Old photos where you are wearing bulky clothing or taken at unusual angles will reduce accuracy.

How often should I retake my photos?

Retake whenever your body has changed significantly — weight change of 5kg or more, post-pregnancy, or major fitness changes. For most adults in a stable phase, photos taken once will remain accurate for many months.