How Does Virtual Try-On Handle Different Skin Tones?

Representation matters in fashion technology. For too long, digital tools in the fashion industry have been built primarily for lighter skin tones, producing inaccurate results for darker-skinned users or simply failing to represent them in generated imagery.

VTS is built to work accurately and inclusively across all skin tones. Here is exactly how.

Body Scanning Accuracy Across All Skin Tones

The body scanning component of VTS — where the AI extracts 20+ measurements from two photos — works through computer vision analysis of body contours, proportions, and dimensions. This process is not affected by skin tone.

The AI analyses the shape and outline of the body in the photos, not pigmentation. Measurement accuracy is consistent whether the shopper has the lightest or darkest complexion. VTS achieves 96% accuracy on size recommendations across all skin tones.

Virtual Try-On Image Generation

The virtual try-on component — where VTS generates a photorealistic image of the shopper wearing the garment — works from the shopper's own photos. The generated image reflects the shopper's actual appearance, including their skin tone, because the source material is their own body.

This is fundamentally different from avatar-based try-on systems that use a generic body model and apply a "skin tone selector." VTS uses the shopper's real photos as the basis for try-on generation, which means the output automatically and accurately represents their actual appearance.

Why This Matters for Fashion Decisions

Colour decisions in fashion are highly skin-tone dependent. A cream blouse that looks beautiful on a lighter complexion may wash out on another, while a deep burgundy that pops on darker skin may look heavy on lighter skin.

Because VTS generates try-on images using the shopper's actual photos, the colour interaction between the garment and the shopper's skin tone is represented accurately. Shoppers can make better colour decisions, not just fit decisions.

Inclusivity Across Body Types

VTS works accurately across all body types — not just skin tones. This includes:

• Standard sizing ranges
• Plus sizes across all categories
• Petite builds
• Tall frames
• All body proportions

The AI does not use a normalised body model that is then scaled. It extracts measurements from the shopper's actual photos, which means unusual proportions are captured accurately rather than being approximated.

Our Commitment to Inclusive Technology

Fashion technology has a history of failing underrepresented groups — and that failure has real commercial consequences for merchants whose customer bases are diverse. A try-on tool that works for some shoppers and not others is not a solution to the returns problem; it is a partial solution at best.

VTS is designed to serve the full diversity of Shopify merchants' customer bases. As the technology evolves, maintaining accuracy and representation across all skin tones, body types, and proportions remains a core development priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does VTS produce different accuracy levels for different skin tones?

No. Body scanning accuracy is based on contour and proportion analysis, not pigmentation. The 96% accuracy rate applies consistently across all skin tones.

Can shoppers with very dark skin tones use the body scanner?

Yes. The computer vision methodology works across the full spectrum of skin tones. Adequate lighting in the photo is the most important factor for scan quality — this applies to all shoppers regardless of skin tone.

Does the virtual try-on image accurately show how colours look on my skin tone?

Yes. Because VTS generates try-on images from your actual photos rather than a generic model, colour interaction with your specific skin tone is represented accurately.

Is VTS available in markets with predominantly darker-skinned customer bases?

Yes. VTS is available in all regions where Shopify operates, globally. The technology is designed for a global customer base.