Amid fierce competition and rapidly evolving customer dynamics, savvy clothing retailers recognize the importance of visual merchandising and presenting their products in a way that appeals to shoppers. More and more businesses are turning to visual configuration for apparel.
Key Takeaways
- Visual configuration for apparel empowers customers to create clothing and accessories to their exact specifications, from the convenience of their phone or computer.
- Enabling customization and 3D visuals of changes, made in real-time, engages consumers more and increases likelihood of conversion.
- Brands also see a reduction in product returns, as customer expectations are better aligned by seeing their exact product, and a sense of ownership is created by making a unique item.
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Customers will pay a premium for customized items. One study found that they’ll pay as much as 20% more, and that they’ll also be more likely to recommend your business or brand if customization features are offered.
- A visual configurator is further advanced with the addition of AI Visual Discovery, which enables things like visual search and guided selling.
Visual configuration is a revolution in the ecommerce industry, offering shoppers an interactive experience that is simple, streamlined, and personalized to their exact specifications.
It's a new way of customizing apparel that is fast and efficient. It allows prospective buyers to see how the garment will look before they buy it, so they can make an informed decision about what will fit best.
Read on to find out how top brands are using visual configuration for apparel to their advantage.
1. Nike
Nike uses visual configuration for apparel, in its Nike By You program. It has a large customer base, and the company uses the technology to create a unique experience for its customers.
The product customizer starts with a template, then walks shoppers through various elements they can personalize. At the end, there’s a “share” button that gives shoppers the option to share on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, and copy a link to the custom creation. Nike's visual configurator is an excellent way for customers to express their individuality and creativity.
2. Burberry
Burberry is a luxury brand with a visual configuration tool for apparel and accessories, creating a unique customer experience. The company designs and manufactures its products, including ready-to-wear products, accessories, and footwear. By using a visual configuration tool, Burberry is able to offer more variety of products, at a fraction of the overhead.
The visual configurator tool allows users to tweak the apparel's design according to their preference and view the items as they would appear in their space before buying them.
3. Vans
Vans is one of the most iconic brands in the skateboarding and footwear industry. The company has been around for nearly 50 years and has built a strong following among skaters and non-skaters. In 2004, they created a Customized by You feature, which allows users to personalize their own Vans shoes. Users can select from various shoe styles, colors and patterns; they can even add personal text or images to their gear.
The visual configurator tool is easy to use and provides users with a fun and unique way to personalize their shoes. Since launching the Vans Customs 3D configurator tool, online sales of Vans shoes have grown by a 17% compounded annual rate. This rise in sales is due in part to its ecommerce for custom products strategy that allows buyers to find the perfect pair of shoes for their style. In addition, using the sneaker customizer tool helps buyers create a solid emotional connection with the brand.
4. J. Press
J. Press sells custom tailored shirts. What makes them stand out in a crowded market is the degree to which their customers can customize those shirts. With so many choices, the final product would be impossible for customers to imagine without the help of a 3D product visualizer.
Threekit’s product configurator for apparel enabled J. Press to create a high-quality 3D representation once, distribute it across multiple platforms and iterate off it for years to come. Designed by experienced visual effects software developers to be future-proof, the configurator provides real-time rendering of fully customizable shirts, including various combinations of fabrics, colors, collars, pockets, fits and sizes.
The configurator is also designed with zoom capabilities. This feature allows you to enlarge the shirt you’ve created to see its specific features, like the fabric, color, cut, details, stitching and more. With J.Press’ 3D product configurator, you can customize the perfect shirt in five simple steps.
5. Kashiyama
Tailored suits are a big investment, and people want to know what they’re getting before they purchase one.
Kashiyama takes suit shopping to the next level by allowing their customers to visualize the style and fabric of their suit before placing the order. Then, the customer sets up an appointment to be measured in person, allowing Kashiyama to craft the perfect suit for them.
It’s an excellent example of how companies that still require some in-person interactions can benefit from 3D product configuration. After all, there’s simply no way a brick-and-mortar shopper could fully appreciate their many different customization options without a 3D product configurator.
6. Choiss
Customizing jackets isn’t anything new: think of the tradition of varsity or letterman jackets displaying the wearer’s initials and their sporting or academic achievements. But outside of high school, customization is a game-changer for clothing retailers.
Choiss lets you choose the jacket style you want and then go ahead and customize the body, sleeves, sides, ribbing, collar, zipper, and lining. Its configurator, developed by Threekit, is clean and easy to use. With a photorealistic 3D image of your chosen jacket, and 360° spin viewer, you can see exactly what you're ordering, in real-time.
7. Moncler
Moncler is a French-Italian sportswear brand that sells coats, jackets, sweaters, and other items for men and women. The Alps inspired the company's founder, and he wanted to create an elegant style of clothing that could withstand harsh weather conditions, while remaining stylish and functional.
Moncler uses visual configuration for apparel to help customers choose the right size when ordering online or at their retail stores worldwide. It's challenging to strike a balance between getting an elegant piece, ensuring it's resistant to extreme weather conditions, and exceeding customer expectations. With the visual configurator, Moncler does it with ease and consistent perfection. The company's profitability and longevity are a testament to this.
8. Adidas
Adidas is one of the largest sportswear retailers. True to its commitment to providing exceptional service to its clients, it has embraced virtual configuration for apparel.
The company offers a wide range of products that can be customized with visual configuration. Customers can choose from a variety of colors, styles, and sizes. They can also add their names, team names, and numbers to their purchases.
Using a Visual Configurator for Apparel
Visual configuration is a great way to create more streamlined designs and allow your customers to select their styles without having them tailored by professionals at every step.
This method allows you to provide more options for your customers and offer them a better experience. Enhance your customers' journey with visual configuration for apparel. Get started today!
