How Does Virtual Try-On Work?

Virtual try-on feels like magic, but it's actually a sophisticated pipeline of AI models working together. Here's how DrapOn turns a photo of clothes and a photo of you into a realistic preview.

The AI Pipeline

DrapOn's try-on process involves four key stages: body detection (finding you in the photo), pose estimation (mapping your body's key points), garment segmentation (isolating the clothing from its background), and fabric rendering (simulating how the garment would drape on your body).

Each stage uses a specialized neural network trained on massive datasets of human bodies and clothing.

Body Mapping

The body detection model identifies your figure in the photo and maps key anatomical points — shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles. This skeletal map tells the system where to place each part of the garment.

The model also estimates your body's depth and volume, allowing the garment to wrap naturally rather than lying flat.

Fabric Simulation

Different fabrics behave differently. Silk flows. Denim holds shape. Cotton drapes softly. DrapOn's fabric simulation engine predicts how the specific garment's material would behave on your body.

This simulation includes fold patterns, shadow casting, and edge behavior — the subtle details that make a virtual try-on look real rather than pasted on.

On-Device Processing

All of this happens on your phone. DrapOn's AI models are optimized for mobile inference using quantization and efficient architectures. Your photos never leave your device.

This on-device approach provides speed (no server latency), privacy (no cloud uploads), and offline capability (works with minimal connectivity).