Virtual try-on is one of the most requested features in Shopify fashion — and until recently, it was only available to enterprise retailers with six-figure tech budgets. That's changed. Apps like Drape bring photorealistic AI try-on to any Shopify store, with a one-click install and a free tier to get started.
This guide covers everything a Shopify store owner needs to know: how the technology works, how to install it, how it integrates with your theme, and what results to expect.
How Shopify Virtual Try-On Works
Modern AI try-on uses image synthesis models trained on large datasets of garment-on-body imagery. When a shopper uploads their photo, the AI:
- Identifies the garment in your product image (automatically detected from the page's
og:imagetag) - Analyses the shopper's body shape, pose, and lighting in their photo
- Generates a new image of the shopper wearing the garment, preserving realistic fabric drape, shadows, and body proportions
The result is a photorealistic image — not a basic overlay — showing the specific shopper in the specific garment, generated in approximately 15 seconds.
Installing Drape on Your Shopify Store
Step 1: Install from the Shopify App Store
Search for "Drape Virtual Try-On" in the Shopify App Store, or go directly to the listing and click Add app. Approve the permissions and the app is installed.
No code changes are required.
Step 2: The Try On Button Appears Automatically
Drape uses a Theme App Extension — a Shopify-native mechanism that adds the Try On button to your product page theme without touching your theme files. The button is added to your theme as a block that you can position anywhere in the product page layout.
This means:
- Your theme code is never modified
- If you uninstall Drape, the button disappears cleanly
- The extension works with any Online Store 2.0 theme
Step 3: Position the Button in Theme Editor
After installation, go to Online Store → Themes → Customize. On any product page, you'll find the Drape block in the theme editor. Drag it to your preferred position — typically below the product images or near the "Add to Cart" button.
Step 4: Test a Try-On
Open a product page on your live store. Click the "Try on Me" button, upload a photo, and verify the try-on generates correctly. The first try-on uses one of your 10 free credits.
Shopify-Specific Features
Billing through Shopify. Upgrades, downgrades, and charges all go through Shopify Billing — no separate payment method required.
Theme App Extension. Unlike script-based integrations, there's nothing to paste into your theme. The Drape block lives alongside your other theme blocks.
Online Store 2.0 compatible. Works with Dawn, Sense, Refresh, and any custom OS2.0 theme.
Product image auto-detection. Drape reads the og:image meta tag from the product page. Shopify sets this automatically from your product's featured image. No extra configuration needed for standard product setups.
Shopify Pricing Plans
Drape offers four tiers for Shopify merchants, all billed through Shopify:
| Plan | Price | Try-ons included | Overage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 10 (one-time) | — |
| Basic | $5/mo | 100/mo | $0.07 each |
| Growth | $19/mo | 400/mo | $0.07 each |
| Scale | $49/mo | 1,200/mo | $0.06 each |
All paid plans include a monthly overage cap — you're never charged more than a defined ceiling above the plan price, so there are no surprise bills.
Supported Garment Types
Virtual try-on works best on upper-body garments: tops, shirts, blouses, dresses, kurtas, jackets, and outerwear. The AI preserves the shopper's existing clothing when trying on bottoms (trousers, skirts). Accessories such as bags and shoes are not currently supported.
Common Questions
Does the shopper need to install anything? No. The try-on experience is entirely in the browser. Shoppers upload a photo, see the result, and can share it — no downloads or accounts required.
What kind of photo gives the best result? A clear, well-lit photo where the shopper is the main subject. Full-body or chest-up works best. The AI handles different backgrounds and lighting conditions reasonably well.
Does it work with Shopify Markets / multiple currencies? Yes. Drape operates independently of your store's currency and localisation settings — it only interacts with the product image.
Can I customise the button colour? Yes. In the Theme Editor, you can set a custom button colour. The text colour adjusts automatically for contrast.
Install Drape from the Shopify App Store and get your first 10 try-ons free. View Shopify setup guide →