Personally, I love online shopping — the thrill of a vast selection that you can peruse while wearing your pajamas never gets old, and the excitement of an at-home delivery feels like Christmas morning every single time. But even when size charts and quizzes are available, shopping online still holds uncertainty when it comes to fit, forcing me to undertake a terrible odyssey to return packages at the post office. Undoubtedly, what you’re able to learn in a physical dressing rooms is the biggest benefit to IRL shopping these days. 

Thankfully, developers are hard at work replicating that for online shopping.

The world of digital dressing rooms is rapidly growing, not only because of the convenience of a try-on experience at home, but because it has the potential to solve issues regarding waste and sustainability when it comes to deliveries and returns.

So I wanted to see how feasible a digital dressing room could be. I got in touch with TRAI, a virtual fitting room in which brands and retailers can upload and display garments that customers try on via avatars based on their exact body dimensions. TRAI’s developer, the Moscow-based company in3D, recently partnered with Replicant, a digital-only fashion developer, to implement this technology for retailers like PUMA. Currently though, the clothes available to try on do not correlate to IRL clothing. The money you spend with TRAI are the equivalent of digital tokens that you can only enjoy only online. Knowing this, I was a bit hesitant to about this dressing room before even entering it. After all, how much could these clothes mean to me if I could never physically wear them?

I first downloaded the in3D app — available on iOS and Android — and then proceeded to create my digital avatar, for which I was required to change into form-fitting clothing (I chose a pair of bike shorts and a tight-fitting T-shirt). Next, the app guided me through its scanning process, which required me to stand like a real-life mannequin, walking front to back and in circles for its scanner to get a good look at my physique. Admittedly, I felt a little scared at this point by the full-range scan that was more sci-fi than I was expecting. After a couple of minutes, my avatar, which ended up looking like a paper-doll version of me, was ready to try stuff on. 

Once inside the digital dressing room, I realized that my first impulse was to sample looks that I’d never choose to try on IRL. I put on a green crop top with giant ruffles that resembled freshly-picked lettuce. I also tried metallic silver jeans, a Y2K jumpsuit, and a surreal pillow “top” (with an actual pillow helmet) that made my avatar look like it had been vacuum sealed. I did like a few dresses — a flowy frock with flower embellishments was especially nice — but didn’t feel compelled to dispose of my coins on these trends online or IRL. 

If my favorite online retailers had a photorealistic digital dressing room, I’d be able to try their garments before even buying them — a revolutionary idea for 2021, but brought to you by IRL stores. But with TRAI and Replicant, the clothes are never made. Instead, they are meant to be purchased and worn in digital photos. Essentially, if I shopped with them, I’d be buying digital clothes for a digital version of me, which — at least now — isn’t really something that seems worth spending money on. 

But when it comes to digital fitting rooms, the benefits are clear. For an industry plagued with overconsumption and mass production, digitizing this experience can allow retailers minimize the amount of returns they need to account for. This model is already being used by the beauty industry, with brands like MAC and stores like Sephora providing customers with online alternatives to try on everything from lipsticks to foundation colors before they place their orders. 

“Digital clothing allows consumers to live out their fast fashion fantasies within an environment that is much more sustainable given the traditional industry’s existence of overproduction and overconsumption,” said Replicant founder Regina Turbina in a press release. The industry contributes 8-10% of total greenhouse gas emissions, and produces more products than it needs to. According to the EPA, 17 million tons of textiles were produced in 2018, with 11 million going to landfills. Replicant hopes to have a hand in decreasing these figures.

While I thoroughly enjoyed seeing myself as a Pillow Person, I’m still an old-fashioned gal who’s not quite ready to build an all-digital wardrobe. But, if technology is developed in favor of those of us ready to try on clothes online to enjoy them IRL, then maybe I might step out on the streets wearing a pillow on my head for the day. Until then, I’ll leave it in the metaverse.

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Dressing designer on a budget is no easy feat. We know scoping up the steepest discounts can be a full-time job (because, um, it's part of our jobs here at R29). So if you've been looking for the totally worth-it Coach buys, you've clicked on the right article. We did all the hard work for you and snatched up the classiest, most elegant bags, coats, and shoes from the Coach Outlet for up to 70% off. Plus, you get free shipping on orders $50 or more. And psst, if you're a Coach Outlet insider, shipping is always free and starting next week, there will be some super exclusive offers and private sales. Who could say no?

Whether you're hopping on the Y2K shoulder bag trend, or looking for a back-to-the-office tote, all you have to do is click ahead and add to cart.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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We all know that most modes of long-distance travel — whether by plane, train, or automobile — aren’t great for the environment. But there are also small, manageable ways to help combat our carbon footprint without feeling totally guilty if we wanna book a vacay — and that’s where sustainable travel brand Paravel comes in.

Considering how much waste can come out of the travel industry (and out of producing travel bags in general), Paravel is a revelation. The eco-conscious brand started with a collection of high-quality suitcases made from recycled plastics and other materials. It then branched out into softer bags like weekenders, duffles, and totes, and several interior organizers. And, now, Paravel is introducing its newest release. The Small Cabana Tote is an adorable, handbag-sized version of the brand’s best-selling Cabana Tote. (It should be known that the original Cabana Tote is a bonafide internet-famous travel bag: over 10,000 have been sold to date; it’s had 2,500 folks on the waitlist; it sold out a whopping seven times. Customers have currently ranked it a solid five out of five stars.)

While the original tote is ideal for overnight getaways, this mini is perfectly suited for daily use or as a commuter work bag. On the sustainability-pushing front, it also happens to be the brand’s first-ever 100% Global Recycled Standard certified vegan leather bag.

Paravel Small Cabana Tote, $165

Just like its larger-sized counterpart, the Small Cabana Tote is made from a lightweight and spill-proof canvas derived from 30 upcycled plastic water bottles. (Wine and coffee can leave their stains elsewhere.) There are four cute colorways to choose from, and you have the option to add a monogram for a touch of personalization. Newer features that are exclusive to the Small Cabana Tote include a zip-top closure to keep all your stuff secure and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap that allows you to go hands-free as well as an all-vegan leather base and trim. Plus, we always love a charming preppy moment, especially with the striped accents.

With the world slowly opening back up, this ethically-made, under-$200 Small Cabana Tote arrives at a particularly good time ahead of holiday travels and gifting season. Or, if you’re simply in the mood to treat yourself to a new everyday handbag, this one will surely have you arriving in style wherever your destination happens to be.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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