technology•Tue, October 6, 2026•4 min read

OpenAI Just Changed How You Shop Online With ChatGPT’s New 'Virtual Try-On'

OpenAI has launched a new virtual try-on feature in ChatGPT, allowing users to visualize clothing on their own photos before making a purchase. The update is powered by the new ChatGPT Images 2.5 model and includes a dedicated 'Favorites' tool for managing shopping finds.

A New Way to Shop with AI

Online shopping has long been plagued by a simple reality: it is difficult to know how a piece of clothing will look until it arrives at your doorstep. OpenAI is looking to solve this friction by integrating a new virtual try-on feature directly into ChatGPT. This move marks a significant expansion of ChatGPT’s e-commerce capabilities, moving it from a text-based assistant to a more interactive shopping companion.

The feature allows users to see an AI-generated preview of how a garment or accessory might look on them. By leveraging the recently released ChatGPT Images 2.5 model, the tool provides sharper details and more precise editing compared to previous iterations, aiming to make digital shopping experiences more personalized and reliable.

How the Virtual Try-On Works

The process is designed to be seamless for the user. When a clothing item appears in your chat results, you will see a 'Try On' button next to the listing. Upon clicking it, the interface prompts you to upload a selfie and a full-body photo. ChatGPT then uses these images as a reference to generate a rendering of the item on your frame.

Compatibility: Works with both products surfaced by ChatGPT and screenshots of clothing uploaded by the user.
Precision: Powered by the ChatGPT Images 2.5 model for improved clarity and accuracy.
Convenience: Reference photos are saved for future sessions but can be managed or deleted through Settings under 'Personalization and Reference Photos'.
Integration: A new 'Favorites' library lets you save items discovered during your chat to revisit later.

AI-led consumer discovery is rapidly changing how brands and retailers interact with digital shoppers.

Privacy and Future Implications

While the technology is impressive, it comes with the standard considerations regarding data privacy. Because the feature requires uploading personal photos, users should be aware of how their data is handled. By default, images uploaded to ChatGPT may be used for model training purposes unless users explicitly opt out in their settings.

OpenAI's latest model offers sharper details, more precise editing, and faster image generation, according to the company.
— OpenAI

This feature places OpenAI in direct competition with similar tools deployed by tech giants like Google, which launched its own virtual try-on technology for Search in 2025. As banks, insurers, and major retail brands increasingly advertise on conversational AI platforms, this update suggests that the battle for the future of digital retail is moving away from traditional search bars and toward AI-powered, personalized discovery.

Key Takeaways

ChatGPT now features a virtual try-on tool for clothing and accessories.
The tool is powered by the new ChatGPT Images 2.5 model, released in September.
Users can upload personal photos to see how items look on them or use product screenshots.
A new 'Favorites' library allows for easier organization of saved shopping finds.
Users can manage or remove stored reference photos via the app's privacy settings.
Personal photos uploaded to the platform may be used for training unless the user opts out.

FAQ

Can I use the try-on feature on any photo?

The feature requires a selfie and a full-body photo of yourself to generate the image of the clothing on your body.

Is the try-on feature limited to products suggested by ChatGPT?

No, you can also use the feature with screenshots of clothing that you upload to the chat.

Does the virtual try-on guarantee the fit of the clothing?

No, while the tool provides a visual preview, it cannot confirm the actual physical fit of a garment.

Are my uploaded photos used to train the AI?

By default, images uploaded to your personal account may be used for training, but you can opt out in your privacy settings.

How do I save items for later?

OpenAI has introduced a new 'Favorites' feature that allows you to save products to your Library directly within the app.