16 Phrases for Shopping and Trying on Clothes
Navigating a clothing store in English can be a fun and rewarding experience when you know the right words to use. Learning these 16 phrases for shopping and trying on clothes will help you communicate confidently with sales staff and find exactly what you’re looking for. This guide covers everything from finding your size to asking for opinions.
Common Phrases for Clothing Shopping
Finding Items & Sizes
- Where can I find the [dresses/shoes/jeans]? A basic question to locate a specific section. I asked a store assistant, “Where can I find the dresses?”
- Do you have this in a medium? The standard way to ask for a different size of an item you’ve found. I liked the shirt but asked, “Do you have this in a medium?”
- Do you have this in other colors? Use this to inquire about more color options. The blue was nice, so I asked, “Do you have this in other colors?”
- I’m looking for a size [8/10/12]. A clear statement to help a sales assistant guide you. I told the assistant, “I’m looking for a size 10 in these pants.”
- What size would you recommend for me? A great question if you are unsure about the sizing. I held up the jacket and asked, “What size would you recommend for me?”
Trying On Clothes
- Where are the fitting rooms? The essential question to find the changing area. After picking a few items, I asked, “Where are the fitting rooms?”
- Can I try this on? A polite way to ask for permission to use the fitting room. I showed the item to the attendant and asked, “Can I try this on?”
- How many items can I take in? Many stores have a limit; this question helps you follow the rules. I had six items, so I asked, “How many items can I take in?”
- This is too tight/loose. The key phrases to describe a poor fit. I came out of the fitting room and said, “This is too tight around the shoulders.”
- It’s a bit big in the shoulders. A more specific way to describe a fitting issue. The dress was almost perfect, but I noted, “It’s a bit big in the shoulders.”
Asking for Opinions & Making Decisions
- What do you think? A simple question to ask a friend or sales assistant for their opinion. I stepped out of the fitting room and asked my friend, “What do you think?”
- Does this suit me? A direct question about how the clothing looks on you. I wasn’t sure about the color, so I asked, “Does this suit me?”
- I’ll take it. The standard, confident phrase to say you want to buy the item. I loved the jacket and told the cashier, “I’ll take it.”
- I’m just browsing, thank you. A polite way to let a sales assistant know you don’t need help right now. The assistant asked if I needed help, and I said, “I’m just browsing, thank you.”
- Do you have a mirror? Useful if you can’t find one in the fitting room or want a second look. I wanted to see the shoes with the pants, so I asked, “Do you have a mirror?”
- Can you hold this for me? Ask this if you want to continue shopping but don’t want to carry an item. I found a sweater I liked but wasn’t sure, so I asked, “Can you hold this for me at the counter?”
Real-Life Dialogues
Shopper: Excuse me, do you have this in a medium?
Assistant: Let me check for you in the back.
Shopper: Thank you. Also, where are the fitting rooms?
Assistant: Just around the corner to your left.
Friend A: Okay, what do you think? Does this suit me?
Friend B: The color is great, but it looks a bit loose around the waist.
Friend A: You’re right. Let me try a smaller size.
Quick Tips: Shopping Confidently
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Looking for a specific item | Where can I find the…? | It’s a direct and efficient way to get help and save time. |
| Unsure about the fit | What size would you recommend for me? | Sales assistants are experts on their stock and can often suggest the right fit. |
| Deciding whether to buy | What do you think? or Does this suit me? | A second opinion can be very helpful when you’re unsure. |
| When you’ve made your choice | I’ll take it. | It’s clear, confident, and lets the staff know you’re ready to purchase. |
Practice Tip
On your next shopping trip, try to use at least two new phrases from this list. It’s the perfect real-world practice for these 16 phrases for shopping and trying on clothes.
Why This Matters
- Using these phrases helps you find the right fit and style, ensuring you leave the store happy with your purchases.
- Clear communication with store staff can lead to better service and a more enjoyable shopping experience.
- Mastering these 16 phrases for shopping and trying on clothes builds your confidence for one of the most common real-life scenarios for English learners.
Shopping for clothes should be fun, not stressful. With these phrases, you can navigate any store with ease and find the perfect items for your wardrobe. Happy learning! 😊