Shopping - English

Picking out and Trying on Clothes

When you go shopping for clothes, you’ll often browse racks and displays in search of something that catches your eye. Staff might greet you with “How can I help you?” To pick out something to try, you can say “Let me show you what I like,” or ask for a specific size or style. If you want to try something on, ask, “Where is the fitting room?” or “Can I try this on?” Clothes are usually arranged on racks or hung on display. You might find your size by checking the label or asking, “Do you have this in a different size?” If shopping with friends, you might say “Let’s go to the fitting room together.”

Examples:

• “I’d like to pick out a t-shirt from the rack.”
• “This dress caught my eye in the window.”
• “Can I put this on to see if it fits?”
• “How many items can I take into the fitting room?”
• “Will you come back with me to the fitting room?”

Buying and Returning Clothes

After you’ve chosen items, head to the counter or checkout. The cashier will scan your items and ask, “How would you like to pay?” You can pay by cash, card, or sometimes with a voucher. At the end of the transaction, you may be asked, “How would you like to receive your receipt—printed or emailed?”

If you want to return an item, bring it and the receipt to the counter and say, “I’d like to return this.” The cashier might ask, “How would you like to return it—for refund, exchange, or store credit?” If you want to swap sizes, you might say, “I wish to exchange this for a different size.” Check the price tag for conditions or “valid until” dates for refunds and returns.

Examples:

• “Where is the cash register?”
• “I’d like to pay with a card.”
• “Can I get a refund, please?”
• “How would you like to send your return?”
• “Can I swap these jeans for a bigger size?”

Describing Clothing Sizes and How They Fit

To talk about how clothes fit, use phrases like “too small,” “too tight,” “too short,” “too loose,” “wide,” “narrow,” or “fits perfectly.” You can also say if something matches other items: “This shirt matches my jeans.” Staff will often help check if clothes fit or help find your size.

Examples:

• “These trousers are too tight.”
• “The sweater is too loose.”
• “This coat is too short on me.”
• “Do these shoes fit you?”
• “The tie matches your shirt.”

Naming Common Clothing Items

When shopping, you may need to ask for specific items:

• “I’m looking for a jacket.”
• “Do you have this sweater in blue?”
• “I need a pair of trousers.”
• “Where can I find swimwear and pajamas?”
• “Are the belts on this rack?”

Naming Common Clothing Materials

If you prefer certain fabrics, mention the material:

• “Do you have this in cotton?”
• “Is this dress made of silk?”
• “Are the jackets leather or denim?”
• “I’m looking for wool sweaters.”

Describing Clothing Styles

To talk about style:

• “I want something casual and comfortable.”
• “This dress is very elegant.”
• “Is this jacket modern or vintage?”
• “I’m looking for athletic wear.”
• “My style is more classic.”
• “Are these shoes formal or casual?”