Clothes shopping
department store- boutique, shoe shop, clothes shop
high fashion, trendy, vintage, retro
skirt, dress, trousers, jeans, jumper, cardigan top, tights, belt, suit, tie
shoes, boots, sandals, slippers, high heels, flat shoes, wedges
coat, jacket, gloves, mittens, hat, scarf
racks of clothes, piles of clothes, shelves of clothes
socks, underwear, bra, pants, knickers, thermal underwear, vest, slip, camisole, tights
womenswear, menswear, childrenswear
Mannequins in a shop window – image source
small (S), medium (M), large (L), extra small (XS), extra large (XL), petite, tall
big, loose, baggy, long, small, tight, skimpy, short
refund, return, exchange, credit note
sale, discount, money off
shop assistant, till
fitting room, changing room
cotton, modal, denim, linen, silk, satin, wool, rayon, polyester, nylon, lycra
| Phrases you may want to use | |
| Can I try this on please? | This doesn’t fit. |
| Can I try this in a different/bigger/smaller size? | It is too big/loose/small/tight/short/long |
| Can you tell me where the fitting/changing room is? | Do you accept returns? |
| I am size… | Could I exchange this please? |
| I take a size … | Can I get a refund? |
| What is this made from? | What time does this shop close? |
| Is this item in the sale? | Is there any money off this item? |
| Phrases you may hear | |
| Would you like to try it on? | That colour suits you |
| What size are you / what size do you take? | Would you like to try a different size? |
| How does that feel? | Is that a good fit? |
| Any good? | You can use the fitting room |
| Phrases you may see | |
| Changing room / Fitting room | Machine washable |
| Sale / Clearance | No tumble drying |
| Cash and wrap / Pay here | Dry clean only |
| Return within 28 days for a full refund | No refunds / returns |
| This does not affect your statutory rights | No exchanges |
| Maternity wear | Exchange only |
Share your thoughts on shopping vocabulary
Have you seen any vocabulary related to shopping that confused you?
What are you thoughts on shopping in an English-speaking country?
What are the differences or similarities with your own shopping experiences in your own country?
Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments.