Listening and Speaking A1: Shopping for Clothes

Going shopping for clothes is an exciting experience! In this lesson, we’ll learn essential vocabulary, helpful phrases, and real-life dialogues to help you shop for clothes confidently in English. Let’s get started!

Vocabulary for Shopping for Clothes

Let’s begin by learning key vocabulary related to clothing items, sizes, and shopping phrases.
Listen and repeat aloud to improve your pronunciation!

Clothing Items:

  • T-shirt – A casual shirt with short sleeves.
  • Shirt – A neat top with a collar and buttons.
  • Jeans – Pants made of denim, usually blue.
  • Dress – A one-piece garment for women.
  • Jacket – A coat to wear when it is cool.
  • Scarf – A long cloth worn around the neck.
  • Sneakers – Comfortable shoes for everyday wear or exercise.
  • High heels – Shoes with a high, thin heel, usually for women.
  • Shorts – Short trousers for warm weather.
  • Blouse – A light, loose shirt for women.
  • Cap – A soft hat with a visor.
  • Hat – A head covering that comes in many styles.
  • Gloves – Items worn on your hands for warmth or protection.
  • Socks – Soft coverings for your feet.
  • Shoes – Footwear for everyday use.
  • Boots – Sturdy shoes that cover the ankle or more.
  • Handbag – A bag that you carry with you.
  • Purse – A small bag for carrying money and small items.

Sizes and Fit:

  • Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large (S, M, L, XL) – Common clothing sizes.
  • Fits well – The clothes suit you nicely.
  • Too tight – The clothes are very small.
  • Too loose – The clothes are too big.
  • Perfect fit – The clothes fit you exactly right.
  • Adjustable – Can be changed in size (for example, with straps or elastic).
  • Tailored fit – Clothes made to fit you well.
  • Slim fit – Clothes that are close to the body.
  • Comfortable fit – Clothes that feel good to wear.

Shopping Phrases:

  • “Can I help you?” – A shop assistant asking if you need help.
  • “I’m just looking, thank you.” – A response when you are browsing.
  • “Do you have this in a different size/color?” – Ask if there is another size or color available.
  • “Where is the fitting/changing room?” – Ask for the room to try on clothes.
  • “Can I pay by credit card?” – Ask if you can use a card to pay.
  • “How much does this cost?” – Ask for the price of an item.
  • “Can I return or exchange this?” – Ask if you can change or send back an item.
  • “Is there a discount?” – Ask if the price is lower.
  • “I’ll take it. / I’ll buy it.” – Say that you want to purchase the item.
  • “I’ll leave it, thanks.” – Say that you do not want the item.
  • “Do you have this in size Medium?” – Ask if the item comes in Medium size.
  • “Do you have it in blue?” – Ask if the item is available in blue.
  • “Is this suitable for work?” – Ask if the item is good for a work setting.
  • “Is this on sale?” – Ask if the price is reduced.
  • “Can you gift-wrap this?” – Ask if the item can be wrapped as a gift.

Real-Life Dialogues: Shopping for Clothes

Practice these dialogues to become comfortable with shopping conversations. Try both roles to enhance your speaking skills!

Dialogue 1: Looking for a T-shirt

Shop Assistant: Hello! Can I help you find anything?

Customer: Yes, I’m looking for a T-shirt in medium size.

Shop Assistant: Sure, the T-shirts are over here. Do you prefer any specific color?

Customer: Do you have it in blue?

Shop Assistant: Yes, here you go!

Dialogue 2: Trying on a Dress

Customer: Excuse me, where is the fitting room?

Shop Assistant: It’s at the back on the left. Do you need any help?

Customer: No, thank you. I’ll try this dress on.

Shop Assistant: Let me know if you need a different size.

Dialogue 3: Asking About Sizes

Customer: Do you have these jeans in a smaller size?

Shop Assistant: Let me check. What size are you looking for?

Customer: Size 28, please.

Shop Assistant: Yes, we have them. Here you are!

Dialogue 4: Inquiring About Prices

Customer: How much does this jacket cost?

Shop Assistant: It’s $50.

Customer: Is there a discount available?

Shop Assistant: Yes, there’s a 10% discount today.

Dialogue 5: Looking for Shoes

Customer: I’m looking for black sneakers in size 9.

Shop Assistant: Certainly! Follow me to the shoe section.

Customer: Thank you!

Shop Assistant: Here are the black sneakers. Would you like to try them on?

Dialogue 6: Returning an Item

Customer: Hi, I’d like to return this blouse.

Shop Assistant: I’m sorry to hear that. Is there a problem with it?

Customer: It doesn’t fit well. It’s too tight.

Shop Assistant: No problem. Would you like to exchange it or get a refund?

Dialogue 7: Paying for Items

Shop Assistant: Will that be all for today?

Customer: Yes, thank you. I’ll take these.

Shop Assistant: That’s $30 in total. How would you like to pay?

Customer: By credit card, please.

Dialogue 8: Asking for Recommendations

Customer: Can you recommend a good pair of gloves?

Shop Assistant: Certainly! These are very popular and warm.

Customer: They look nice. I’ll try them on.

Dialogue 9: Looking for a Gift

Customer: I’m looking for a gift for my friend.

Shop Assistant: Great! What does your friend like?

Customer: She loves scarves. Do you have any recommendations?

Shop Assistant: Yes, these are our latest designs.

Dialogue 10: Inquiring About Store Hours

Customer: What time do you close today?

Shop Assistant: We close at 9 PM.

Customer: Thanks! I’ll come back later.

Shop Assistant: See you then!

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