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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