Introduction

Shopping for clothes is a common activity, and knowing how to ask for sizes, prices, and recommendations can help you feel more confident when shopping in English. Whether you’re in a department store, a boutique, or a mall, using the right phrases will make your shopping experience smoother.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
✔️ Improve your listening comprehension
✔️ Learn common phrases for shopping for clothes
✔️ Understand how to ask for help and make purchases in English
✔️ Practice real-life conversation skills

Let’s begin!

Step 1: Listen to the Conversation

🎧 Instructions:

Listen carefully to the conversation between a customer and a store assistant.
Pay attention to common shopping phrases and questions about clothing sizes, colors, and prices.
After listening, answer the comprehension questions below.

📌 Audio Script (Shopping for Clothes Conversation)

Salesperson: Hello! Can I help you find something?

Emma: Yes, I’m looking for a new dress.

Salesperson: Sure! Do you have a specific color or style in mind?

Emma: I’d love something in blue, maybe knee-length.

Salesperson: We have a beautiful blue dress over here. What size do you wear?

Emma: I usually wear a medium.

Salesperson: Let me check… Yes, we have it in medium. You can try it on in the fitting room.

Emma: Great, thanks!

(After trying on the dress)

Salesperson: How does it fit?

Emma: It fits well, but do you have it in a smaller size?

Salesperson: Let me see… Yes, here’s a small.

Emma: Perfect! I’ll take it. How much is it?

Salesperson: It’s $45. Would you like to pay with cash or card?

Emma: I’ll pay with my card.

Salesperson: Great! Here’s your receipt. Have a nice day!

Emma: Thanks! You too.

Step 2: Comprehension Questions

Test your listening skills by answering the following questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

What item is Emma shopping for?
a) A pair of jeans
b) A dress
c) A jacket
d) A blouse
What color dress is Emma looking for?
a) Red
b) Blue
c) Black
d) Green
What size does Emma usually wear?
a) Small
b) Medium
c) Large
d) Extra-large
Why does Emma ask for a different size?
a) The medium is too big
b) The dress is too expensive
c) She wants a different color
d) The salesperson recommends a different size
How much does the dress cost?
a) $30
b) $45
c) $50
d) $60

(Answer Key: 1-b, 2-b, 3-b, 4-a, 5-b)

Step 3: Vocabulary Practice

Here are some important words and phrases from the conversation. Learn their meanings and practice using them in sentences.

Word/Phrase	Meaning	Example Sentence
Fitting room	A small room in a store where you try on clothes	The fitting room is at the back of the store.
Size	The measurement of clothing (small, medium, large, etc.)	What size do you wear?
Fit	How well clothing matches your body	These jeans fit perfectly!
Receipt	A paper that shows proof of purchase	Don’t forget to take your receipt!
Try on	To put on clothes to see if they fit	I’d like to try on this jacket.

✅ Exercise:
Fill in the blanks using the vocabulary words above.

This dress is too big! I need a smaller _______.
Can I _______ this shirt before I buy it?
Where is the _______? I want to try on these jeans.
The jacket doesn’t _______ very well—it’s too tight.
Don’t forget your _______ in case you need to return the item.

(Answer Key: 1. size, 2. try on, 3. fitting room, 4. fit, 5. receipt)

Step 4: Grammar Focus – Asking for Help While Shopping

When shopping, you often need to ask for assistance or give your preferences. Here are some useful phrases:

Common Questions for Shopping:

Do you have this in a different size/color?
Can I try this on?
Where is the fitting room?
How much is this?
Do you accept credit cards?

Practice Exercise:

Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentences.

_______ this in a smaller size?
_______ the fitting rooms?
_______ the price of this shirt?
_______ trying on these shoes?
_______ different colors available?

(Answer Key: 1. Do you have, 2. Where are, 3. How much is, 4. Can I, 5. Are there)

Step 5: Discussion Questions

Practice speaking by discussing these questions with a friend or writing down your answers.

Do you like shopping for clothes? Why or why not?
What’s the last item of clothing you bought?
How do you decide what clothes to buy?
Do you prefer shopping in stores or online?
Have you ever had a bad shopping experience? What happened?

Step 6: Writing Challenge

✍ Creative Writing Exercise
Imagine you are shopping for a new outfit. Write a short dialogue between you and a store assistant. Try to use at least three phrases from this lesson.

🔹 Example Start:
“Hello! I’m looking for a new pair of jeans. Do you have them in size medium?”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I ask for a different size?

You can say:

Do you have this in a smaller/larger size?
I need a size medium, do you have it?
This is a little tight. Do you have it in a bigger size?

2. What should I ask when trying on clothes?

Can I try this on?
Where is the fitting room?
Does this come in another color?

3. How do I ask about the price?

How much is this?
What’s the price of this dress?
Is there a discount on this item?

4. What do I say when I want to buy something?

I’ll take this one, please.
I’d like to buy this.
Can I pay with my credit card?

5. What is the difference between “fit” and “size”?

Fit = How well clothing matches your body (These jeans fit me perfectly!)
Size = The measurement category (I wear a size medium.)

Conclusion

This lesson helps you improve your listening, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills while learning how to shop for clothes in English.

✅ What’s Next?

Listen to the audio again and try to catch more details.
Practice asking for different sizes or colors with a friend.
Try writing a shopping conversation in English!