Going shopping is an everyday activity that can become an excellent opportunity to practise Spanish. Whether you need to buy a t-shirt, a coat, or a dress for a special occasion, knowing how to speak in a clothing store is very useful if you are living, travelling, or studying in a Spanish-speaking country.
In this article, you will learn the most important vocabulary, useful phrases, and how to navigate a clothing store with confidence and fluency.
Basic vocabulary in a clothing store
Here are some essential words you will see or hear when shopping:
Types of clothing
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Camiseta | T-shirt |
| Camisa | Shirt |
| Pantalones | Trousers |
| Vaqueros | Jeans |
| Falda | Skirt |
| Vestido | Dress |
| Chaqueta | Jacket |
| Abrigo | Coat |
| Zapatos | Shoes |
| Zapatillas | Trainers |
| Traje | Suit |
| Ropa interior | Underwear |
Sizes and colours
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Talla (S, M, L, XL) | Size (S, M, L, XL) |
| ¿Qué talla usa? | What size do you wear? |
| Colores: negro, blanco, rojo, azul, verde, gris, marrón, beige, rosa… | Colours: black, white, red, blue, green, grey, brown, beige, pink… |
Materials
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Algodón | Cotton |
| Lana | Wool |
| Seda | Silk |
| Piel / cuero | Leather |
Useful phrases for buying clothes
These expressions can help you communicate with store staff:
Asking about a product
- ¿Tienen esta camiseta en otra talla? → Do you have this t-shirt in another size?
- ¿Hay más colores? → Are there more colours?
- Estoy buscando una chaqueta de invierno. → I am looking for a winter jacket.
- ¿Dónde están los probadores? → Where are the fitting rooms?
- ¿Puedo probarme esto? → Can I try this on?
In the fitting room
- ¿Me puede traer una talla más grande? → Can you bring me a bigger size?
- Esta me queda pequeña / grande / justa. → This is too small / big / tight.
- ¿Cómo me queda? → How does it fit?
At the checkout
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? → How much does it cost?
- ¿Está en oferta? → Is it on sale?
- ¿Aceptan tarjeta? → Do you accept card payments?
- ¿Puedo devolverlo si no me gusta? → Can I return it if I don’t like it?
- ¿Me puede dar el ticket, por favor? → Can I have the receipt, please?
Example conversation in a clothing store
CUSTOMER: Hola, buenas tardes.
SHOP ASSISTANT: Buenas tardes. ¿Puedo ayudarte en algo?
C: Sí, estoy buscando una camisa para una entrevista de trabajo.
S: Claro, ¿de manga larga o corta?
C: De manga larga, por favor. ¿Tienen en color azul?
S: Sí, tenemos estas de aquí. ¿Qué talla usas?
C: Creo que la M
S: Perfecto. Puedes probártela en los probadores, al fondo a la derecha.
C (after trying it on): Me queda un poco justa. ¿Tienen la L?
S: Sí, aquí tienes. Pruébatela.
C (later): Esta está mejor. Me la llevo. ¿Cuánto cuesta?
S: Son 29,95 euros.
C: Pago con tarjeta.
S: Aquí tienes el ticket. Puedes devolverla en 30 días si no estás satisfecho.
C: Muchas gracias. ¡Hasta luego!
S: ¡Gracias a ti! Que tengas un buen día.
Cultural tips for buying clothes in Spain
- Don’t be afraid to ask: In shops, it’s common for assistants to approach and offer help. If you don’t need assistance, you can say: “Solo estoy mirando, gracias.” → “I’m just looking, thank you.”
- Fitting rooms: In most shops, you can try on clothes without any problem. Sometimes there is a limit on items (e.g., maximum 6).
- Returns and exchanges: Many stores allow returns or exchanges within 15–30 days, but you need the receipt.
- Sale seasons: In Spain, there are big discounts in January (after Christmas) and July (summer).
Conclusion
Shopping in a clothing store is an excellent way to practise Spanish in an everyday situation. Learning the vocabulary, common phrases, and how to interact with shop assistants will help you feel more confident and natural when speaking. And the best part? You might leave with some new clothes!
