41 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1
Che taglia porta?
What size do you take?
The standard question a shop assistant asks a customer. Also useful when shopping with a friend — ask them before going to find the right size. Works for clothing of all types.
Porto la quarantadue.
I take a forty-two.
State your size clearly when asked. Italian sizes are numbers, so knowing yours is essential. Learn both the Italian number word and the numeric digit for speed.
Avete questa in taglia M?
Do you have this in size M?
Use when you have already chosen an item and need to check if your size is available. Point to the item or hold it up as you speak — this removes any ambiguity.
Qual è il mio numero in scarpe italiane?
What is my shoe size in Italian sizes?
Use when you are unsure of your Italian shoe size — particularly useful if you usually buy in UK or US sizes. Shoe shops have conversion charts and measurement devices.
Posso provarla?
Can I try it on?
The essential phrase for any clothing purchase. Always try before buying — Italian sizing varies between brands and even between product lines within the same brand.
È troppo grande.
It is too big.
Say this in the fitting room when the item does not fit and you need a smaller size. Follow immediately with 'avete una taglia più piccola?' to continue the process smoothly.
È troppo piccola.
It is too small.
Use when the item is too tight or small in the fitting room. The adjective changes with the noun — 'piccolo' for masculine, 'piccola' for feminine.
Avete una taglia più grande?
Do you have a bigger size?
Use when the item fits almost right but needs to be larger. Works for all clothing. If you need two sizes up: 'due taglie più grande'.
Avete una taglia più piccola?
Do you have a smaller size?
Use when the item is too large. This is the companion to 'avete una taglia più grande?' — both are essential shopping phrases.
Che numero di scarpe porta?
What shoe size do you take?
Use this when buying shoes in Italy. 'Numero' is always used for shoes, never 'taglia'. Know your EU shoe size before entering a shoe shop.
Come si prende la misura?
How do you take the measurement?
Ask this in tailoring shops, bespoke clothing stores, or when ordering made-to-measure items. Shows you are a serious buyer and helps the tailor understand you are ready for the process.
Ho le spalle larghe.
I have broad shoulders.
Use this to explain a fit challenge before trying things on. Giving staff this information upfront helps them select cuts that will work for your body type and saves time in the fitting room.
Ho la vita sottile.
I have a slim waist.
Mention this when asking for advice on cuts that fit slim waists, or when explaining why off-the-rack clothing needs to be taken in. Italian tailors can alter most garments.
Quanto è lungo?
How long is it?
Ask about the length of trousers, sleeves, a coat, or any garment where length matters. If asking about a skirt: 'quanto è lunga?' (feminine).
Può misurarmi il petto?
Can you measure my chest?
Ask this in shirt shops, tailors, or when buying suits. Chest measurement in centimetres is the basis of Italian shirt sizing. Knowing it eliminates guesswork.
Che taglia è questo modello?
What size is this model?
Ask when looking at a display model or mannequin and you want to know what size it is wearing. This helps you estimate whether the item will work for you without trying it on first.
Il busto è giusto ma i fianchi sono troppo stretti.
The bust fits but the hips are too tight.
Use this detailed feedback in the fitting room to describe a partial fit. Italian staff are trained to deal with fit issues and can often recommend alterations or a different cut.
È disponibile in altre taglie?
Is it available in other sizes?
Ask when you like an item but cannot find your size on the floor. The shop may have other sizes in the stockroom, in another branch, or available to order online.
È taglia unica?
Is it one size?
Ask when you see a garment with no size label or a single option. Scarves, belts, hats, and some knitwear come in 'taglia unica' (one size fits all).
Avete la stessa cosa in un altro colore?
Do you have the same thing in another colour?
Use when the style and size are right but you want a different colour. This is one of the most common shopping questions and usually leads directly to a solution.
Questa taglia mi stringe un po'.
This size is a bit tight on me.
Use in the fitting room to describe gentle tightness — not completely wrong but uncomfortable. This opens a conversation about whether to size up or have the item altered.
Come si lava?
How do you wash it?
Ask before buying any clothing to check care requirements. This affects both the decision to buy and how you will care for the item. Delicate items requiring dry cleaning add ongoing cost.
Posso far aggiustare la lunghezza?
Can I have the length altered?
Ask when an item fits well everywhere except the length. Italian tailoring services are excellent and commonly used. Hemming trousers, shortening sleeves, or taking up a dress are standard requests.
Veste fedele alla taglia?
Does it run true to size?
Ask when you cannot try something on — ordering by phone, buying online, or when the fitting rooms are occupied. Staff who know the brand well can tell you if a style runs large or small.
Avete qualcuno che misura la taglia di reggiseno?
Do you have someone who measures bra size?
Ask in lingerie shops or lingerie departments. A professional fitting ensures comfort and correct support. In Italy, this service is offered in most dedicated lingerie shops.
Queste scarpe mi stringono.
These shoes are pinching me.
Say this when trying on shoes that are too tight. Specify where they pinch to help the assistant understand the problem — toe box, heel, instep.
Sono mezza misura.
I am a half size.
Use when your foot falls between two standard sizes. Italian shoes are often made in half-sizes ('mezze misure') — especially quality leather shoes — so it is worth asking.
Che taglia è per un bambino di sette anni?
What size is for a seven-year-old child?
Ask when buying children's clothing as a gift or for a child you are with. Italian children's sizing is age-based but varies significantly between brands — always mention height if you know it.
Porto una XL.
I take an XL.
A simple, universal phrase that works in any clothing shop regardless of local sizing conventions. Letter sizes are internationally understood and widely used alongside numeric Italian sizing.
Si restringe al lavaggio?
Does it shrink in the wash?
Ask about any natural fibre garment — especially cotton, wool, or linen — before buying. This affects whether you should buy the exact size or size up. Pre-shrunk items are usually labelled.
Qual è la misura giusta per un cappello?
What is the right size for a hat?
Ask in hat shops or when buying a structured hat (fedora, panama, beret) as opposed to a knit cap. Hat sizing in Italy uses centimetres of head circumference.
Che numero di guanti porto?
What glove size do I take?
Ask in leather goods shops or accessories shops when buying gloves. Italian glove sizing uses numbers 6.5–10, measured from hand circumference at the widest point.
Cerco abiti in taglie forti.
I am looking for plus-size clothing.
Use when looking for larger-sized clothing in Italian shops. 'Taglie forti' is the standard Italian term for plus sizes. The term is descriptive, not pejorative.
Qual è la mia misura di anello?
What is my ring size?
Ask in jewellery shops when considering a ring purchase. Ring sizing in Italy uses European (ISO) standard measured in millimetres of internal diameter. Italian jewellers have sizing tools.
Cerco pantaloni a vita alta.
I am looking for high-waisted trousers.
Use when looking for a specific style of trousers. Italian fashion staff appreciate specific style requests — it shows you know what you want and helps them direct you to the right section quickly.
Qual è la lunghezza della gamba interna?
What is the inseam length?
Ask for trousers when you know your inseam measurement. Particularly important for tall or short people who find standard lengths never quite right. Italian trouser lengths are measured in centimetres.
Avete una guida taglie?
Do you have a size guide?
Ask in any shop, especially when buying online or when the sizing system is unfamiliar. A size guide ('guida taglie' or 'tabella taglie') shows measurements and corresponding sizes for the specific brand.
Come veste questo modello?
How does this model fit?
Ask before trying on to understand the cut and silhouette. Italian staff who know their stock well can tell you if a style is slim-fit, relaxed, boxy, or structured — saving time in the fitting room.
Mi può aiutare a trovare la taglia giusta?
Can you help me find the right size?
Use when you are confused about Italian sizing or when a garment is fitting oddly. Inviting staff to help is the best use of their expertise — Italian shop assistants are usually genuinely knowledgeable.
È troppo corta.
It is too short.
Use when a garment is too short in length — a dress, skirt, jacket, or trouser hem. For tall shoppers, this is a common issue with Italian standard sizing.
Va bene così.
It fits fine like this.
Say this when the size is right and you are happy with the fit. This signals to the staff member that the sizing conversation is complete and you are ready to buy or consider the item further.