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PhrasesAsking for SizeIl busto è giusto ma i fianchi sono troppo stretti.
B1

Il busto è giusto ma i fianchi sono troppo stretti.

The bust fits but the hips are too tight.

Pronunciation

'Busto' — BUS-to. 'Fianchi' — FYAN-ki. The 'ch' is hard like 'k'.

When to use it

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.

What it means

'Busto' is the upper body or bust. 'Fianchi' (plural of 'fianco') are the hips. 'Stretto/a' means tight or narrow. Describing specific fit issues in detail helps staff find solutions — alteration, a different cut, or a different size in the same style.

Variations

Va bene in vita ma è corto.

It fits at the waist but is short.

Waist fine, length issue.

Le maniche sono troppo corte.

The sleeves are too short.

Common issue for tall customers.

È un po' lungo davanti.

It is a little long at the front.

Length issue specific to the front panel.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Il busto è giusto ma i fianchi sono troppo stretti. Commessa: Succede con questo taglio. Possiamo allargarlo leggermente. Cliente: Quanto costerebbe l'aggiustamento? Commessa: Circa dodici euro — e pronti in due giorni.

Customer: The bust fits but the hips are too tight. Assistant: That happens with this cut. We can let it out slightly. Customer: How much would the alteration cost? Assistant: About twelve euros — and ready in two days.

Cultural Note

Italian clothing alterations ('aggiustamenti sartoriali') are widely available and reasonably priced. Letting out hips, taking in a waist, or shortening hems are standard services. Many shops have an in-house tailor ('sarto in loco').