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PhrasesAt the Clothing StoreQuesto è troppo stretto.
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Questo è troppo stretto.

This is too tight.

Pronunciation

'Stretto' — 'STRET-to'. Double 't', and stress on first syllable. Don't soften it.

When to use it

When something doesn't fit because it's too tight. Clear feedback that helps the assistant find the right size or an alternative.

What it means

'Troppo' (too much/too) + adjective is the Italian pattern for expressing excess. 'Stretto' = tight/narrow. Opposites: 'largo' (wide/loose), 'corto' (short), 'lungo' (long).

Variations

È troppo largo.

It's too loose/wide.

Opposite fit problem

È un po' stretto in vita.

It's a bit tight at the waist.

Specifying the body area

Non mi entra.

It doesn't fit me / I can't get into it.

More informal — something that truly doesn't go on

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Questo è troppo stretto in giro per le spalle. Commessa: Capisco. Ha tante volte spalle larghe con corpo più snello. Ha provato la giacca in manica senza spalline? Cliente: Buona idea, proviamo. Commessa: Le porto subito la stessa in scala.

Customer: This is too tight around the shoulders. Assistant: I understand. You often have broad shoulders with a slimmer body. Have you tried the jacket in a raglan sleeve without shoulder pads? Customer: Good idea, let's try. Assistant: I'll bring you the same in scale right away.

Cultural Note

Italian tailoring has precise vocabulary for fit issues. A knowledgeable Italian shop assistant will diagnose a fit problem with accuracy and suggest both size adjustments and alternative cuts — this is genuine expertise, not just a sales pitch.