44 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Posso provare questo?
Can I try this on?
The first thing you say before heading to the fitting room. Always ask before taking items — it's polite and staff may help carry items for you.
Questo mi sta bene?
Does this suit me?
Asking the assistant's opinion after trying something on. A genuine question in Italian shops — you'll often get an honest answer.
È troppo grande.
It's too big.
When an item swamps you or hangs badly. Giving feedback helps the assistant find the right size. Don't hesitate to be direct.
Ha una taglia più piccola?
Do you have a smaller size?
After trying something that fits well overall but needs to go down a size. A basic and essential phrase for fitting room use.
Il colore non mi convince.
I'm not convinced by the colour.
When the fit is fine but the colour doesn't work for your skin tone or wardrobe. Tactful way to ask for alternatives without dismissing the item.
È un po' stretto in giro vita.
It's a bit tight around the waist.
Describing a fit problem precisely. Italian shop staff appreciate specific feedback — it helps them find the right solution quickly.
Come cade dietro?
How does it fall at the back?
Asking the assistant to check how the garment looks from behind. Italian fitting rooms don't always have three-way mirrors — asking staff is natural.
Si restringe dopo il lavaggio?
Does it shrink after washing?
For knitwear, cotton and natural fabrics that might shrink. Ask before buying when you're already in the right size — shrinkage could ruin the fit.
Posso uscire a vederlo allo specchio?
Can I come out to see it in the mirror?
When the fitting room mirror isn't large enough or you want to see the full effect. Common in boutiques with shared full-length mirrors in the main area.
È troppo corto.
It's too short.
When a skirt, dress or trouser leg is shorter than you'd like. Common feedback after trying something on — very clear and simple.
Le maniche sono troppo lunghe.
The sleeves are too long.
Common feedback for jackets and shirts, especially for shorter people. Sleeve length is one of the most common tailoring adjustments.
I pantaloni sono troppo lunghi.
The trousers are too long.
Very common situation — ready-to-wear trousers are cut for average heights. In Italy, shortening trousers ('accorciare') is a standard and inexpensive service.
Mi si arriccia sulla schiena.
It's creasing / bunching up on my back.
Describing a specific fit problem where fabric bunches or creases at the back. Technical feedback that a good tailor or fitter will immediately understand.
Non mi si chiude il bottone.
The button won't close on me.
When a shirt or jacket button can't close because the garment is too tight at that point. Specific feedback about a precise fit failure.
Mi piace il taglio.
I like the cut.
Complimenting the cut of a garment — one of the most important elements in Italian fashion. Staff appreciate when customers notice craftsmanship.
È aderente al punto giusto.
It's fitted in just the right way.
Expressing satisfaction with a fit that's close but not too tight — the Italian ideal of fitted clothing. A sophisticated compliment to any garment.
Sembra fatto su misura.
It looks like it was made to measure.
The ultimate compliment about fit. When something fits so perfectly it looks custom-made. Also used as a hopeful expression: 'it seems bespoke!'
Questo modello mi valorizza.
This style flatters me.
Expressing that a particular style enhances your figure or overall look. A positive, self-aware observation that Italians make freely.
Posso portare più capi in camerino?
Can I take more items into the fitting room?
When you have more than the allowed number of items and want to bring them all in together. Always ask rather than smuggling extras in.
Posso lasciare le borse fuori?
Can I leave my bags outside?
When you have heavy shopping bags and don't want to take them into a small fitting room. Staff often offer to hold them at the counter.
C'è uno specchio a tre ante?
Is there a three-way mirror?
When you want to see 360 degrees — back, front and sides. Three-way mirrors are common in tailoring shops but rarer in fast fashion chains.
Posso avere una taglia diversa?
Can I have a different size?
A general request for a different size without specifying bigger or smaller. Useful when you're unsure which direction to go and want the assistant to bring both.
Il tessuto è molto morbido.
The fabric is very soft.
Commenting on the feel of a fabric — an important factor in Italian fashion. Italians frequently touch and assess fabric quality before committing.
Questo pizzica.
This itches / This is scratchy.
When a fabric irritates the skin — common with low-quality wool, synthetic blends or stiff natural fibres. Important for sensitive skin.
È un po' trasparente.
It's a bit see-through.
When a lightweight fabric is more sheer than expected. Important before buying — Italian sales often don't allow returns, so check everything in the fitting room.
Mi stringe sotto le ascelle.
It's tight under the arms.
Describing tightness in the armhole area — one of the most common fit problems with jackets and blouses. Specific and helpful feedback.
Questo colore mi fa sembrare pallido/a.
This colour makes me look pale.
When a colour washes you out or doesn't complement your skin tone. An honest self-observation that helps narrow down to better colour choices.
Questo non è il mio stile.
This isn't my style.
A polite but clear way to decline an item that doesn't match your aesthetic. Italians respect personal style and won't push back on this.
È comodo da indossare?
Is it comfortable to wear?
Asking about comfort before committing — especially relevant for structured garments, formal wear or natural fabrics that can be stiff.
Si stropiccia facilmente?
Does it crease easily?
Before buying anything for travel, conferences or long days. Creasing is a major concern for linen, viscose and some natural fabrics.
Sì, questa è la mia taglia giusta.
Yes, this is my correct size.
Confirming to the assistant that the size they brought works. Ends the size-hunting efficiently and moves to the purchase decision.
Provo qualcos'altro?
Shall I try something else?
When you've decided the current item doesn't work and want to keep looking. Opens the door to more suggestions from the assistant.
Quanto tempo ho a disposizione?
How much time do I have?
When you have a lot to try and want to know if there's a time limit. Useful near closing time or in busy shops with limited fitting room space.
Ha qualcosa di simile ma più formale?
Do you have something similar but more formal?
When you've found a style you like but need it to work for a more formal event. Signals your aesthetic preference while adjusting the formality level.
Si abbina bene con qualcosa che ho già?
Does it pair well with something I already have?
Thinking practically about wardrobe integration. Italian staff can suggest classic combinations — a sign of Italian fashion wisdom.
Posso tenere i miei vestiti addosso?
Can I keep my clothes on?
When trying a loose outer garment (jacket, coat) that can go over your clothes without needing to change. Saves time in the fitting room.
Esiste una versione invernale?
Is there a winter version?
When you find a great style in a summer fabric and want to know if it comes in a warmer version for autumn/winter.
È già uscita di moda?
Is it already out of fashion?
When a discounted item makes you wonder if it's unfashionable. A practical question about whether something will date quickly.
Questa è la taglia sbagliata.
This is the wrong size.
When the item brought to you is clearly the wrong size — either too big or too small. Clear, efficient communication to get the right size quickly.
Mi dà fastidio il colletto.
The collar bothers me.
When a collar is stiff, scratchy or high in an uncomfortable way. Important to flag before buying — collar comfort affects whether you'll actually wear something.
Come si lava questo capo?
How do you wash this garment?
Before buying, especially for delicate items. Knowing the washing instructions upfront avoids expensive mistakes with dry-clean-only pieces.
Il prezzo include le modifiche?
Does the price include alterations?
After you've tried something and need alterations. In some Italian boutiques, basic alterations are complimentary — worth asking.
È disponibile anche online?
Is it available online too?
When you want to think about a purchase or return later to buy. Checking online availability lets you shop with confidence knowing the item is accessible.
Avrei bisogno di aiuto ad abbottonare.
I'd need help buttoning it up.
For complicated garments with back zips, small buttons or complex closures. Italian boutique staff are happy to help — this is part of the service.