Shopping & Clothes Vocabulary with Pictures - Learn 20 Essential Words

A set of formal clothes, typically a jacket with matching trousers or skirt

“I need to buy a new suit for the job interview. It should be formal.”

A "three-piece suit" includes a jacket, trousers, and waistcoat (vest in US).

How big or small clothing is (S, M, L, XL)

“This shirt is too small. Do you have it in a larger size?”

UK and US sizes differ. UK 10 = US 6 for women's clothes.

A one-piece garment worn by women or girls

“Can I try this dress on? Where is the fitting room?”

Types include: evening dress, summer dress, cocktail dress, maxi dress.

The amount of money something costs

“The price is 50% off during the sale. It was $100, now it is $50.”

"What's the price?" or "How much does this cost?" are common questions.

A plastic payment method (credit or debit card)

“I prefer to pay by card rather than cash.”

"Contactless" means tapping your card without entering a PIN.

Outer coverings for your feet

“These shoes are very comfortable for walking. They are my favorite footwear.”

Types: trainers/sneakers, boots, heels, sandals, loafers, flats.

Something bought for less than the usual price

“I got a great bargain at the market. The bag was only $5!”

"It was a bargain!" means you paid much less than expected.

A person who serves customers in a store

“The assistant helped me find my size and showed me to the fitting room.”

Also called "sales assistant" (UK) or "salesperson" (US).

A piece of paper that proves you bought something

“Can I have a receipt, please? I want to keep proof of purchase.”

Keep receipts for returns. Most stores require them within 30 days.

An outer garment worn for warmth

“I need to buy a warm coat for winter. It is getting cold outside.”

Types: overcoat, raincoat, trench coat, parka, puffer jacket.

A period when items are sold at reduced prices

“This item is on sale. You can save 30% this week only.”

Big sales: Black Friday, Boxing Day (UK), End of Season.

To take something back to the shop for a refund

“I would like to return this shirt. It does not fit properly.”

"Return policy" tells you how long you have to bring items back.

A section of a store selling a particular type of product

“The women's department is on the second floor. Men's is on the third.”

Department stores have many sections: clothing, cosmetics, homeware.

A tag showing information about a garment

“I always check the label before washing clothes. It tells you the material.”

Labels show: size, material (cotton, polyester), washing instructions.

The material from which clothes are made

“This cotton fabric feels very soft against my skin.”

Common fabrics: cotton, silk, wool, polyester, linen, denim.

A small flat case for carrying money and cards

“I need a wallet to hold my money, cards, and identification.”

"Purse" in UK often means a small bag. In US, purse = handbag.

How well something is made

“The quality of this jacket is excellent. It will last for years.”

"High quality" = well-made and durable. "Low quality" = poorly made.

A type of product made by a particular company

“I love this brand of jeans. They always fit me perfectly.”

"Designer brand" = expensive, famous labels. "Own brand" = store's own products.

The shade of something (blue, red, green, etc.)

“Do you have this in a different colour? I prefer blue to red.”

Spelled "color" in American English, "colour" in British English.

Jewelry worn around the neck

“I bought a matching necklace and earrings for the wedding.”

Other jewelry: earrings, bracelet, ring, watch, brooch.