Trying It On: Clothes Shopping in a French Boutique
Simple phrases to browse, ask for sizes, try clothes on and pay in a French shop.
Always say « Bonjour » when you walk into a French shop, and « Je regarde » if you're only browsing. Clothes sizes follow the European system (38, 40…) and shoe sizes are called la pointure. Official sales (les soldes) happen twice a year, in January and from late June, and in a physical shop the law doesn't force them to refund or exchange items that aren't faulty, so many give an avoir (credit note) instead: keep your receipt.
- 1
Bonjour ! Je regarde, merci.
Hello! I'm just looking, thanks.
- 2
Vous l'avez en 38 ?
Do you have this in a 38?
- 3
Vous faites quelle pointure ?
What's your shoe size?
- 4
Je fais du 42.
I'm a 42.
- 5
Où sont les cabines d'essayage ?
Where are the fitting rooms?
- 6
Je peux l'essayer ?
Can I try it on?
- 7
C'est trop serré.
It's too tight.
- 8
C'est un peu grand pour moi.
It's a bit big on me.
- 9
Vous avez la taille en dessous ?
Do you have the next size down?
- 10
Vous l'avez dans une autre couleur ?
Do you have it in another colour?
- 11
Ça vous va très bien.
It really suits you.
- 12
C'est en solde.
It's on sale.
- 13
Il coûte combien ?
How much does it cost?
- 14
Je le prends.
I'll take it.
- 15
Je peux payer par carte ?
Can I pay by card?
- 16
Vous voulez un sac ?
Would you like a bag?
- 17
Je peux l'échanger si ça ne va pas ?
Can I exchange it if it doesn't fit?
- 18
Gardez bien votre ticket.
Make sure you keep your receipt.
- 19
On ne rembourse pas, mais on peut vous faire un avoir.
We don't give refunds, but we can give you a credit note.
- 20
Ce n'est pas trop mon style.
It's not really my style.