Fixing Your Clothes in France
Get trousers shortened, a zip replaced and a button sewn back on, at the alterations shop or with a friend's help.
Almost every French neighbourhood has a small « retouches » shop that shortens trousers, takes in waists and replaces zips, usually ready in a few days. Since late 2023 a state-backed « bonus réparation » takes a few euros off clothing and shoe repairs at labelled shops, deducted straight from the bill. Thread, needles and buttons are sold at the mercerie; in the shop use vous, with a friend tu.
- 1
Ce pantalon est trop long.
These trousers are too long.
- 2
Vous pouvez le raccourcir ?
Could you shorten them?
- 3
Je voudrais faire un ourlet.
I'd like a hem.
- 4
Vous pouvez reprendre la taille ?
Can you take in the waist?
- 5
La fermeture éclair est cassée.
The zip is broken.
- 6
J'ai perdu un bouton.
I've lost a button.
- 7
Il y a un trou dans mon pull.
There's a hole in my jumper.
- 8
Je vais prendre vos mesures.
Let me take your measurements.
- 9
Ce sera prêt quand ?
When will it be ready?
- 10
Ça coûte combien ?
How much is it?
- 11
Vous faites le bonus réparation ?
Do you do the repair bonus?
Tip: A state discount on clothing repairs at labelled shops.
- 12
T'as du fil et une aiguille ?
Do you have a needle and thread?
- 13
Je vais le recoudre.
I'll sew it back on.
- 14
Je sais pas coudre.
I don't know how to sew.
- 15
C'est facile, je te montre.
It's easy, I'll show you.
- 16
Tu enfiles l'aiguille comme ça.
You thread the needle like this.
- 17
Aïe, je me suis piqué !
Ouch, I pricked myself!
- 18
J'ai une machine à coudre.
I've got a sewing machine.
- 19
C'est comme neuf !
It's as good as new!
- 20
C'est dommage de le jeter.
It's a shame to throw it away.