A2English
Tailor & Alterations
Use these phrases when you visit a tailor for clothes alterations.
Key Phrases
Voice
Explaining the problem · 2 ways to say it
Hi, these pants are much too long for me.
neutralUS English — 'pants' means trousers.
Hi, these trousers are much too long for me.
neutralUK English.
Asking to make clothes shorter · 2 ways to say it
Can you shorten the legs on these for me?
casualCould you hem the bottom of this dress, please?
politeAsking to make clothes smaller
Can you take this shirt in around the waist?
neutral'Take in' means to make the clothes tighter.
Asking to make clothes bigger
Could you let this jacket out a little bit?
neutral'Let out' means to make the clothes wider.
Asking for a fitting · 2 ways to say it
Can I try this on in the fitting room?
casualExcuse me, do you have a fitting room here?
politeAsking the price · 2 ways to say it
How much is it to fix these pants?
casualHow much will the alterations cost in total?
neutral'Alterations' are changes to the clothes.
Asking about the time · 2 ways to say it
When can I come and pick these clothes up?
casualWhen will the clothes be ready for me?
neutralPractice Dialogue
Customer
Hi, these pants are much too long for me.
Tailor
Right. I can hem them for you.
Customer
Great. Can I try them on in the fitting room?
Tailor
Sure. It is right over there.
Customer
Thanks. And can you take them in around the waist?
Tailor
Yes, I can do that. No problem.
Customer
How much will it cost for everything?
Tailor
Thirty dollars total. You can pay today.
Customer
Okay, here you go. When will they be ready?
Tailor
You can pick them up on Friday afternoon.