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Asking for a Different Size

Offering an Alternative Size/Fit Guidance

The sales associate informs the customer that the exact size isn't available but offers a slightly different size or suggests an alternative fit, e.g., 'This brand runs small, so a size up might be better.'

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Excuse me, I'm trying on this sweater, and I think I need a different size. Do you have it in a size medium?
2
Michael (Male)
Let me check for you. Which size are you currently trying on?
3
Sarah (Female)
This is a small, and it feels a bit too snug.
4
Michael (Male)
Okay. I'm afraid we're out of stock on the medium in this particular color right now. But a lot of our customers find this brand runs a bit small, so sometimes sizing up can be a good idea. Would you like to try a large instead? It might give you a more comfortable, slightly oversized fit.
5
Sarah (Female)
Hmm, a large, you say? I'm not usually a large, but if this brand runs small, maybe it would work. Could I try it on?
6
Michael (Male)
Absolutely! I'll grab one for you right away. The fitting rooms are just over there.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

trying on

This phrase means putting on clothes in a store to see if they fit well before buying. It's commonly used when shopping for clothes.

snug

Snug describes clothing that fits closely to the body, sometimes too tight. Use it to explain why a size feels uncomfortable.

out of stock

This means an item is not available to buy right now because it's sold out. It's a polite way stores inform customers.

runs small

This expression means a brand's sizes are smaller than usual, so you might need a bigger size. It's useful for giving or asking for fit advice.

sizing up

Sizing up means choosing a larger size than your usual one. It's practical when clothes feel tight due to brand differences.

oversized

Oversized describes clothing that is intentionally larger or looser for a relaxed, comfortable look. It's popular in fashion.

fitting rooms

Fitting rooms are private areas in stores where you can try on clothes. Also called changing rooms.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Excuse me, I'm trying on this sweater, and I think I need a different size. Do you have it in a size medium?

This polite sentence starts a conversation in a store to ask for help with sizing. It's useful for shopping; 'Excuse me' gets attention, and the question uses 'Do you have...?' for availability. Practice for natural requests.

Let me check for you. Which size are you currently trying on?

This shows helpful customer service by offering to look and asking for details. 'Let me check' is a polite offer; 'which size' uses a question to clarify. Use it as a salesperson or to respond politely.

This is a small, and it feels a bit too snug.

This describes a problem with fit simply. 'Feels a bit too' softens the complaint to be polite. It's great for explaining why you need a change without being rude.

I'm afraid we're out of stock on the medium in this particular color right now.

This politely gives bad news about availability. 'I'm afraid' softens it; 'out of stock' is key vocabulary. Use in service roles to inform customers gently.

A lot of our customers find this brand runs a bit small, so sometimes sizing up can be a good idea. Would you like to try a large instead?

This offers advice based on common experiences and suggests an alternative. 'Runs a bit small' and 'sizing up' are useful phrases; the question invites agreement. Ideal for giving helpful suggestions in retail.

Absolutely! I'll grab one for you right away. The fitting rooms are just over there.

This enthusiastic response shows quick help. 'Absolutely' means yes strongly; 'grab one' is casual for fetching. Use to end positively and direct the customer.