Clothes Shopping in Spain
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Clothes Shopping in Spain
Understanding the Spanish Fashion Scene
A Northern European Perspective
For many Northern European women, shopping for clothes in Spain can be an unexpected challenge. Our generally taller and larger-framed builds often require navigating differently sized garments, and it’s not uncommon to feel like you’ve jumped a size or two since arriving.
No Need to Worry!
There’s no need to rush into a new diet. Spanish clothing sizes run smaller and can vary significantly between stores. The good news? Trouser lengths are often generous, and many shops offer affordable alteration services.
Personally, I’m a UK size 10/12, but in Spain, a size 42 (equivalent to a UK 14) can be a snug fit. While in the UK I might be considered slim, Spanish fitting rooms tell a different story, sometimes feeling as if I’m wearing the largest size available.
The Svelte Shop Assistants
Contrary to the stereotype of curvaceous Latin women, many shop employees in Spain are petite and quite slim. In upscale areas like Marbella, there appears to be a link between wealth and slenderness. Boutiques here, particularly around Puerto Banus, often stock smaller, more revealing clothes.
The Shopping Experience
Unlike the UK, where high street chains dominate, Spain offers unique shopping experiences in individual boutiques. These shops may carry limited sizes and can be pricier due to their smaller scale.
Zara, however, stands out for its rapid response to fashion trends, with new designs reaching the shop floor in just three weeks. Popular and bustling, especially on Saturdays, Zara’s sizing tends to accommodate mostly sizes 8 to 12. For instance, I wear a UK size 10 for tops but need a large (L) at Zara, with XL as the next option.
Understanding the Target Market
Spanish shop windows clearly indicate their target age groups. This is unlike the UK, where stores like New Look cater to a wide age range. Bershka, for example, seems to cater exclusively to those under 25 and size 10 or smaller. Zara is more age-inclusive, with Zara Basic for ages 21 to 35, offering trendy items at reasonable prices. Zara Woman targets older, more affluent shoppers with higher-quality, sophisticated designs, while TRF serves trendy teens and students.
Other notable brands include Mango, targeting the 20 to 35 demographic with fashion-forward styles, and Promod, which appeals to those over 35 with its smart casual offerings. A UK size 12 shopper might find a size 42 fitting best at Promod.
Massimo Dutti attracts the stylish, preppy crowd, focusing on classic looks rather than fleeting trends. Meanwhile, El Corte Inglés, a major department store, offers various designer brands but at a higher cost, which can be a bit pricier than expected.
Hunting for Bargains
If you’re hoping for great deals during Spanish sales, be prepared for modest discounts, typically around 20%. There are two major sales periods: summer and January. Unlike the UK, where promotions are frequent, Spanish stores tend to maintain consistent pricing.
Size Conversion Tips
When shopping in Spain, be prepared for variations in sizing. Bring a range of sizes into the fitting room and focus on the fit rather than the label. Many shops offer alteration services (arreglos), so don’t hesitate to ask.
Happy shopping!
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