海外ファストファッションで絶対使える英会話130選｜H&M、ZARA、ユニクロでのお買い物ガイド

Clerk: Good afternoon! Are you looking for anything in particular?

Customer: Yes, I’d like to see some long-sleeve T-shirts. Where are the fitting rooms?
Clerk: The fitting rooms are at the back, next to the size chart. Would you like to try it on?

Customer: Yes, please. May I take these items into the fitting room?
Clerk: Of course! But please limit your items to 3.

Customer: No problem. By the way, do you have this in another size? I need a large.
Clerk: Let me check. I’m afraid this is the only size we have left for that color. Would you like to try a different size or a different color?

Customer: I’ll try this one. How did it fit for you personally? Is this cotton?
Clerk: Yes, it’s made of 100% cotton. This fits you well. Is there anything else I can help with?

Customer: Is this machine-washable?
Clerk: Yes, it’s machine-washable.

Customer: Also, do you have more stock in the back for these cargo pants?
Clerk: Let me check our inventory. Unfortunately, we’re out of stock in the back right now.

Customer: If the size doesn’t work, can I exchange this? And can I return this if it doesn’t fit?
Clerk: Yes, you have 14 days to return or exchange. Just bring the receipt. There’s no restocking fee.

Customer: Great. At checkout, can I use an IC card at the self-checkout machine?
Clerk: Yes, you can pay with an IC card or use contactless payment on the self-checkout machine. Do you need a plastic bag (charged) or will you use your reusable bag?

Customer: I’ll use my reusable bag. Thank you for your help!
Clerk: My pleasure! Have a lovely day.

Anna: Hey, do you want to check out the long-sleeve T-shirts over there?
Mia: Sure, I like oversized styles lately. Should we ask where the fitting rooms are?
Anna: Let’s do it. Excuse me, where are the fitting rooms?

Store Assistant: They’re at the back, next to the size chart.

Mia: Thanks! Anna, may I take these items into the fitting room with you? I found a cool cargo pants and a pea coat.
Anna: Yeah! But the sign says please limit your items to 3.

Mia: Ok, I’ll only take three. I wonder if they have this coat in M. The tag is L.
Anna: Let’s ask. Excuse me, do you have this in another size?

Store Assistant: I’m afraid this is the only size we have left in that color, but there’s a half coat in M.

Mia: Awesome. Anna, what do you think? How did it fit last time you tried their coats?
Anna: It was pretty comfortable. I like that it’s soft and lightweight.

Mia: Is this coat cotton or polyester? I want something warm but easy to clean.
Anna: The tag says blended fabric, so probably both. Wait, let’s check with the assistant: Is this machine-washable?

Store Assistant: Yes, it is.

Anna: By the way, if it doesn’t fit, can I exchange this or return this if it doesn’t fit?
Store Assistant: Sure. They do exchanges and returns for 14 days with the receipt. No restocking fee.

Mia: Perfect. Ready to check out? Should we use the self-checkout machine?
Anna: Yeah, I’ll pay with my IC card. Did you bring a reusable bag or do you need a plastic bag (charged)?

Mia: I brought my own! Shopping together is way easier.
Anna: Totally. Let’s go pay and then grab lunch!

American Youth and Fast Fashion

Fast fashion, with its rapid trends and low prices, continues to shape the wardrobes of young Americans, yet the culture surrounding it is far more complex than just chasing the latest look. In 2025, the attitudes of U.S. youth—especially Gen Z and young Millennials—towards fast fashion are defined by a mix of practicality, social pressure, evolving ethical values, and economic realities.

The Appeal of Fast Fashion

For many young people in the United States, fast fashion offers an accessible way to stay trendy without overspending. Brands like Zara, Shein, H&M, and Forever 21 thrive due to their ability to deliver new styles almost weekly at prices nearly anyone can afford. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram, amplify the urge to shop; “haul” videos and microtrends push youth to constantly update their wardrobes. In a culture where self-expression and online appearances matter, young shoppers are deeply influenced by influencers and peer posts, feeling pressure to never repeat outfits in public or online spaces.

Financial limitations also play a role. Gen Z and young Millennials, often facing high educational debt and uncertain job prospects, are reluctant—or unable—to spend on premium or slow fashion options. For many, fast fashion becomes a compromise between the desire to be fashionable and the necessity to save money.

Sustainability Awareness and Ethical Complexity

Despite their enthusiasm for fast fashion, American youth are increasingly knowledgeable about its ethical and environmental downsides. Most are aware that the industry contributes massively to pollution, water waste, and unsustainable labor practices. According to recent studies, over 70% of young U.S. shoppers say eco-friendliness influences their purchases, and many buy second-hand clothing: in 2025, 77% reported buying second-hand or upcycled fashion in the past six months.

However, this eco-consciousness often collides with reality—a phenomenon called the “attitude-behavior gap.” While Gen Z cares about sustainability, they still purchase fast fashion due to price, convenience, and trend-chasing. Many are skeptical of brands’ sustainability claims, with 88% of Gen Z stating that they don’t trust corporate “green” messaging. Instead, they turn to thrift stores, curated vintage shops, and swap apps to supplement their fast fashion buys, viewing used clothes as both ethical and cost-saving.

Social Values: Uniqueness, Gender Fluidity, and Activism

Young Americans today value uniqueness and gender fluidity in their fashion choices. Upcycled pieces, minimalist basics, Y2K revival styles, and gender-neutral clothing dominate youth culture, rejected the rigid categories of past generations. Many embrace clothing as a tool for self-expression, identity exploration, and even activism.

Political awareness and activism also matter. About 23% of young U.S. consumers report that their politics influence their shopping, sometimes boycotting certain brands and seeking out local or fair-trade alternatives. Still, this activism is selective: many openly admit spending on fast fashion brands with questionable reputations, rationalizing their purchases as necessary or balanced by other ethical choices.

The Road Ahead

In summary, today’s American youth possess a nuanced perspective on fast fashion. They are torn between desires for newness and low cost, ethical concerns and social pressures, individuality and mass-produced trends. The rise of second-hand shopping, minimalism, and sustainability activism reflects their values, but fast fashion remains a dominant force—largely because it fits the realities of daily life and digital culture.

Brands, activists, and policymakers seeking change must acknowledge these contradictions: real progress must balance affordability, authenticity, and transparency if it is to persuade American youth to truly move beyond fast fashion.