Last Updated on March 10, 2025
Here is a question: Have you ever received an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You that held a special meaning for you?? If you have, you might just be asked in the IELTS Speaking Part Exam to describe an item of clothing someone gave you. It could be anything–from a birthday gift someone gave you to a festive outfit. It could even be a simple token of love–a clothing item that carries deep emotional value.
This, dear readers, as such, makes for a common cue card topic. Why? It tests your ability to narrate personal experiences and use descriptive language while demonstrating fluency, coherence, and a rich vocabulary. But do not worry. As with all things, being impromptu still necessitates preparation. In this guide, you will find 6 high-scoring sample answers, expert tips to improve your response, and follow-up questions you might face in IELTS Speaking Part 3. By the end of this guide and the sample answers provided, you’ll feel confident in describing any clothing gift you’ve received naturally and engagingly—boosting your chances of scoring Band 8+ in IELTS Speaking!
A Traditional Kurta Gifted By My Grandmother: Describe an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You
I own a beautiful cotton kurta that my grandmother gifted me on my 18th birthday. And it remains, to this day, one of the most cherished pieces of clothing I own. Why? It holds immense sentimental value for me.
Where & When:
She gave it to me during a family gathering in our hometown in Assam, just before I was about to leave for my job in Bangalore. As the entire family had come together, it made for a very special moment.
Who Gave It To You:
My grandmother personally selected this kurta for me, as she believes in gifting clothes that reflect our heritage and the land where we come from.
Description of the Clothing:
The Kurta is made of handwoven cotton with intricate motifs embroidered along the neckline. It is of a soft blue color–one that also happens to be my favorite. What makes it even better is the lightweight nature of the fabric–perfect for wearing during warm weather.
Why It Was Special:
It connects me to my roots. Also, the fact that my grandmother picked the design to match my personality–simple yet elegant.
How You Felt:
I remember feeling deeply touched and proud to be gifted something that represents my culture. And that feeling continues to linger every time I wear it.
A Saree for a Wedding from My Aunt: Describe an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You
One of the most beautiful outfits I own is a silk saree. My aunt gave it to me for my cousin’s wedding.
Where & When:
She gave me the saree just one week before the wedding. She wanted me to wear something traditional for the event.
Who Gave It to You:
My aunt, who I am very close to, picked this saree for me. She wanted me to feel special on this important day.
Description of the Clothing:
The saree is made of Banarasi silk in a deep maroon color with golden zari designs. The fabric feels rich, and the detailed embroidery gives it a royal look.
Why It Was Special:
This saree was my first expensive traditional outfit. It was special because my aunt wanted me to cherish the moment. It also represented her blessings and love.
How You Felt Wearing It:
It made me feel beautiful and graceful. I also gained a deeper appreciation for Indian craftsmanship and traditional fashion through this saree.
A Suit Given as a Graduation Gift: Describe an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You
My father had gifted me with a formal suit for my graduation ceremony, which was a symbol of my transition into professional life after my bachelor’s.
Where & When:
He gave it to me a day before my graduation. He told me that it was time for me to dress for success.
Who Gave it to You:
The suit was given to me by my father. He has always encouraged me to be independent and to be confident.
Description Of The Clothing:
It is a classic navy-blue suit, one that is well-tailored with a crisp white shirt combined with a matching tie. Talking about the fabric, it is of high quality, giving off a polished, elegant look.
Why Was It Special?
The suit was special to me because it marked an important milestone in my life. It was also a reminder of my father’s belief in me as I was about to step into the corporate world.
How You Felt: I felt mature–ready to take on any new challenge that came my way. It also boosted my confidence–thereby remaining my favorite formal suit to this day.
A Custom T-shirt With a Message: Describe an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You
A custom-made T-shirt from my college friends has to be one of the most unique gifts I have ever received over the years.
Where & When:
I got it as part of my last parting gift from all of my friends (just before we all went our different ways)
Description of the clothing:
It was a white cotton T-shirt, adorned with handwritten writings on the front: “Legends Never Graduate”.
Why Was It Special: The whole reason why this is so unique is the short notes in writing that all of my friends scribbled. It was the perfect Tee to give as our last send-off, as I could literally put all the memories that came with college on it.
How You Felt:
This gift made me so happy and thankful. A thing I will always love.
Follow-up Questions: Describe an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You
The examiner in the IELTS Speaking Part 3 will ask questions that are broader and discussion-related based on the topic given in the cue card. Here are a number of follow-up questions to the cue card topic with model answers that will help you prepare well.
Why do people gift clothes?
People prefer to give clothes as gifts as it is both functional (wearable) and symbolic. Clothes are always gifted during festivals like Diwali, Eid, Pongal, and on other special occasions like birthdays and weddings in India. Finally, elders distribute clothes as a sign of blessing and good luck. In an emotional sense, deep thought has gone into our clothing, which is a conscious choice. For example, a T-shirt with a personalized message or a knitted grandmother cape may have sentimental worth.
How has fashion changed in your country over the years?
Over the years, Fashion in India has changed and developed with globalization, media, and modifying lifestyle. A generation or two earlier, most people went in for the traditional ward like sarees, kurtas and dhotis. But, with influences from the West, people started embracing Western wear like jeans, T-shirts, and dresses. Then, Bollywood celebrities and social media play a big role in setting trends.
Fusion fashion (with a little bit of Western and traditional Indian style) is in high demand nowadays. Young professionals are loving ethnic wear in contemporary silhouettes, be it Indo-Western diners or Nehru jackets. There is an increase in sustainable fashion because of organic fabrics and hand-made clothes instead of fast fashion.
Do people prefer branded clothes or locally made clothes?
Urban Indians and more so the urban youth certainly prefer high street brands like Zara, Nike or Levi’s as they see these brands clearly defined parameters for quality and status.
Locally made clothes are also just as popular, especially for ancient dresses like the Banarasi sarees, shawls from Kashmir, and handloom kurtas. They are locally made, crafted by the local artisans, and hence are often more in terms of cost and uniqueness.
There has been an upward trend in the last couple of years of organic and handmade fashion brands, such as those by FabIndia and Khadi India for homegrown clothing. Some prefer brands for durability, others local wear as cultural relevance, and source of affordability.
Check IELTS Speaking Links:
Final Thoughts: Tips to Score Band 8+ in IELTS Speaking
- Use Idioms & Phrasal Verbs
- Expand Your Answer Naturally
- Work on Pronunciation & Fluency
Quick Tips:
- Listen to native English speakers (YouTube, podcasts, movies).
- Practice speaking with a mirror or record yourself.
- Use online tools like BBC Learning English or IELTS Liz for pronunciation practice.
Your turn! Try answering this cue card іn your own words, and share your response іn the comments below. Want tо improve your IELTS Speaking skills even further? Explore our expert-led online IELTS courses tо boost your score!
Read Also:
Describe a Special Day Out That Cost You Little Money/Did Not Cost You Much
Describe an Occasion When You Helped a Family Member/Relative
Describe a Person Who Likes to Make Things by Hand | IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Person Who Has Strong Opinions: IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Challenge You Faced That You Thought Was Rather Difficult
Describe Something You Did in Your Study/Work That Has Made You Feel Confident
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