
Whether you’re shopping in one of your favorite clothing stores or dropping off clothes to be washed at a local lavandería (laundromat), conversations about clothing are sure to come up in a variety of Spanish conversations. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have some of these key vocabulary terms under your belt.
Basic Clothing Vocabulary
You can start by learning some of this basic vocabulary for everyday clothing items. Keep in mind, though, that although these terms are universal, many areas of Spain or Latin America have their own regionalisms.
la ropa |
clothing |
la camisa |
button up shirt |
la camiseta |
T-shirt |
la camiseta sin mangas |
tank top |
los pantalones |
pants |
los jeans/vaqueros |
jeans |
los pantalones cortos |
shorts |
la falda |
skirt |
el vestido |
dress |
la ropa interior |
undergarments |
los calzoncillos |
underwear |
el sujetador/el brasier |
bra |
las medias |
tights |
los calcetines |
socks |
la chaqueta |
jacket |
el suéter/la sudadera |
sweater, sweatshirt |
el abrigo |
coat |
bathing suit |
el traje de baño |
los zapatos |
shoes |
los tenis |
tennis shoes |
las botas |
boots |
los zapatillas |
slippers |
las sandalias |
sandals |
las chanclas |
flip-flops |
Fabric, Clothing Parts & Other Adjectives
There may be times when you will have to describe a clothing item that you are looking for in both design, style and material. These are the most common terms you may need in this situation.
estar de moda |
to be in style |
el/la diseñador/a |
designer |
el cierre/la cremallera |
zipper |
el boton |
button |
el estampado |
pattern |
de rayas |
striped |
de cuadros |
checkered |
la tela |
fabric |
de cuero/piel |
leather |
de algodón |
cotton |
de lana |
wool |
de seda |
silk |
los probadores |
dressing rooms |
talla chica |
small size |
talla mediana |
medium size |
talla grande |
large size |
apretado/a |
tight |
grande |
big/loose |
You may also want to learn vocabulary for colors in Spanish for discussing the colors of clothing.
Dress Code and Formal Attire in Spanish-Speaking Countries
Generally speaking, people in Latin America dress more formally than Spaniards, who tend to dress more casually on a day to day basis. This is especially true in major Latin American cities where businessmen and women dress formally for work and events. Further, Latin American weddings are extravagant affairs. It is common for guests to arrive in tuxedos and formal gowns so it’s a good idea to check with the bride and groom about the preferred attire if you are attending a wedding. Here are a few terms to know when referring to formal dress.
el vestido de gala |
gown |
el traje |
suit |
la corbata |
tie |
el esmoquin |
tuxedo |
el chaleco |
vest |
los tacones |
high heels |
Clothing Accessories and Jewelry
Both men and women love accessorising their outfits. Make sure to memorize some of the items that you use the most!
los accesorios |
accessories |
el reloj |
watch |
el cinturón |
belt |
el gorro |
cap |
el sombrero |
hat |
las joyas |
jewelry |
los aretes/los pendientes |
earrings |
el anillo |
ring |
el collar |
necklace |
la pulsera/el brazalete |
bracelet |
la bufanda |
scarf |
los guantes |
gloves |
Useful Verbs When Talking About Clothes
When shopping, you only need to learn a few key verbs to be able to communicate with the shop attendants. People working in clothing stores are normally very helpful and ask lots of questions so it’s a good idea to understand these common verbs.
- quedarle → to fit
Example: La falda no me queda bien. → The skirt doesn’t fit me well.
Example: Este vestido me queda apretado. → This dress is too tight.
- probarse → to try on (clothing)
Example: Me gustaría probarme estos pantalones. → I would like to try on these pants.
- ponerse→ to put on (clothing)
Example: Ponte el sueter, hace frío. → Put on your sweater, it’s cold.
- quitarse → to take off
Example: Quítate los zapatos hijo. → Take off your shoes son.
Useful Expressions When Talking About Clothing
Here are some other common expressions you may need when shopping, taking your clothes to be laundered or inquiring about dress code. Remember, when you are invited to an event in a Spanish-speaking country, it’s best to ask for clarification of the appropriate attire.
¿Dónde se encuentran los vestidos? |
Where are the dresses (found)? |
¿Podrías lavar esta ropa? |
Could you wash these clothes? |
¿Podrías lavar en seco esta chaqueta? |
Could could you dry clean this jacket? |
¿Es necesario vestirse de traje y corbata? |
Is it necessary to wear a suit and tie? |
¿Cuáles son las reglas de vestuario? |
What is the dress code? |
¿Estoy vestido/a correctamente? |
Am I dressed appropriately? |
With these vocabulary words and expressions you will be completely prepared for any situation revolving around talking about clothes in Spanish.