Clothing is a fundamental part of our daily lives and shopping for it is a common activity. In Spanish, knowing the vocabulary for various clothing items and accessories is essential for describing what we wear and making purchases.
From basic items like shirts and pants to accessories like jewelry and bags, Spanish has specific terms for each. Understanding masculine and feminine endings, as well as adjectives for style, color, and fit, allows for more detailed descriptions of clothing in Spanish.
Clothing vocabulary in Spanish
Basic clothing items
- la camisa (shirt): A garment worn on the upper body, typically with a collar and buttons down the front
- los pantalones (pants): An outer garment covering the body from the waist to the ankles, with a separate part for each leg
- la falda (skirt): A garment hanging from the waist and worn by women and girls
- el vestido (dress): A one-piece garment for women or girls that covers the body and extends down over the legs
- la camiseta (t-shirt): A lightweight, short-sleeved, collarless shirt made of cotton or a similar fabric
- los zapatos (shoes): A covering for the foot, typically made of leather or canvas, with a sturdy sole and not reaching above the ankle
Outerwear and undergarments
- la chaqueta (jacket): A short coat, typically extending to the hips, worn as an outer garment
- el suéter (sweater): A knitted garment worn on the upper body, typically with long sleeves
- el abrigo (coat): A long, warm outer garment worn over other clothes
- la bufanda (scarf): A length of fabric worn around the neck or head for warmth or decoration
- la ropa interior (underwear): Garments worn next to the skin and under other clothes
- los calcetines (socks): A garment for the foot and lower part of the leg, typically knitted from wool or cotton
- el sostén/sujetador (bra): A woman's undergarment worn to support the breasts
- las medias (pantyhose/tights): A woman's close-fitting garment that covers the feet and legs up to the waist
Clothing for specific purposes
- el traje de baño (swimsuit): A garment worn for swimming or bathing, typically in one or two pieces
- la sudadera (sweatshirt): A loose, warm shirt, typically made of cotton, with long sleeves and no collar
- los jeans (jeans): Trousers made of denim or other heavy cotton fabric
- las botas (boots): A sturdy item of footwear covering the foot and ankle, and sometimes extending up the leg
- el sombrero (hat): A shaped covering for the head, typically with a brim and a crown
- la gorra (cap): A soft, flat cap with a rounded crown and a stiff peak projecting in front
- las gafas de sol (sunglasses): A pair of glasses with dark lenses worn to protect the eyes from the sun's glare
Describing clothing accessories
Jewelry and neck accessories
- el collar (necklace): An ornamental chain, string of beads, or similar article worn around the neck
- los aretes/pendientes (earrings): An ornament worn on or hanging from the ear, usually clipped to the earlobe or fastened through a piercing
- la pulsera (bracelet): An ornamental band, hoop, or chain worn around the wrist or arm
- el anillo (ring): A small circular band, typically of precious metal and often set with one or more gemstones, worn on a finger as an ornament or a token of marriage, engagement, or authority
- la corbata (tie): A long, narrow strip of cloth worn around the neck and tied in front with the ends hanging down, typically forming part of a man's business or formal attire
- el pañuelo (scarf/handkerchief): A square of cotton or other finely woven material, typically carried in one's pocket and intended for blowing or wiping one's nose
Bags and belts
- el bolso (purse/handbag): A small bag used by a woman to carry everyday personal items
- la mochila (backpack): A large bag with shoulder straps, carried on the back and typically used by hikers or students to carry supplies
- la cartera (wallet): A small, flat folding case for holding money and plastic cards, typically carried in a pocket or handbag
- el monedero (coin purse): A small pouch or container used to carry coins
- el cinturón (belt): A strip of leather or other material worn around the waist, typically to support clothes or for decoration
- la correa (strap/belt): A strip of leather, cloth, or other flexible material, used to fasten, secure, or carry something or to hold on to something
Accessories for specific purposes
- los guantes (gloves): A covering for the hand worn for protection against cold or dirt and typically having separate parts for each finger and the thumb
- el reloj (watch): A small timepiece worn typically on a strap on one's wrist
- el paraguas (umbrella): A device consisting of a circular canopy of cloth on a folding metal frame supported by a central rod, used as protection against rain
- el bastón (cane): A stick with a handle used as a walking stick or as a support
Masculine vs Feminine clothing
Masculine and feminine endings
- Masculine clothing items typically end in -o, such as:
- el zapato (shoe)
- el abrigo (coat)
- el sombrero (hat)
- Feminine clothing items typically end in -a, such as:
- la blusa (blouse)
- la falda (skirt)
- la bufanda (scarf)
- Some clothing items that end in -e or a consonant can be either masculine or feminine, such as:
- el/la suéter (sweater)
- el/la pantalón (pant)
Matching definite articles and adjectives
- The definite article (el/la) and adjective endings must match the gender of the clothing item
- Masculine example: el vestido rojo (the red dress)
- Feminine example: la corbata azul (the blue tie)
- Adjectives typically follow the noun they modify and must match in gender and number
- Singular example: una falda larga (a long skirt)
- Plural example: unos calcetines blancos (some white socks)
Describing clothing style and fit
Adjectives of style and color
- Adjectives of style include:
- elegante (elegant)
- casual (casual)
- formal (formal)
- deportivo/a (sporty)
- Adjectives of color include:
- rojo/a (red)
- azul (blue)
- verde (green)
- amarillo/a (yellow)
- negro/a (black)
- blanco/a (white)
Adjectives of pattern and fit
- Adjectives of pattern include:
- a rayas (striped)
- a cuadros (checkered/plaid)
- a lunares (polka-dotted)
- estampado/a (patterned)
- Adjectives of fit include:
- ajustado/a (tight)
- holgado/a (loose)
- corto/a (short)
- largo/a (long)
Adjectives of material
- Adjectives of material include:
- de algodón (cotton)
- de lana (wool)
- de cuero (leather)
- de seda (silk)
- de poliéster (polyester)