World’s Best Guide to Clothes & Fashion Vocabulary in Spanish
Are you traveling to a Spanish-speaking country and want to buy some fashionable items? But how to say all the names of clothes in Spanish?
Don’t worry. You’ve got to the right place to learn all about la ropa (clothes).
In this article, you’ll find all the necessary clothing vocabulary to talk about fashion in Spanish and go on a shopping spree. I’ll also throw in some useful words to get your clothes washed and ironed, and some extra terms useful for storage.
Roll up your sleeves as we’re ready to start!
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Let’s Go Shopping for Clothes in Spanish!
If you see in the dictionary articles of clothing in Spanish with pictures, it all looks easy. However, everything looks different the moment you go shopping in a Spanish-speaking country.
Just in case you need a clerk’s assistance to help you find what you need and communicate your wishes, here are Spanish clothing names divided into categories, as well as some essential verbs, and adjectives.
Clothing Items in Spanish for Every Occasion
Never get surprised! Whatever item you need to purchase, you have everything here:
Summer Clothes – La Ropa de Verano
This is a useful la ropa vocabulary list if you’re planning a summer vacation in Mexico or in the South of Spain.
| English | Spanish |
| bermuda shorts | las bermudas |
| bikini | el bikini |
| cargo shorts | los pantalones cortos de carga |
| cover-ups | la túnica, un pareo |
| dress | el vestido |
| halter top | la camiseta sin mangas |
| hawaiian shirt | la camisa hawaiana |
| one-piece swimsuit | el traje de baño (de una pieza) |
| polo shirt | la camiseta polo |
| shirt | la camisa |
| shorts | los pantalones cortos |
| skirt | la falda |
| swim trunks / board shorts | el bañador |
| t-shirt (tee) | la camiseta |
| tank top | la camiseta sin mangas / el top |
Here are some sample sentences to see these words in context.
Me gustaría comprarme unos pantalones cortos y una camiseta. Aquí hace más calor de lo que esperaba.
I would like to buy shorts and a t-shirt. It’s warmer here than I expected.
¡Me encanta tu traje de baño!
I love your swimsuit!
No me gusta llevar vestidos en la playa, prefiero una túnica.
I don’t like to wear dresses on the beach, I prefer a tunic.
You can also listen to this famous song by Juanes—La Camisa Negra.
Winter Clothes – La Ropa de Invierno
For skiing in the Pyrenees or Andes, you’ll need a completely different set of clothing, more appropriate for cold temperatures.
| English | Spanish |
| anorak | el anorak |
| cardigan | el cardigán |
| coat | el abrigo |
| down jacket | el chaleco de plumas |
| pants | los pantalones |
| raincoat | la gabardina (Esp), el impermeable (Lat. Am.) |
| ski suit | el traje de esquí |
| snow coat | el abrigo de nieve |
| sweater | el jersey |
| sweater | el suéter |
| sweatshirt | la sudadera |
| thermal clothing | la ropa térmica |
Con tanto frío tienes que ponerte un suéter debajo del abrigo.
With so much cold you have to wear a sweater under your coat.
¡No pensé que iba a necesitar ropa térmica en Chile!
I didn’t think I would need thermal clothing in Chile!
Se me olvidó mi impermeable.
I forgot my raincoat.
Now, the only thing that is left is to check the Ultimate Guide to Skiing in South America.
Accessories – Los Complementos / Accesorios
The real fashion in Spanish starts when you add some fancy accessories to your clothes.
| English | Spanish |
| backpack | la mochila |
| bag | la bolsa |
| belt | el cinturón |
| briefcase | el maletín |
| cap | el gorro |
| earmuffs | las orejeras |
| glasses | las gafas |
| gloves | los guantes |
| hat | el sombrero |
| mittens | las manoplas/los mitones |
| scarf | la bufanda (for winter), el pañuelo (for summer) |
| shawl | el chal |
| sunglasses | los lentes de sol, las gafas de sol |
| umbrella | el paraguas |
| wallet, purse | la cartera |
| watch | el reloj |
| woolen hat | el gorro de lana |
Me quiero comprar una cartera que combine con mis lentes de sol.
I want to buy a purse to match my sunglasses.
Por la noche refresca; llévate un chal.
It gets cooler at night; take a shawl.
Me veo muy guapa con estas orejeras.
I look very pretty in these earmuffs.
Jewelry – Joyas
And the final touch to make you look spectacular is of course done with jewelry.
Did you know that the Tous Company is Spanish? Check their online page and choose what you want to buy during your trip to Spain!
| English | Spanish |
| bangle | el brazalete |
| bracelet | la pulsera |
| brooch | la brocha |
| chain | la cadena |
| choker | la gargantilla |
| cufflinks | los gemelos (esp), las mancuernillas (am. lat.) |
| earrings | los aretes/los pendientes |
| engagement ring | el anillo de compromiso |
| gem | la gema |
| hairpin | la horquilla |
| locket | el medallon |
| necklace | el collar |
| ring | el anillo |
| tie clip | la pinza de corbara |
| wedding ring | al anillo de boda, la alianza |
¡Perdí mi alianza!
I lost my wedding ring!
Este medallón, me lo regaló mi abuela.
This locket, my grandmother gave it to me.
Las gargantillas se pusieron de moda últimamente.
Chokers have become fashionable lately.
If you feel like learning more about jewelry in Spanish, check out this vocabulary guide.
Sports Clothes – La Ropa Deportiva
If you’re an athletic type and into sports, you’ll enjoy this section on clothes in Spanish you can wear in a gym.
| English | Spanish |
| sweatshirt | la sudadera |
| tracksuit | el chándal |
| leggins | los leggins/la licra |
| wristbands | las muñequeras |
| sports bra | el brasier deportivos |
| sweatpants | los pantalones deportivos/el pants |
| headband | banda de cabeza |
Para jugar al tenis no necesitas muñequeras.
To play tennis you don’t need wristbands.
No me gusta correr con los pants, prefiero los leggins.
I don’t like running with pants, I prefer leggings.
Formal Occasion – Las Ocasiones Formales
If you’re planning to attend a formal event, it’s better to know the correct articles of clothing in Spanish for this occasion.
| English | Spanish |
| ball gown | el vestido de baile |
| business -style dress | el vestido formal/de oficina |
| cocktail dress | el vestido de cóctel |
| evening gown | el vestido de noche |
| jacket | la chaqueta |
| pencil skirt | la falda de tubo |
| smoking | el esmoquin |
| suit | el traje |
| tails, frac | el frac |
| three-piece suit | el traje de tres piezas |
| uniform | el uniforme |
| vest | el chaleco formal |
Para la conferencia me pondré la falda de tubo y la chaqueta y para la noche el vestido de cóctel.
For the conference, I will wear a tube skirt and jacket and for the evening the cocktail dress.
Me gustan los hombres que van de traje.
I like men who wear suits.
Baby Clothes – La Ropa de Bebé
If you want to buy a couple of baby clothes, here’s some vocabulary you might find useful.
| English | Spanish |
| baby’s apron | el delantal del bebe |
| beanie | el gorro |
| bib | el babero |
| mittens/gloves | los mitones/los guantes |
| onesie | el body |
| pajamas | la pijama |
| tights | los leotardos |
Mi bebé se ensució el body con la papilla.
My baby soiled his onesie with the baby food.
Cada día tengo que mandar 3 baberos a la guardería.
Every day I have to send 3 bibs to the nursery.
If you’re interested in other baby topics in Spanish, check out We’re Having a Baby! A Vocabulary Guide in Spanish.
Underwear – La Ropa Interior
Shopping for underwear can be a necessity or a pleasure. Or both. Whatever your reasons are, here are some useful words:
| English | Spanish |
| bra | el brasier (Am. Lat.)/el sostén (Esp.) |
| boxers | los calzones |
| briefs | los calzoncillos |
| nighttie | el camisón |
| no-show socks | los calcetines invisibles |
| pantiehose | los pantys |
| panties | el calzón |
| robe | la bata |
| socks | los calcetines |
| stockings | las medias |
| thing | la tanga |
| underpants | los boxers |
| underwear | la ropa interior |
¡Ya no me quedan estos calzoncillos!
I’ve outgrown these briefs!
Mi hermano solo quiere usar boxers.
My brother only wants to wear boxers.
En la escuela no puedo llevar calcetines invisibles, solo largos.
At school, I can’t wear invisible socks, only long ones.
Shoes – Los Zapatos
How many shoes do you have? If you want to buy some more during your trip to a Spanish-speaking country, here are some helpful words:
| English | Spanish |
| ankle-boots | los botines |
| ballet flats | las bailarinas |
| boots | las botas |
| clogs | los zuecos |
| flat shoes | los flats |
| flip flops | los flip flops/las chanclas/las hawaianas |
| formal shoes | los zapatos de vestir |
| high heels | los tacones |
| loafers | los mocasines |
| platform shoes | los zapatos de plataforma |
| rain boots | las botas de agua |
| running shoes | los tenis para correr |
| sandals | las sandalias |
| slippers | las pantuflas |
| tennis shoes | los tenis |
En México solo usaba los flip flops y sandalias.
In Mexico, I only wore flip-flops and sandals.
No me gusta llevar tacones ni cuando voy de fiesta.
I don’t like to wear heels even when I go to a party.
Los zapatos de plataforma están de moda otra vez.
Platform shoes are in fashion again.
Adjectives and Other Words to Use with Spanish Clothes Words
What if you want a specific type of cloth in mind but you don’t know how to describe it? Let me help you.
Sizes – Las tallas
| English | Spanish |
| xs | Extra chico, -a/extra pequeño, -a |
| s | Chico, -a/pequeño, -a |
| m | Mediano, -a |
| l | grande |
| xl | Extra grande |
| xxl | Extra extra grande |
Textures – Las texturas
| English | Spanish |
| bulky | voluminoso, -a |
| clingy | adherente |
| coarse | rugoso, -a |
| crisp | crispado, -a |
| dull | opaco, -a |
| fine | fino, -a |
| heavy | pesado, -a |
| light | ligero, -a |
| opaque | opaco, -a |
| rough | áspero, -a |
| sheer | transparente |
| shiny | brillante |
| smooth | suave |
| soft | suave |
| stiff | rígido, -a |
| thin | delgado, -a, |
Fabrics – Las telas
| English | Spanish |
| chiffon | gasa |
| cotton | algodón |
| crepe | crepé |
| denim | denim |
| knitted | tejido |
| lace | encaje |
| leather | cuero |
| leatherette | imitación de cuero |
| linen | lino |
| natural | natural |
| satin | satén |
| silk | seda |
| synthetic | sintético, -a |
| velvet | terciopelo |
| wool | lana |
Quiero una falda de terciopelo suave, talla chica.
I want a soft velvet skirt, small size.
Me encantan las cosas brillantes.
I love shiny things.
Este abrigo está demasiado rígido.
This coat is too stiff.
Solo compro playeras de algodón orgánico.
I only buy organic cotton shirts.
Other Words to Talk About Clothes
| English | Spanish |
| colorful | colorido, -a |
| long | largo, -a |
| loose | suelto, -a |
| medium-length | medio-largo, -a |
| Pattern, print | estampado, -a |
| plain | liso, -a |
| short | corto, -a |
| tight | ajustado, -a |
A mi mamá le encantan los pantalones ajustados.
My mom loves tight pants.
Esta falda es demasiado corta.
This skirt is too short.
¡Qué bonito estampado!
What a pretty print!
What Can You Do with Your Clothes?
Including: to wear, to change clothes, to wash clothes, and to put on clothes – people are searching for ways to talk about their experience with their clothes.
How to Say to Wear in Spanish?
| English | Spanish |
| to wear | tener puesto |
| to be wearing | estar vistiendo |
| to be wearing | estar llevando |
| to be wearing | estar usando |
| to be wearing | estar luciendo |
Example Sentences:
¿Qué tenía puesto el ladrón?
What was the thief wearing?
La modelo está vistiendo la falda de Gucci de la última temporada.
The model is wearing last season’s Gucci skirt.
Estos pantalones ya no se llevan.
These pants are no longer in style.
Estoy usando una camiseta corta combinada con jeans.
I’m wearing a short t-shirt combined with jeans.
La actriz está luciendo una chaqueta de diamantes.
The actress is wearing a diamond jacket.
Verbs to Use for Clothing
| English | Spanish |
| to button up | abotonar, abrochar |
| to buy | comprar |
| to change | cambiar(se) |
| to dress | vestirse |
| to look for | buscar |
| to return | devolver |
| to suit | quedar |
| to take off | quitarse |
| to try on | probarse |
| to undress | desvestirse |
| to use | usar |
Abróchate, hace mucho viento.
Button up, it’s very windy.
Tengo que cambiar esta playera por una talla más grande.
I have to change this shirt for a bigger size.
Tengo que cambiarme para la clase de natación.
I have to change for swimming class.
Te queda super bien este color.
This color suits you.
No te quites los guantes, te vas a congelar.
Don’t take off your gloves, you’ll freeze.
Let’s Do Laundry in Spanish!
If you plan on staying a bit longer on your vacation in Mexico, you might need to wash your clothes yourself or get them washed.
You might need the following laundry vocabulary in Spanish.
Laundry Action Verbs in Spanish
| English | Spanish |
| to dry | secar |
| to dry clean | limpiar en seco |
| to fold | doblar |
| to iron | planchar |
| to put away | guardar |
| to wash | lavar |
| to wriggle out of clothes | escurrir la ropa |
You have to dry clean this coat.
Tienes que limpiar en seco este abrigo.
Me gusta cuando me doblan la ropa en la lavandería.
I like it when they fold my clothes in the laundry.
Esta chaqueta no se puede secar a máquina.
This jacket cannot be machine dried.
Laundry Places and Machines in Spanish
| English | Spanish |
| coin laundry | la lavandería de monedas |
| dryer | la secadora |
| iron | la plancha |
| laundry room | la lavandería |
| sink | el lavadero |
| washing machine | la lavadora |
Nunca dejes la plancha prendida encima del burro.
Never leave the iron on the ironing board.
Mi secadora es nueva pero mi lavadora ya tiene unos años.
My dryer is new but my washing machine is a few years old.
Common Laundry Products in Spanish
| English | Spanish |
| laundry detergent | el detergente para ropa |
| dryer sheets | las hojas para secadora |
| hangers | las perchas (Esp.), los ganchos (Am. Lat.) |
| clothes rack | el tendedero (Esp.), el colgador (AM. Lat.) |
| clothesline | el tendedero |
| ironing board | la tabla de planchar (Esp.) /el burro (Am. Lat.) |
| bleach | la lejía |
| softener | el suavizante |
| stain remover | el quitamanchas |
Tuve que comprar el suavizante y el quitamanchas.
I had to buy fabric softener and stain remover.
Mi colgador se rompió cuando le puse la colcha encima.
My clothes rack broke when I put the quilt on top of it.
Me gusta tener puros ganchos de madera en mi armario.
I like to have only wood hooks in my closet.
Clothing Storage Areas in Spanish
| English | Spanish |
| chest of drawers | la cómoda/ la cajonera |
| closet | el armario |
| drawers | los cajones |
| dresser | el vestidor |
| laundry basket | la cesta de la ropa sucia |
| shelves | los estantes |
| walk-in-closet | el vestidor, el walk-in.closet |
Mis vestidos están en el armario y los calcetines en la cajonera.
My dresses are in the closet and socks are in the dresser.
Me encantaría tener un walk-in-closet.
I would love to have a walk-in closet.
Mi cesta de la ropa sucia está siempre llena.
My laundry basket is always full.
Speak Spanish Faster With Live, 1-on-1 Classes
Now, I’m sure you have enough vocabulary for any clothing shopping emergency! You can create a pdf with the words and sentences from this article and study in your free time. You can also sign up for a free Spanish class and talk about clothes and fashion in Spanish with a native Spanish-speaking teacher. Who knows, maybe you can see how much you love learning Spanish and find your new passion!
Clothes in Spanish: Time to Practice!
Practice makes perfect, so it’s the best way to solidify your newly acquired knowledge! Here’s a pop quiz for you.
1. These clothes are used to for sports or exercise:
2. These are used to protect our feet:
3. This is used to dry clothes in the sun:
4. These clothes can be used everyday.
5. This is part of the laundry process.
6. This word means “to wash clothes.”
7. This word means “to purchase.”
8. These clothes are worn under our other clothes:
9. You use these clothes for important occasions:
10. You store your clothes here
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