110+ Clothes Vocabulary in English. All the Fun of Shopping, Without the Cost

Yak Yacker Clothing vocab • Shopping • Describing outfits • US and UK notes

Goal: talk about what you wear (and what you want to buy) without pointing and saying “this… uh… sleeve thing.”

This guide gives you the most common clothes words in English, grouped by category: tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, accessories, fabrics, patterns, and useful shopping phrases.

Each item has an example sentence you can copy, plus a Hear button so you can practice pronunciation.

Yak Snark: If you forget a word, you can always say “the black thing.” But do not be surprised when the shop assistant brings you five different black things.

Quick Visual Cards

Start here. These show up constantly in real conversations and shopping.

Top

T-shirt

A casual shirt with short sleeves.

For example: I bought a white T-shirt for summer.

Top

hoodie

A sweatshirt with a hood.

For example: I wear a hoodie when it gets cold.

Bottom

jeans

Denim pants.

For example: These jeans fit perfectly.

Outerwear

jacket

Outer layer for warmth or style.

For example: Bring a jacket. It might rain.

Shoes

sneakers

Comfortable sports-style shoes.

For example: I walk a lot, so I wear sneakers.

Accessory

belt

Strap to hold up pants or add style.

For example: I need a belt for these trousers.

Fabric

cotton

Soft, breathable fabric.

For example: I prefer cotton shirts in hot weather.

Shopping

try on

Put on clothes to check the fit.

For example: Can I try this on in a medium?

Table of Clothes Vocabulary (140+)

Grouped so you can learn in chunks instead of crying into a pile of scarves.

Word / Phrase	What it means	Example sentence
Basics (general words)
clothes	Things you wear.	For example: I need new clothes for work.
clothing	Another word for clothes (often more formal).	For example: This store sells winter clothing.
outfit	A set of clothes worn together.	For example: That outfit looks great on you.
attire	Clothing for a specific situation (often formal).	For example: The event requires formal attire.
wardrobe	All the clothes you own.	For example: I want a simple wardrobe with basics.
dress code	Rules for what you should wear.	For example: The dress code is smart casual.
Tops (upper body)
shirt	Top with buttons (often) and a collar.	For example: He wore a blue shirt to the meeting.
button-down shirt	Shirt with buttons down the front.	For example: I need a button down shirt for the office.
blouse	A dressier top (often lighter fabric).	For example: She paired a blouse with a skirt.
polo shirt	Short-sleeve shirt with a collar.	For example: Our uniform is a polo shirt and jeans.
tank top	Sleeveless top.	For example: I wear a tank top at the gym.
camisole	Light sleeveless top, often worn under clothes.	For example: She wore a camisole under the blazer.
sweater	Warm knitted top.	For example: I keep a sweater at my desk.
cardigan	Sweater that opens in the front.	For example: This cardigan is perfect for spring.
turtleneck	Top with a high neck that folds over.	For example: I wore a turtleneck under my coat.
sweatshirt	Casual warm top, often cotton.	For example: I borrowed his sweatshirt on the plane.
hoodie	Sweatshirt with a hood.	For example: My hoodie has a big front pocket.
blazer	Structured jacket for smart outfits.	For example: A blazer makes the outfit look polished.
vest	Sleeveless layer (meaning depends on region).	For example: I wore a vest for extra warmth.
crop top	Short top that shows the waist.	For example: She wore a crop top with high-waisted jeans.
Bottoms (lower body)
pants	Trousers (US usage).	For example: These pants are too long for me.
trousers	Pants (common in UK and formal US).	For example: He wears trousers to work.
jeans	Denim pants.	For example: I like dark jeans for dinner.
shorts	Short pants.	For example: I wear shorts in hot weather.
skirt	Clothing that hangs from the waist.	For example: She wore a skirt and boots.
mini skirt	Very short skirt.	For example: The mini skirt goes well with tights.
midi skirt	Skirt with mid-calf length.	For example: A midi skirt feels neat but comfortable.
maxi skirt	Long skirt.	For example: I wore a maxi skirt to the beach.
leggings	Stretchy tight pants.	For example: I travel in leggings because they are comfy.
joggers	Casual soft pants, often with elastic ankles.	For example: I wear joggers at home.
sweatpants	Soft casual pants for relaxing.	For example: I changed into sweatpants after work.
chinos	Casual cotton trousers.	For example: Chinos look smart with sneakers.
slacks	Dressy work pants.	For example: He wore slacks and a button-down shirt.
suit pants	Pants that match a suit jacket.	For example: These suit pants need hemming.
Dresses and one-piece clothing
dress	One-piece clothing, often worn for events or daily wear.	For example: She wore a black dress to dinner.
maxi dress	Long dress.	For example: A maxi dress is great for summer heat.
cocktail dress	Dress for parties and semi-formal events.	For example: She chose a cocktail dress for the reception.
evening gown	Very formal long dress.	For example: The invitation says evening gown.
wedding dress	Dress worn by a bride.	For example: Her wedding dress was simple and elegant.
jumpsuit	One piece with top and pants together.	For example: I wore a jumpsuit to the party.
romper	One piece with shorts (often casual).	For example: She packed a romper for the trip.
overalls	Pants with straps over the shoulders.	For example: I wore overalls while painting the room.
Outerwear (jackets and coats)
jacket	Outer layer, usually shorter than a coat.	For example: I grabbed a jacket before going out.
coat	Outer layer for cold weather, often longer.	For example: This coat is warm and lightweight.
raincoat	Waterproof coat for rain.	For example: Bring a raincoat. The forecast looks bad.
trench coat	Long coat, often with a belt.	For example: A trench coat works for rainy days.
parka	Warm coat with a hood.	For example: I wear a parka in winter.
puffer jacket	Jacket with padded sections.	For example: My puffer jacket is very warm.
windbreaker	Light jacket that blocks wind.	For example: I wear a windbreaker on windy hikes.
denim jacket	Jacket made of denim.	For example: A denim jacket goes with almost anything.
leather jacket	Jacket made of leather (or faux leather).	For example: He wore a leather jacket on his bike.
Underwear and sleepwear
underwear	Clothes worn under other clothes.	For example: I need to buy new underwear.
bra	Supportive undergarment.	For example: She bought a sports bra for training.
briefs	Close-fitting underwear.	For example: He prefers briefs for comfort.
boxers	Loose-fitting underwear shorts.	For example: He bought two pairs of boxers.
panties	Common US word for womens underwear.	For example: She packed extra panties for the trip.
socks	Clothing for feet.	For example: I need thicker socks for winter.
ankle socks	Short socks that reach the ankle.	For example: I wear ankle socks with sneakers.
tights	Thin leg coverings, often worn with skirts.	For example: She wore black tights under the dress.
pajamas	Sleepwear (also spelled pyjamas).	For example: I changed into pajamas after dinner.
nightgown	Sleep dress.	For example: She wears a nightgown in summer.
robe	Loose clothing worn at home over pajamas.	For example: I put on a robe after my shower.
Activewear and swimwear
activewear	Clothes for exercise.	For example: I packed activewear for the gym.
sports bra	Supportive bra for exercise.	For example: A sports bra helps during workouts.
gym shorts	Shorts for exercise.	For example: He wears gym shorts to run.
tracksuit	Matching jacket and pants for sport.	For example: He wore a tracksuit to the airport.
swimsuit	Clothes for swimming.	For example: I forgot my swimsuit at the hotel.
bikini	Two-piece swimsuit.	For example: She bought a bikini for the beach trip.
swim trunks	Swim shorts (common for men).	For example: He packed swim trunks and sunscreen.
rash guard	Swim top that protects skin from sun.	For example: I wear a rash guard for surfing.
Shoes and footwear
shoes	Footwear.	For example: These shoes are comfortable for walking.
sneakers	Casual sports shoes (US common).	For example: I wear sneakers every day.
trainers	Sneakers (UK common).	For example: He bought new trainers for running.
running shoes	Shoes designed for running.	For example: I need running shoes with good support.
boots	Footwear that covers the ankle (or more).	For example: I wore boots because it was cold.
ankle boots	Boots that reach the ankle.	For example: Ankle boots look good with jeans.
knee-high boots	Boots that reach the knee.	For example: She wore knee high boots with a coat.
heels	Shoes with raised heels.	For example: She wore heels to the wedding.
flats	Shoes with no heel or a very low heel.	For example: I bring flats to change into after work.
sandals	Open shoes for warm weather.	For example: I wear sandals at the beach.
flip flops	Simple beach sandals with a strap between toes.	For example: I forgot my flip flops by the pool.
loafers	Slip-on smart shoes.	For example: Loafers work well with trousers.
dress shoes	Formal shoes for suits and events.	For example: He polished his dress shoes.
Accessories (the extras)
hat	Headwear.	For example: He wore a hat in the sun.
cap	A baseball-style hat with a brim.	For example: I wear a cap when I run.
beanie	Knitted winter hat.	For example: I bought a beanie for cold mornings.
scarf	Warm fabric worn around the neck.	For example: I wrapped a scarf around my neck.
gloves	Hand coverings.	For example: I wear gloves when it snows.
belt	Strap worn around the waist.	For example: This belt matches my shoes.
tie	Formal neckwear.	For example: He wore a tie to the interview.
bow tie	Tie shaped like a bow.	For example: He wore a bow tie at the gala.
watch	Timepiece worn on the wrist.	For example: She wears a watch every day.
sunglasses	Glasses that protect from sun.	For example: I always carry sunglasses.
handbag	Bag carried by hand or on the arm.	For example: Her handbag matches her coat.
backpack	Bag worn on the back.	For example: I brought a backpack for the day trip.
tote bag	Large simple bag with handles.	For example: I use a tote bag for groceries.
fanny pack	Small bag worn around the waist (US term).	For example: I wore a fanny pack for the festival.
Fabrics and materials
cotton	Soft, breathable natural fiber.	For example: Cotton is comfortable in hot weather.
linen	Light natural fabric, great for summer.	For example: He wore a linen shirt on vacation.
denim	Tough fabric used for jeans.	For example: Denim jackets are classic.
wool	Warm natural fiber from sheep.	For example: I wear wool socks in winter.
cashmere	Very soft, warm wool.	For example: This cashmere sweater feels amazing.
silk	Smooth, shiny natural fabric.	For example: She wore a silk blouse to dinner.
leather	Material made from animal hide (or faux leather).	For example: He bought a leather belt.
suede	Soft leather with a fuzzy surface.	For example: Suede shoes look nice but stain easily.
polyester	Common synthetic fabric.	For example: This jacket is polyester and dries fast.
nylon	Strong synthetic fabric, often for sportswear.	For example: The bag is nylon and lightweight.
spandex	Stretchy material used in activewear.	For example: Leggings often include spandex.
fleece	Soft warm fabric, often synthetic.	For example: I wear a fleece jacket on hikes.
Patterns and prints
solid	One color, no pattern.	For example: I want a solid black sweater.
striped	Pattern with stripes.	For example: He wore a striped shirt.
polka dot	Pattern with round dots.	For example: She bought a polka dot dress.
plaid	Crossed lines pattern (US term).	For example: I like plaid shirts in autumn.
checkered	Squares pattern (also called checked in UK).	For example: He wore a checkered jacket.
floral	Pattern with flowers.	For example: She wore a floral skirt in spring.
animal print	Pattern like leopard or zebra.	For example: She has an animal print scarf.
Fit and size (how it feels on your body)
size	How big or small clothing is.	For example: Do you have this in my size?
small	A smaller size (S).	For example: I usually wear a small.
medium	A middle size (M).	For example: Medium fits me best.
large	A larger size (L).	For example: Do you have a large in stock?
tight	Too small or close to the body.	For example: This shirt feels tight in the shoulders.
loose	Not tight; roomy.	For example: I prefer loose pants for travel.
baggy	Very loose, intentionally oversized.	For example: Baggy jeans are back in style.
oversized	Made to fit bigger than normal.	For example: I like an oversized hoodie.
fits well	Comfortable and flattering size.	For example: This jacket fits well, so I will take it.
Shopping and getting dressed (useful verbs and phrases)
wear	Have clothing on your body.	For example: I wear sneakers to work sometimes.
put on	Dress yourself with an item.	For example: Put on a jacket. It is cold.
take off	Remove clothing.	For example: I took off my shoes at the door.
try on	Test clothing for fit.	For example: Can I try on these jeans?
fit	Be the right size.	For example: These shoes do not fit me.
match	Look good together.	For example: This top matches the skirt.
layer	Wear multiple pieces on top of each other.	For example: I layer a sweater over a shirt.
roll up the sleeves	Fold sleeves up to the elbow.	For example: I rolled up the sleeves because it was warm.
exchange	Swap for a different size or item.	For example: Can I exchange this for a larger size?
return	Bring back for a refund.	For example: I need to return this because it does not fit.
Dress codes (what an invitation might say)
casual	Relaxed, everyday clothing.	For example: The dress code is casual, so jeans are fine.
smart casual	Neat but not fully formal.	For example: Smart casual means no gym clothes.
business casual	Office style, relaxed but professional.	For example: Business casual is a shirt and chinos.
formal	Dressy clothing for important events.	For example: The wedding is formal, so wear a suit.
black tie	Very formal evening dress code.	For example: Black tie usually means a tuxedo.

Optional Variants Table (US vs UK)

Same clothes, different words. Useful if you travel, watch British shows, or work with international teams.

US (Common)	UK (Common)	Example sentence
pants	trousers	For example: I need new trousers / I need new pants for work.
sweater	jumper	For example: Bring a jumper. It gets cold at night.
sneakers	trainers	For example: I wore trainers because we walked a lot.
fanny pack	bum bag	For example: I kept my phone in a bum bag.
vest (waistcoat style)	waistcoat	For example: He wore a waistcoat with the suit.

Yak Snark: In the UK, “pants” can mean underwear. So if you say “Nice pants!” there is a small chance you will cause emotional damage.