Clothing in Spanish
Whether you are shopping at a market in Madrid or packing for a trip to Mexico City, knowing clothing vocabulary in Spanish is essential. From everyday basics like shirts and pants to accessories like scarves and hats, this guide gives you the words you need to talk about what you wear. We also cover regional differences so you sound natural wherever you go.
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Everyday Clothing — Ropa del Día a Día
These are the items you will use in daily conversation. Notice that every noun has a grammatical gender, shown by the article el (masculine) or la (feminine).
In Mexico, "suéter" is the go-to word for sweater. In Spain, everyone says "jersey." Both are understood across the Spanish-speaking world, but using the local term helps you blend in.
Outerwear & Layers — Abrigos y Capas
When the weather turns cold, you need these words. Spanish distinguishes between different weights of outerwear more precisely than English does.
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Accessories & Footwear — Accesorios y Calzado
Accessories complete an outfit, and knowing these words helps when shopping or describing what someone is wearing. Footwear vocabulary is also essential for travel.
"Sombrero" literally means "shade-maker" in Spanish (from sombra, meaning shade). In English it refers to a specific wide-brimmed hat, but in Spanish it is the general word for any hat.
Shopping Phrases
Knowing clothing words is only half the battle. Here are phrases you will hear and use while shopping:
- ¿Tiene una talla más grande? — Do you have a bigger size?
- ¿Puedo probarmelo? — Can I try it on?
- ¿Dónde están los probadores? — Where are the fitting rooms?
- Me queda bien / mal — It fits me well / badly
- Está en oferta — It is on sale
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say "clothes" in Spanish?
The word is ropa, which is a feminine, uncountable noun. You say "la ropa" (the clothes), never "las ropas." For example, "Necesito comprar ropa" means "I need to buy clothes."
What is the difference between suéter and jersey?
Both mean "sweater," but usage depends on the region. In Mexico and most of Latin America, suéter is standard. In Spain, jersey (pronounced hair-SAY) is more common. Both are universally understood.
Do clothing words in Spanish have gender?
Yes. Like all Spanish nouns, clothing items have grammatical gender. For example, la camisa (shirt) is feminine and el vestido (dress) is masculine. The gender is grammatical and has nothing to do with who wears the item.
How do you say "to wear" in Spanish?
The most common verb is llevar, which literally means "to carry." You can also use vestir (to dress) or ponerse (to put on). For example, "Llevo una camisa azul" means "I am wearing a blue shirt."
Are clothing sizes the same in Spanish-speaking countries?
No. Spain uses European sizing (36, 38, 40...), while Latin American countries often use US sizing (S, M, L) or their own systems. The word for size is talla for clothing and número for shoes.