Published on May 5, 2025
Being able to talk about clothes in French is essential, whether youâre a fashion lover, a language learner or (just as likely) both.
Mastering French clothing vocabulary can help you navigate shopping experiences more confidently â whether online or in stores â and participate more naturally in everyday conversations.
This vocabulary guide provides all the necessary words for discussing clothing in French, including key nouns, verbs and practical phrases. Youâll also find some authentic French idioms and cultural insights into how French people view fashion and clothing.
In the tables below, youâll find the words commonly used to talk about clothes in French.
French | English | Pronunciation tips |
les vĂȘtements (masculine) | clothes | The âvĂȘâ sounds like âveh,â with a nasal “-ment” |
la mode | fashion | With an open âoâ sound |
les accessoires (masculine) | fashion accessories | The “oi” in accessoires is pronounced “wa” (ak-se-swar) |
le magasin de vĂȘtements | clothing shop | The â-sinâ at the end of magasin is pronounced âz[in]â |
la garde-robe | wardrobe | The second half of this word (robe) is pronounced with an open âoâ sound |
French | English | Pronunciation tips |
le pull | sweater | With the typical French âuâ sound |
le tee-shirt | T-shirt | Pronounced like in English |
le pantalon | trousers | Pay attention to the nasal âonâ sound |
la jupe | skirt | With the typical French âuâ sound |
le short | shorts | With an open “o” sound; the final “t” is pronounced |
French | English | Pronunciation tips |
la veste | jacket | The âeâ is pronounced the same way as in âbedâ |
le manteau | coat | The âeauâ is a closed âoâ sound |
le bonnet | wooly hat | With a closed âoâ sound |
lâĂ©charpe | scarf | The “ch” is pronounced like “sh” in English |
les gants | gloves | The “g” is hard and followed by a nasal âanâ sound |
French | English | Pronunciation tips |
les chaussures (feminine) | shoes | The âauâ is a closed âoâ sound |
les baskets (feminine) | sneakers/trainers | The âtâ is pronounced but the âsâ is silent |
les bottes (feminine) | boots | With an open âoâ sound |
les sandales (feminine) | sandals | The final “es” is silent |
les talons hauts (masculine) | high heels | The “au” is a closed “o” sound; the “ts” in hauts is silent |
French | English | Pronunciation tips |
le sac | bag | The âcâ is pronounced âkâ |
les bijoux (masculine) | jewelry | The “x” is silent (bee-joo) |
le foulard | scarf | The âdâ is silent |
le maquillage | makeup | Pronounced “ma-key-yazh” |
le chapeau | hat | The “eau” is a closed “o” sound (sha-po) |
French | English | Pronunciation tips |
les sous-vĂȘtements | underwear | The second âsâ in sous is silent |
le soutien-gorge | bra | The âenâ in soutien is pronounced as âinâ |
le slip | pants/panties | The final “p” is pronounced |
le pyjama | pajamas | The “j” is pronounced like “zh,” not “dj” as in English |
le peignoir | robe/dressing gown | The first “g” is silent, and “oi” is pronounced “wa” |
To put your new clothes vocabulary into practice, youâll need some verbs and phrases. Letâs see whatâs in store!
French | English | Examples |
sâhabiller | to dress up | Habille-toi vite ! (Get dressed quickly!) |
porter | to wear | Elle porte ma veste. (Sheâs wearing my jacket.) |
mettre | to put on | Je mets mes chaussures. (Iâm putting my shoes on.) |
laver | to wash | Tu devrais laver ton pull. (You should wash your sweater.) |
faire ses lacets | to tie one’s shoelaces | Je fais mes lacets. (Iâm tying my shoelaces.) |
French | English |
Auriez-vous ceci en taille [âŠ] ? | Would you have this in size [âŠ]? |
Je fais du [âŠ]. | Iâm size […] (for clothes) |
Je chausse du […]. | Iâm size [âŠ] (for shoes) |
OĂč sont les cabines dâessayage? | Where are the fitting rooms? |
Câest trop grand. | Itâs too big. |
Câest trop petit. | Itâs too small. |
Câest trop serrĂ©. | Itâs too tight. |
Combien ça coûte ? | How much does it cost? |
Je le/la prends. | Iâll take it. |
Ăa te va bien. | That looks good on you. |
Thereâs nothing like mastering idioms to help you sound fluent. In French, many idioms incorporate vocabulary about clothing. Here are some examples:
Idiom in French | Equivalent idiom or translation in English |
Câest bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet. | Six of one, half a dozen of the other. (literally, “It’s white hat and hat white.”) |
se serrer la ceinture | to economize (literally, âto tighten oneâs beltâ) |
trouver chaussure Ă son pied | to find the right person (literally, “to find a shoe for one’s foot”) |
changer dâavis comme de chemise | to change one’s mind frequently (literally, “to change opinion as often as a shirt”) |
Câest dans la poche. | It’s in the bag. (literally, âItâs assured of success.â) |
se mettre sur son trente-et-un | to dress up elegantly (literally, “to be on your 31st”) |
se prendre une veste | to suffer a defeat, especially in elections (literally, “to take a jacket”) |
Want to test out using these idioms in everyday conversation? We recommend putting it all into practice in Lingodaâs online French classes.
Here are a few insights about Franceâs long legacy of fashion-forward thought and how French people generally feel about fashion and clothing:
The French word for clothing is les vĂȘtements or les habits.
In French, âa dressâ is une robe (with an open âoâ sound).
In French, âa swimsuitâ is un maillot de bain (with a silent âtâ).
Being able to talk about clothes in French will help you in many situations, whether you’re shopping or engaging in conversation with French speakers. From essential everyday terms to clothing-related expressions and idioms, this comprehensive guide has equipped you with key vocabulary to enhance your fluency in French.
As always, Lingoda is here to help you put it into practice. Our French classes in small groups with native-level teachers are exactly what you need to speak with confidence.