Knowing how to talk about clothes is essential for everyday life. You'll use this vocabulary when shopping, packing for a trip, complimenting someone on their outfit, or simply deciding what to wear in the morning. This list focuses on the most common, high-frequency clothing words you'll hear and use in Latin America. Learning these words is easier than you think, as many are cognates—words that look and sound similar in English and Spanish, like 'pantalones' (pants) and 'suéter' (sweater). This will help you build your vocabulary quickly. We'll also point out some key differences between Latin American Spanish and the Spanish spoken in Spain. For example, while 'camiseta' is widely understood for 't-shirt', you'll very commonly hear 'playera' in Mexico or 'remera' in Argentina. We'll focus on the most broadly understood Latin American terms to make your learning as practical as possible from day one.
clothes, clothing
Tengo mucha ropa en mi clóset. — I have a lot of clothes in my closet.
shirt (button-down)
Mi papá usa una camisa para ir al trabajo. — My dad wears a button-down shirt to go to work.
t-shirt
Necesito una camiseta nueva. En México, también se dice 'playera'. — I need a new t-shirt. In Mexico, they also say 'playera'.
blouse
Esa blusa es muy bonita. — That blouse is very pretty.
pants, trousers
Mis pantalones favoritos son de color negro. — My favorite pants are black.
jacket
En México es muy común decir 'chamarra' en vez de 'chaqueta'. — In Mexico it's very common to say 'chamarra' instead of 'chaqueta'.
coat (heavy, for winter)
En invierno, es importante usar un buen abrigo. — In winter, it's important to wear a good coat.
shoes
¿Dónde están mis zapatos? — Where are my shoes?
sneakers, trainers
Uso tenis para caminar y correr. — I wear sneakers for walking and running.
boots
Cuando llueve, uso botas de agua. — When it rains, I wear rain boots.
sandals
En la playa, siempre uso sandalias. — At the beach, I always wear sandals.
swimsuit, bathing suit
No olvides tu traje de baño para ir a la piscina. — Don't forget your swimsuit to go to the pool.
underwear
Es importante cambiar la ropa interior todos los días. — It's important to change your underwear every day.
pajamas
Mi pijama es muy cómodo para dormir. — My pajamas are very comfortable for sleeping.
to wear, to use
¿Qué ropa vas a usar hoy? — What clothes are you going to wear today?
to wear, to carry
Hoy llevo una camisa verde. — Today I'm wearing a green shirt.
to put on
Me voy a poner los zapatos. — I'm going to put on my shoes.
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jeans
Los fines de semana siempre uso jeans. — On weekends I always wear jeans.
shorts
Hace calor, voy a usar shorts. — It's hot, I'm going to wear shorts.
skirt
Ella lleva una falda larga y azul. — She is wearing a long, blue skirt.
dress
Tengo un vestido rojo para la fiesta. — I have a red dress for the party.
sweater
Hace un poco de frío, necesito un suéter. — It's a little cold, I need a sweater.
socks
No me gusta usar zapatos sin calcetines. — I don't like to wear shoes without socks.
hat (with a brim)
Uso un sombrero para protegerme del sol. — I wear a hat to protect myself from the sun.
cap (like a baseball cap)
Él siempre lleva una gorra de béisbol. — He always wears a baseball cap.
scarf
Mi abuela me regaló una bufanda de lana. — My grandmother gave me a wool scarf.
gloves
Tengo las manos frías, necesito mis guantes. — My hands are cold, I need my gloves.