Clothes: they’re not only a necessity for anyone who doesn’t live full-time in a nudist colony, they’re also a prime canvas for self-expression. As a student of French (or even as someone who might go shopping in Paris), you’re already invested in the language of one of the world’s prime fashion capitals. Why not learn how to really talk the talk by committing some French clothing vocabulary to memory?
Of course, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to flex your new knowledge beyond the velvet rope of Fashion Week. Most of the French clothing vocabulary we’ve compiled below includes words you use every day, such as “shoes” and “socks.”
If you want to hear each word and phrase pronounced by a native speaker, just click the play button next to it.
French Clothing Vocabulary
Summer Clothing
summer clothes — les vêtements d’été
clothes — les vêtements
the dress — la robe
shorts — le short
the T-shirt — le t-shirt
the flip-flops — les tongs
the shoes — les chaussures
the skirt — la jupe
the cap — la casquette
the blouse — le chemisier
the shirt — la chemise
the swimsuit — le maillot de bain
the cardigan — le gilet
sunglasses — les lunettes de soleil
the sandals — les sandales
the top — le haut
Winter Clothing
winter clothes — les vêtements d’hiver
the sweater — le pull
pants — le pantalon
the scarf — l’écharpe
the hat — le bonnet
the coat — le manteau
the boots — les bottes
tights — le collant
the thick socks — les chaussettes épaisses
the rubber boots — les bottes en caoutchouc
the jeans — le jean
the earmuffs — le cache-oreilles
the woolen hat — le bonnet de laine
the gloves — les gants
the mittens — les moufles
Formal Attire
formal dress — les vêtements habillés
the dinner jacket — le smoking
the vest — le gilet
the gown — la robe de soirée
jewelry — le bijou
the cocktail dress — la robe de cocktail
the bow tie — le nœud papillon
the high heels — les talons hauts
the suit — le costume
the tie — la cravate
Underwear
the underwear — le sous-vêtement
underpants — le slip
the undershirt — le maillot de corps
pajamas — le pyjama
boxer shorts — le boxer
panties — la culotte
the bra — le soutien-gorge
the socks — les chaussettes
Useful Phrases
I am looking for green pants. — Je cherche un pantalon vert.
That’s the latest fashion. — C’est à la mode.
His suit is stylish. — Son costume est élégant.
I have nothing to wear. — Je n’ai rien à me mettre.
Do you have these jeans in a different color? — Vous avez ce jean dans une autre couleur ?
This jacket is really cool. — Cette veste est vraiment cool.
This white blouse is very pretty. — Ce chemisier blanc est très joli.
Wear warm shoes! — Mets des chaussures chaudes !
I lost my gloves. — J’ai perdu mes gants.
It is too warm for a scarf today. — Il fait trop chaud pour mettre une écharpe aujourd’hui.
The coat is too expensive. — Le manteau est trop cher.