Vocabulary · Fashion

What Are Common Italian Clothes Words?

Q: How do I ask for the price of an item?

To ask for the price, you can say Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?) for a single item, or Quanto costano? for plural items like i pantaloni or le scarpe. The shop assistant will then tell you the price.

Q: Are there different words for men's and women's clothes?

While many items like la giacca (jacket) are gender-neutral, some words are typically associated with one gender. For example, la camicia usually refers to a men's button-up shirt, while la camicetta is a blouse for women. Il vestito is a dress, but il completo is a man's suit.

From a casual maglietta to a smart camicia, knowing basic Italian clothing words helps you shop, pack, and describe what you're wearing with ease.

When talking about clothes in Italy, you'll often hear words like i pantaloni (trousers), la maglietta (t-shirt), la camicia (shirt), and il vestito (dress). These basic terms are essential for shopping or describing your outfit, whether you're browsing a boutique or packing for your trip.

The short version

I pantaloniTrousers / Pants
La magliettaT-shirt
La camiciaShirt (button-up)
Il vestitoDress
La gonnaSkirt
Le scarpeShoes

How do I ask for clothes in a shop?

Simple phrases for shopping

When you're in a shop and want to ask for something specific, the easiest way is to use Vorrei... (I would like...) or Avete...? (Do you have...?). Remember that many clothing words are plural, even if you're asking for 'a pair' in English.

Vorrei i pantaloni.

/voˈrrei i pan taˈlo ni/

I would like the trousers.

Avete una maglietta?

/aˈve te ˈu na maʎˈʎet ta/

Do you have a t-shirt?

Posso provare?

/ˈpos so proˈva re/

Can I try it on?

Dov'è il camerino?

/doˈvɛ il ka meˈri no/

Where is the changing room?

Italian sizes are different

Italian clothing sizes (taglia) are not the same as US or UK sizes. Always ask for help, or better yet, try things on! Shoes also use European sizing, so a little research before you go can save you time.

What are common clothing items?

From head to toe

Here's a list of essential clothing items you'll encounter. Pay attention to the gender of the noun, as it affects articles and adjectives.

Il cappello

/il kapˈpɛl lo/

Hat

La sciarpa

/la ˈʃar pa/

Scarf

La giacca

/la ˈdʒak ka/

Jacket

Il cappotto

/il kapˈpɔt to/

Coat

Il maglione

/il maʎˈʎo ne/

Sweater

I jeans

/i dʒins/

Jeans

I calzini

/i kalˈtsi ni/

Socks

Le scarpe da ginnastica

/le ˈskar pe da dʒinˈnas ti ka/

Sneakers

I sandali

/i ˈsan da li/

Sandals

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CommessaBuongiorno! Posso aiutarla?Good morning! Can I help you?
YouSì, grazie. Vorrei una maglietta rossa.Yes, thank you. I would like a red t-shirt.
CommessaCerto. Che taglia?Of course. What size?
YouUna taglia media, per favore.A medium size, please.

Il jeans → I jeans Jeans is always plural in Italian, just like 'pants' in English.
Vorrei un vestito nero (for a man's suit) → Vorrei un completo nero Vestito means 'dress' for women, or a general 'garment'. For a man's suit, use completo.

How do I ask for the price of an item?

To ask for the price, you can say Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?) for a single item, or Quanto costano? for plural items like i pantaloni or le scarpe. The shop assistant will then tell you the price.

Are there different words for men's and women's clothes?

While many items like la giacca (jacket) are gender-neutral, some words are typically associated with one gender. For example, la camicia usually refers to a men's button-up shirt, while la camicetta is a blouse for women. Il vestito is a dress, but il completo is a man's suit.

With these words in your pocket, you’re ready to navigate Italian boutiques and markets with a little more confidence. Don't be shy to try out your new vocabulary – Italians appreciate the effort!

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