You know that France has a huge reputation for great fashion. Go to any French city you will find people wearing the most fashionable outfits. Certainly, not every individual is a fashionista. But brushing up on the basic French vocabulary is mandatory especially if you are learning French.
Being able to and aware to talk about any specific clothes in any language is important and at the same time fun too. The same is the case with French as well.
To get ready with your vocabulary here are some important but basic French clothing words you must learn before going more into depth.
Tops
As with the English language, there are several variations on clothing tops in French. While grasping each one may seem challenging at first, it would not be long before you know all of the niche differences without any guesswork.
Le pull — sweater (US)/jumper (UK)
Le tee-shirt — T-shirt
La chemise — shirt
La robe — dress
While they are fairly straightforward, there is a certain subtlety to be aware of. Un tee-shirt, for instance, does not always have to be short-sleeved, and may refer to a thinner long-sleeved top. Une chemise is usually, used to describe both shirts and blouses, even though un chemisier specifically refers to a blouse.
Bottoms
Several of these in the French language take straight influence from English, so learning them is simple. As in the case of various other words like as le week-end (the weekend) and le tennis (tennis), the only difference with some of them is that they are pronounced having a French accent.
Le pantalon — pants/trousers
Le jean — jeans
Le short — shorts
La jupe — skirt
Please, note that while “pants,” “shorts” and “jeans” are plural, in English, in French, they are not. Ensure you talk about them in the singular.
Outdoor Clothing
The world of outdoor clothing in French is quite rich and there are several variations that come up. The manner you refer to very similar but necessarily separate items in French may take a little longer to get used to. If you make an error, though, do not panic; French speakers will still be able to understand what you want to say.
Le manteau — coat
La veste — sports coat/jacket
Le blouson — jacket
Le chapeau — hat
L’écharpe — scarf
Les gants — gloves
L’imperméable — raincoat
Outdoor coats and jackets may throw up a few problems for French learners. Un manteau, for instance, is generally, used to refer to a heavier winter coat that is worn during the winter months. Differentiating between une veste and un blouson could also, seem tricky at first. Usually, une veste is a lighter jacket, sport coat or blazer that is mostly a little longer in length compared to sweaters and other shirts. Un blouson, however, may refer to a heavier, shorter jacket that gives a little more warmth. The differences between these two may throw up a few issues, even amongst native speakers, so don’t bother too much about getting them incorrect.
Clothes for Special Moments
Knowledge about clothing for special moments or vacations in French is always worth paying attention to, as it could come up in conversation. Getting to learn what to take with you on vacation can be quite useful; planning a beach trip in France is quite popular, and natives take their time off quite seriously!
Le costume — suit
Le smoking — tuxedo
Le maillot de bain — bathing suit
Le bikini — bikini
Undergarments or Sleepwear
Because of being completely separate sizing systems from countries outside of Europe, undergarments shopping in France could throw you for a loop. It pays to know what exactly you’re looking for when out for shopping and knowing a few proper words can be a huge help. While different regions may refer to an undergarment with their own slang words, the following are globally, accepted descriptions, and is always understood.
Le pyjama — pajamas
Les chaussettes — socks
Le slip — underwear
Le caleçon — (men’s) underpants
Le soutien-gorge — bra
La culotte — (women’s) panties
Shoes
Types of shoes differ in France and, depending on what you are referring to, there might be any number of variations out there. As in English, while using the generic term les chaussures (shoes) does work, it could pay to be a little more specific in conversation, or when finding something to buy.
Les pantoufles — slippers
Les baskets — sneakers
Les bottes — boots
Though there are various examples of French words being taken from the English, here’s a good instance of why you need to be careful of how those words are being used. Even though baskets are used to refer to sneakers, the word used in the singular form, le basket, means to the game of basketball. Same way, les tennis could be used to describe tennis shoes, but in its singular form, le tennis, it means to the game. The link between French and English can be simple, but it’s good to know your singular from your plural.
Accessories
French people like to finish their outfits with exemplary accessories, and paying attention to the words for them could be quite useful when in a French-speaking country.
La cravate — tie
La ceinture — belt
You may even see that une cravate seems identical to the word “cravate” in English. In fact, it has been borrowed from the French to describe the neckerchief or handkerchief some men opt to wear when dressing up.
Placing your French clothing in categories such as those mentioned above and learning one section at a time will assist you to master your vocabulary more efficiently in the future.
Hello – Hello’s language learning app can be your good ally while learning these French dressing vocabularies whether you are at home or on the move.