Clothes in Italian: 257 Words and Phrases To Find the Perfect Outfit
As you know, Italy is home to one of the fashion capitals of the world—Milan—but make no mistake, there isn’t anywhere in the Boot where you won’t be jazzed by the capi di abbigliamento (clothing).
Italian vestiti (clothes) are so incredible that department stores and boutiques from around the globe send their buyers to see the latest fashions, gauge trends and, of course, buy amazing clothing!
Just another reason to learn some Italian clothing vocabulary and prepare yourself to converse like a true fashionista!
In this post, you’ll learn everything from essential Italian shopping and clothing vocabulary to tips for shopping in Italy.
Contents
- Key Italian Phrases for Trying on Clothes
- Talking About Clothing in Italian
- Italian Dress Codes
- Italian Words for Clothing Colors, Patterns and Fabrics
- Important Italian Phrases for Purchasing Clothes
- Ladies First! Italian Clothes Vocabulary for Women
- Words for Clothes in Italian for Men
- Underwear and Sleepwear in Italian
- Headwear and Accessories in Italian
- Beachwear in Italian
- Footwear in Italian
- Some Tips for Shopping in Italy
- And One More Thing...
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Key Italian Phrases for Trying on Clothes
Would you like to try on some clothes while shopping in Italy? These words and phrases will make that a seamless affair!
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Voglio provare questo. | I want to try this on. |
| Avete un camerino di prova? | Do you have a changing room? |
| Hai questo in un'altra taglia? | Do you have this in another size? |
| Mi porteresti una taglia diversa, per favore? | Would you bring me a different size, please? |
| Taglia | Size |
| Piccola | Small |
| Media | Medium |
| Grande | Large |
| Fai modifiche? | Do you do alterations? |
| Questo deve essere accorciato. | This needs to be shortened. |
| Questo deve essere allungato. | This needs to be lengthened. |
| Questo vestito è troppo stretto. | This dress is too tight. |
| Questi pantaloni sono troppo larghi. | These pants are too loose. |
| Quanto tempo ci vorrà per fare le modifiche a questo vestito? | How long will it take for you to alter this dress? |
| Sto cercando… | I'm looking for... |
| Ho bisogno di… | I need... |
| Mi scusi | Excuse me. |
| Che taglia è? | What size is it? |
| Che taglia porta? | What size are you? |
| È una taglia di troppo/in meno. | It's a size too big/small. |
| Avete la taglia 34 di questo? | Do you have this in a size 4? |
| Posso provarlo? | Can I try this on? |
| Dove sono i camerini? | Where are the dressing rooms? |
| Il mio numero di scarpe è 34. | My shoe size is 34. |
| Di solito porto la taglia S. | I usually wear a size small. |
Talking About Clothing in Italian
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| È richiesto un abbigliamento formale? | Is formal attire required? |
| Cosa mi metto? | What should I wear? |
| Come sto? | How do I look? |
| Stai benissimo! | You look great! |
| Adoro i tuoi sandali! | I love your sandals! |
| Ti piacciono queste scarpe? | Do you like these shoes? |
| Che bella gonna. È nuova? | What a beautiful skirt. Is it new? |
| Qual è il dress code? | What's the dress code? |
| Ho bisogno di un cappotto? | Do I need a coat? |
| Le tue nuove scarpe sono fantastiche! | Your new shoes are amazing! |
| Quella giacca era costosa? | Was that jacket expensive? |
| Dove hai comprato quella sciarpa? | Where did you buy that scarf? |
| Ho la stessa maglietta! | I have the same shirt! |
| Quel vestito è firmato? | Is that suit designer? |
| Stai benissimo con quella giacca. | You look great in that jacket? |
| Dovrei comprare le scarpe blu o rosse? | Should I buy the blue or the red shoes? |
| Sei bellissima stasera. | You look gorgeous tonight. |
| Questa cosa vecchia? Ce l'ho da sempre. | This old thing? I've had it forever. |
Italian Dress Codes
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Cravatta nera | Black tie |
| Black tie facoltativo | Black tie optional |
| Black tie creativo | Black tie creative |
| Look da sera | Evening wear |
| Abito da sera | Evening gown |
| Giacca e cravatta | Suit and tie |
| Elegante | Elegant |
| Look da lavoro | Office attire |
| Uniforme | Uniform |
| Uniforme scolastica | School uniform |
| Business formal | Business formal |
| Formale | Formal |
| Semi-formale | Semi-formal |
| Casual chic | Stylish casual |
| Abbigliamento casual | Casual |
| Frac | Full evening dress |
| Costumi | Costumes |
Italian Words for Clothing Colors, Patterns and Fabrics
Have you found the perfect clothing item or accessory—but you’d like a different color? No worries! Asking for colors and fabric choices in Italian is a breeze.
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Hai questo in altri colori? | Do you have this in other colors? |
| Vorrei questo in un altro colore, per favore. | I'd like this in another color, please. |
| Che colori hai? | What colors do you have? |
| Vorrei questo in… | I'd like this in… |
| Rosso | Red |
| Blu | Blue |
| Verde | Green |
| Nero | Black |
| Bianco | White |
| Giallo | Yellow |
| Arancione | Orange |
| Viola | Purple |
| Rosa | Pink |
| Grigio | Gray |
| Marrone | Brown |
| Argento | Silver |
| Oro | Gold |
| Paillettes | Sequins |
| A strisce | Striped |
| A quadri | Checked |
| Zebrato | Zebra |
| Pitonato | Python |
| Leopardato | Leopard |
| Gessato | Pin striped |
| Scozzese | Tartan |
| Fiorato | Flowered |
| Tinta unita | Plain |
| A pois | Polka-dot |
| Cotone | Cotton |
| Lana | Wool |
| Rafia | Raffia |
| Pile | Pile |
| Macramé | Macrame |
| Iuta | Jute |
| Cachemire | Cashmere |
| Pizzo | Lace |
| Tulle | Tulle |
| Ciniglia | Chenille |
| Nylon | Nylon |
| Lycra | Lycra |
| Poliestere | Polyester |
| Raso | Satin |
| Tela | Canvas |
| Jersey | Jersey |
| Pelle lucida | Patent leather |
| Pelle scamosciata | Suede |
| Pelle | Leather |
| Velluto | Velvet |
| Denim | Denim |
| Chiffon | Chiffon |
| Seta | Silk |
| Lino | Linen |
Important Italian Phrases for Purchasing Clothes
Now that you’ve tried some clothing on and found your perfect size and favorite color—you can get into the nitty-gritty of actually buying the clothes you want!
Purchasing capi di abbigliamento (clothing) in Italy is a rewarding adventure.
Something to keep in mind is that some of the smaller clothing stalls, especially in flea markets and side-streets shops, don’t accept credit cards. They run on a strictly cash-only structure, so be prepared with cash or be ready to make a quick run to an ATM.
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Quanto costa questo? | How much does this cost? |
| Quanto costa questa sciarpa di seta? | How much does this silk scarf cost? |
| Qual è il prezzo di due? | What's the price of two? |
| È in vendita? | Is this on sale? |
| C'è uno sconto? | Is there a discount? |
| Accettate carte di credito? | Do you accept credit cards? |
| Posso pagare in contanti? | Can I pay by cash? |
| Puoi consegnarlo? | Can you deliver it? |
| Quando arriverà? | When will it arrive? |
| Vorrei restituire questo, per favore. | I'd like to return this, please. |
| Lo prendo, grazie. | I'll take this, thank you. |
| Come vorrebbe pagare? | How would you like to pay? |
| È/Sono in saldo. | It's/They're on sale. |
| La carta di credito | Credit card |
| contanti | Cash |
| Il portafoglio | Walllet |
| La cassa | Cash register |
| Scontrino | Receipt |
And if you need something for a child, ask for abbigliamento per bambini (children’s clothing) to see the latest kids’ fashions!
Shopping in Italian is a fantastic way to have an immersive Italian experience. You’ll get a feel for the culture, fashion and maybe even make some fast friendships.
Ladies First! Italian Clothes Vocabulary for Women
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Il vestito | Dress |
| La gonna | Skirt |
| La gonna corta | Short skirt |
| La gonna lunga | Long skirt |
| Le calze | Stockings |
| I collant | Tights |
| La camicetta | Blouse |
| Lo scialle | Shawl |
| La camicia da notte | Nightdress |
| Mutande | Panties |
| Il reggiseno | Bra |
| La borsa | Purse |
| I tacchi alti | High heels |
| Abito da sera | Evening dress |
| Abito corto | Short dress |
| Vestito lungo | Long dress |
| Maxi abito | Maxi dress |
| Abito formale | Formal dress |
| Vestito da ballo | Ball gown |
| Abito da cerimonia | Ceremonial dress |
| Tunica | Tunic dress |
| Caffettano | Kaftan dress |
| Abito da sposa | Wedding dress |
| Pinocchietto | Capri pants |
| Fuseaux | Leggings |
| Pantalone a cavallo basso | Harem pants |
| Blusa | Blouse |
| Tailleur | Suit |
| Minigonna | Mini skirt |
| Longuette | Midi skirt |
| Gonna a matita | Pencil skirt |
| Gonna a trapezio | A-line skirt |
| Gonna plissettata | Pleated skirt |
Words for Clothes in Italian for Men
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Il completo | Suit |
| Il soprabito | Overcoat |
| La cravatta | Necktie |
| La cravatta a farfalla | Bow tie |
| Il gilet / Il gilè / Il panciotto | Vest |
| La camicia | Dress shirt |
| I pantaloni | Trousers |
| La felpa | Sweatshirt, fleece |
| I boxer | Boxer shorts, boxers |
| Le bretelle | Suspenders |
| Cappotto | Coat |
| Trench | Trenchcoat |
| Parka | Parka |
| Bomber | Bomber jacket |
| Giubbotto | Jacket |
| Impermeabile | Raincoat |
| Giacca a vento | Windbreaker |
| Pantalone sartoriale | Suit pants |
| Pantalone elegante | Dress pants |
| Jeans | Jeans |
| Pantaloncino | Shorts |
| Pantalone da ginnastica | Track pants |
| Pantalone della tuta | Sweatpants |
| Pantalone cargo | Cargo pants |
| Pantalone chino | Chinos |
| Maglietta | T-shirt |
| Camicia button down | Button down shirt |
| Maglione | Sweater |
| Cardigan | Cardigan |
| Dolcevita | Turtleneck |
| Polo | Polo shirt |
| Canotta | Tank top |
| Canottiera da uomo | Singlet |
| Tuta da ginnastica | Sweatsuit |
| Giacca | Blazer |
| Giacca a doppio petto | Double-breasted jacket |
Underwear and Sleepwear in Italian
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Boxer | Boxer shorts |
| Reggiseno | Bra |
| Mutandina da donna | Panties |
| Mutandina | Underwear (for men) |
| Biancheria intima | Lingerie |
| Perizoma | G-string |
| Tanga | Thong |
| Collant | Pantyhose |
| Calzino | Socks |
| Catsuit | Catsuit |
| Canottiera | Undershirt |
| Il pigiama | Pajamas |
| L’accappatoio | Robe |
| Mascherina per occhi | Eye mask |
Headwear and Accessories in Italian
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Accessori | Accessories |
| Occhiali da sole | Sunglasses |
| Ombrello | Umbrella |
| Cravatta | Tie |
| Orologio | Watch |
| Zaino | Backpack |
| Borsa | Bag |
| Cintura | Belt |
| Cappello | Hat |
| Berretto | Beanie |
| Basco | Beret |
| Cappello da baseball | Baseball cap |
Beachwear in Italian
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Costume da bagno da uomo | Swimming trunks (for men) |
| Costume da bagno da donna | Swimming suit (for women) |
| Duepezzi | Bikini |
| Pareo | Sarong |
| Cappello di paglia | Straw hat |
| Infradito | Flip flops |
| Costume intero | One piece bathing suit |
Footwear in Italian
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Le calzature | Footwear |
| Le calzature da uomo | Men's footwear |
| Le scarpe da donna | Women's footwear |
| Le calzature formali | Formal footwear |
| Le scarpe per bambini | Children's footwear |
| Le calzature estive | Summer footwear |
| Le calzature invernali | Winter footwear |
| Le calzature sportive | Sports footwear |
| Le scarpe | Shoes |
| Gli stivali | Boots |
| Gli stivaletti | Ankle boots |
| Gli stivali alti | Knee-high boots |
| I sandali infradito / Le infradito | Flip-flops |
| I sandali | Sandals |
| Le pantofole | Slippers |
| Mocassini | Moccasins |
| Sneaker | Sneakers |
| Zoccoli | Clogs |
| Scarpe da corsa | Running shoes |
| Scarponcini da trekking | Hiking boots |
| Scarpe col tacco | Stilettos |
| Décolleté | Pumps |
| Stivali di gomma | Rain boots |
| Scarpe basse | Flats |
| Scarpe da ginnastica | Gym shoes |
Some Tips for Shopping in Italy
Now that you know the essential phrases and vocabulary, you’re ready to go shopping in Italy!
Shopping in Italy is super fun! I’ll be honest—I’ve lost days just wandering the shops, vintage markets and clothing stalls. They’re home to some of my greatest Italian memories!
There are so many lovely items to look at, try on and appreciate.
Rome, Milan and Venice are featured as Italian shopping hot spots, but, honestly, anywhere is a great spot. If you’re looking for designer clothing, then certainly consider the bigger cities, but if you’re checking out authentic everyday fashion, remember the small shops, vintage flea markets, boutiques and stalls.
Want that true Italian look? Then go for authentic, Italian-made goods.
Often, in small shops, the shopkeeper is also the seamstress, which sets you up for a very unique opportunity to discuss all things related to clothing in Italian with someone who’s a true expert. You’ll not only get to practice your Italian but also learn more about Italian fashion and culture!
With these Italian clothing words and phrases, you’ll be able to speak with confidence wherever you shop! To make sure you have the confidence you want to speak about fashion, you can prepare yourself by watching Italian videos that talk about fashion-related topics. You can also try searching for fashion-related words on FluentU to hear them used in context.
FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.
You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.
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Let’s face it—shopping in Italy is a blast. It’s just a magical country with so much to offer and the friendliest citizens around—what’s not to love about browsing and buying under those conditions? I love shopping in the Boot—and I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t!
Shopping in Italy allows travelers to learn about the country, culture and styles—and get some really sweet conversational practice in with locals. And trust me, local Italians love to chat about clothing and fashion; food, too—but that’s a story for a different day.
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
And One More Thing...
If you're as busy as most of us, you don't always have time for lengthy language lessons. The solution? FluentU!
Learn Italian with funny commericals, documentary excerpts and web series, as you can see here:
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Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and review words and phrases with convenient audio clips under Vocab.
Once you've watched a video, you can use FluentU's quizzes to actively practice all the vocabulary in that video. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you’re on.
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