Clothes word list with pictures

As a Brit, living in Canada, with a mostly US audience, one of the funniest roadblocks I experience when building capsule wardrobes with people is finding the right name for items of clothing (for instance, my jaw hit the floor the first time I heard the term “fanny pack”)!

So I’ve put together this ever-growing list of 215+ clothes items (with names, photos and descriptions) to catalogue all of the different types of clothing I come across.

Don’t forget to add a comment if I have missed any regional names of clothing items from your neck of the woods!

1. Tops

2. Bottoms

3. One piece

4. Outerwear

5. Intimates

6. Footwear

7. Accessories

8. Other

Tops

Baseball top

A top that usually has contrasting sleeves, which are often three quarter length.

Bolero

A cropped and fitted jacket or cardigan.

Bodysuit

A top that fastens at the crotch, to give a streamlined, tucked in look.

Camisole aka cami / singlet / vest

A vest with thin straps, which is great for layering under things.

Cardigan

A sweater which can be open at the front, or closed using buttons, belt, zip, etc.

Corset

Corsets were traditionally undergarments that emphasized the waist.

Nowadays they are usually worn as decorative tops, or as part of a gown.

Cowl neck top

A top with a loose neck line.

Crop top

A top that finishes above the waist

Dashiki

Originating from West Africa, a dashiki is usually a loose fitting garment, with a v neck and bright, beautiful colours.

Duster

Dusters are half cardigan and half coat, but are always long in length.

They sometimes have a slit up the back, which is a nod to their original purpose of keeping dust off of horserider’s outfits.

Often used interchangeably with “kimono” nowadays.

Halter top

A top with straps that gather either at the front or the back of the neck.

Henley top

Henley shirts have round, collarless neck, which is fastened by a few buttons at the front.

Hoodie

A sweater with a hood to keep you comfy-cozy-cute.

Off the shoulder top

A top worn off of the shoulders — for extra cuteness.

Peplum top

A top with an extra ring of fabric at the waist to add flair and celebrate an hour glass figure.

Peter Pan collar top

A top with a large, rounded collar — often in a contrasting colour.

Polo neck aka turtleneck (US)

A top with a high neck that has been folded down over itself.

Shirt

Blouse

A feminine, softer style shirt.

Button down shirt

A top fastened with buttons at the front, usually with a collar.

Rugby shirt aka rugby jersey

Rugby shirts are usually long sleeved shirts, usually with a contrasting collar, a few buttons, and bold blocks of colour or stripes.

Shrug

A cropped knitted cardigan that is usually open at the front, or loosely tied.

Sleeveless top aka tank top / muscle top aka vest

A top with no sleeves.

Sweater aka jumper / pullover / sweatshirt / jersey

A long sleeve top usually made of thicker material to keep you warm.

T-shirt

Boat neck t-shirt

A t-shirt with a horizonal neck.

Crew neck t-shirt

A t-shirt with a round neck.

Graphic tee

A t-shirt with a printed image and/or text.

Polo shirt aka golf shirt, tennis shirt

A smarter style of t-shirt, with a collar and a few buttons at the front.

Scoop neck t-shirt

A t-shirt with a wider, round neck.

V-neck t-shirt

A t-shirt with a v shaped neck line.

Turtleneck aka mock turtleneck (US)

A top with a high neck, that is not folded over on to itself.

Tube top aka boob tube (UK)

A fitted top with no sleeves or shoulders.

Tunic

A tunic is a loose fitted long top, usually finishing around mid-thigh.

Waistcoat aka vest

A sleeveless top, often with buttons at the front. Formal waistcoats make up part of a three piece suit.

Bottoms

Kilt

A kilt is a knee length skirt, originating in Scotland.

Pants / trousers

Bell bottoms

Bell bottoms are trousers that are fitted, which flare out from the knee, whereas flares are looser overall.

Bootcut

Bootcut trousers are fitted, with a slight flare at the ankle so they can be worn over boots.

Capris aka pedal pushers

Capri pants finish below the knee and above the ankle.

Cargo pants

Cargo pants are loose fitted trousers with large pockets on the thigh.

Culottes

Is it a skirt? Is it a pant?

Culottes are full, cropped trousers, which often resemble a skirt.

Flares

Flares are loose trouser that flare out towards the ankle, whereas bell bottoms are more fitted and flare out from the knee down.

Jeans

Jeans are a pant made from denim.

Jodhpurs

Jodhpurs are pants designed to be worn when horse-riding.

Khakis

Khakis are thick cotton pants in a tan colour.

Leggings

Leggings are tight fitting pants made of stretchy material.

Ski pants

Ski pants are leggings with a band that tucks under your foot to keep them in place.

Slacks

Slacks are dressier pants, that don’t have a matching blazer to make up a suit.

Track pants aka sweatpants / tracksuit bottoms / joggers / jogging bottoms

Athletic pants were traditionally designed for sports but are now a large part of everyday fashion. They are made from stretchy, comfortable material and come in a variety of styles.

Shorts

Hot pants

Hot pants are extra short shorts.

Bermuda shorts

Bermuda shorts are longer shorts, almost reaching the knee.

Skirts

A-line skirt

An a-line skirt is a skirt that flares into the shape of an uppercase A.

Asymmetric skirt aka high-low skirt

Asymmetric skirts have a hem that is higher on one side than the other.

Denim skirt

Denim skirts are skirts made of our denim and come in a variety of shapes and styles.

Miniskirt

A miniskirt is a skirt that finishes mid thigh or above.

Pencil skirt

A pencil skirt hugs the body and ends around the knee.

Peplum skirt

A peplum skirt has an extra ring of fabric around the waist, which adds pizazz and emphasizes an hourglass figure.

Poodle skirt

A poodle skirt is a full skirt, with a design appliqued to it.

Sarong

A sarong is a large piece of thin material that is tied around the body to provide coverage in warm climates.

Tutu

A tutu is a skirt made from multiple layers of tulle, usually worn by ballet dancers.

One pieces

Coveralls

Coveralls are traditionally worn by workers over clothes, to keep them clean. These one-piece, long length, long sleeved garments are also worn as fashion items.

Dress

Ball gown

A ball gown is a dramatic, formal and elegant dress to be worn to balls and similar events.

Caftan

A caftan is a loose fitting, long length dress.

Dirndl

A dirndl is a traditional Bavarian dress with a full skirt and fitted bodice.

Halter neck dress

A halter neck dress is a dress with straps that attach either at the front or back of the neck.

Maxi dress

A maxi dress is a full length, flowy dress.

Midi dress

A midi dress is a dress that finishes below the knee and above the ankle.

Minidress

A minidress is a dress that finishes at least a few inches above the knee.

Muumuu

A muumuu dress originated from Hawaii and is a loose fitting, casual dress.

Sheath dress

A sheath dress is similar to a shift dress, but is more form fitting.

Shift dress

A shift dress is similar to a sheath dress, but is more loosely fitted, hanging vertically from the body.

Summer dress aka sundress

A summer dress is a lightweight dress designed to be worn during warm weather.

T-shirt dress

A t-shirt dress is a longer version of a t-shirt, that can be worn as a dress.

Wedding dress

A wedding dress is any dress worn by a bride to their wedding.

Winter dress

A winter dress is any dress designed for colder seasons — usually woolen with long sleeves.

Kimono

Traditionally, kimonos are a long Japanese wrap with a v neck and large square sleeves.

Nowadays in the west, “kimono” often refers to a duster style, thin cardigan.

Sari aka saree

A sari is a long strip of colorful, woven cloth that’s draped around the body, which originates from South Asia.

Shell suit

A shell suit is a lightweight and colourful tracksuit with an outer nylon shell.

Suit

Suits consist of dress pants, blazer, and sometimes a waistcoat (known as a three piece suit when included) are similar to tuxedos but there are no satin details, and they can be worn during the day or evening.

Tuxedo

A tuxedo is similar to a suit, but has satin details and is designed to be worn in the evening.

Overalls aka dungarees

Overalls are pants with a bib and shoulder straps.

Romper aka jumpsuit

A romper is a garment with pants and top attached together in one.

Outerwear

Anorak

An anorak is a pullover jacket, which usually has a hood.

Blazer

A blazer is a boxy, formal outer garment, that can be part of a suit, or worn separately.

Bodywarmer aka vest / gilet

A bodywarmer is a sleeveless outer garment, sometimes filled with down for extra warmth.

Bomber jacket

A bomber jacket is a waist length jacket with ribbed hem, collar and cuffs.

Cape

A cape is an outer garment similar to a cloak, but only mostly just covers the back of the body. Kinda a big deal for superheroes.

Cloak

A cloak is a long, flowing outer garment that is fastened at the neck and wraps over the shoulders and front of the body — sometimes with a hood.

Denim jacket

A jacket made of denim.

Fur coat

A coat made of fur (all the cool ones are made of fake fur!)

Leather jacket

A jacket made of leather, ranging from rocky to smart.

Military jacket

A military jacket is in a military style, and is usually camouflage or khaki.

Moto jacket

A moto jacket is a leather jacket in the style of motorcycle riders.

Parka

A long jacket with a fur lined hood.

Pashmina

A pashmina is a soft wrap that is worn similarly to a shawl, around the shoulders.

Pea coat

A pea coat is a short, double breasted jacket made out of hardy fabric — traditionally worn by sailors.

Poncho

A one-piece of fabric with a hole for the head, originates from South America.

Puffer jacket

A down filled jacket for colder seasons.

Rain jacket

A waterproof or water resistant jacket for wet weather.

Shawl

A shawl is a decorative piece of material that is worn draped over the shoulders.

Stole

A stole is worn similarly to the shawl, in luxurious material such as fur, for evening / formal wear.

Sherpa jacket

Sherpa jackets are nice and toasty, thanks to the fuzzy lining inside. The outer layer material varies greatly, including suede, denim and corduroy.

Teddy coat

Teddy coats are made of faux fur that’s been fuzzed (technical term) to look like a teddy bear.

Trench coat

A trench coat is a double breasted, loose fitting, military jacket, usually with a belt.

Varsity jacket aka letterman jacket

A US school / college style athletic jacket, usually with contrasting sleeves, appliqued emblems and text.

Windbreaker

A windbreaker is a lightweight, water resistant jacket designed to protect you from the wind.

Intimates

Bloomers

Bloomers are puffy undershorts that used to be worn under skirts and dresses.

Bra

Bette Midler will always have the best description of a bra, “over the shoulder, boulder-holder!”

A bra is an undergarment worn around the torso to support breasts.

Bralette aka Crop top

A bralette is a soft, unlined and unpadded bra with no underwiring.

Garter

A garter is a lace band worn around the thigh. Traditionally they are worn by brides.

Girdle

A restrictive undergarment designed to emphasize the waist.

Housecoat aka dressing gown / bath robe

A housecoat is usually a belted robe that is worn around the house.

Pantyhose aka tights

Footed, tight-fitting legwear with a waistband — ranging from sheer to opaque.

Petticoat

A petticoat is an underskirt worn to provide shape to dresses and skirts worn on top.

Pajamas

Pajamas are tops and bottoms designed to be slept in.

Chemise

A stylish nightgown finishing between the mid thigh and the just above the knee.

Nightgown aka nightie

A nightgown is a long or short garment designed to be sleep in.

Slip

A garment worn under skirts and dresses to provide modesty and to help clothes drape over the body better.

Socks

Dress socks

Dress socks are thin socks that reach to the mid calf, and can be bright.

Ankle socks

Ankle socks are socks that finish around the ankle.

Thick socks

Thick socks are socks for cooler weather.

Thigh high socks

Thigh high socks are socks that finish above the knee.

Stockings

Stockings are sheer, footed tights that finish on the thigh.

Suspenders

Suspenders are straps that can be worn to hold up stockings.

Teddy

A teddy is a similar shape to a one piece swim suit, but is made of lace or similar.

Underwear

Boxer shorts

Boxer shorts are tight fitting shorts worn under clothing.

Briefs aka knickers

Briefs and knickers are small, tight fitting underwear.

Vest

A vest is a sleeveless top that can be worn under clothes in colder weather.

Footwear

Boots

Cowboy boots

Cowboy boots a pointed, mid-calf boots with a heel, originally designed for riding horses.

Platform boots

Platform boots are boots with a raised sole and heel.

Wellington boots aka wellies / gum boots

Wellington boots are waterproof, sturdy boots, perfect for jumping in muddy puddles.

Clogs

Clogs are wooden shoes originating from the Netherlands. Nowadays they are not always made from wood, and are especially popular amongst medical professionals.

Galoshes

Galoshes are waterproof sleeves that are worn over non-waterproof shoes for protection.

Flip flops aka slippers (Hawaii) / thongs (aus) / jandels (New Zealand) / chancleta (Latin Caribbean households) / havianas or chinelo (Brazil) / La chancla (Mexico) / slops (South Africa)

Flip flops are a flat sandal with a Y shaped strap, worn between the big and index toe.

Heels aka pumps

High heeled shoes have a raised heel, often on a tall thin spike.

Loafers

Loafers are slip on smart-casual shoes.

Moccasins

Moccasins are warm slip on shoes made from animal hide, traditionally made by Indigenous peoples.

Sandals

Sandals are an open shoe for warm seasons, where the sole is held to the foot using straps.

Slippers

Slippers are comfy-cozy indoor shoes — the fluffier, the better.

Sneakers aka Trainers / runners / teny shoes (the south) / creps (Jamaica) / running shoes / tennis shoes / joggers (Australia)

Sneakers is a blanket term covering a variety of athletic shoe styles.

Canvas sneakers aka plimsoles / chucks

Canvas sneakers are casual sneakers that were originally designed for basketball. They can have a high or low profile.

Hi-top sneakers

Hi-top sneakers have a higher profile that standard sneakers, finishing above the ankle.

Platform sneakers

Platform sneakers are athletic style shoes, with extra height in the sole.

Waders

Waders are waterproof boots that extend into a bodice and shoulder straps — allowing the wearer to stand in water without getting their clothes too wet.

Wedges

Wedges are high shoes with a solid sole.

Accessories

Balaclava

A balaclava is a head and face covering for cold weather athletes, and criminal masterminds.

Bag

Backpack

A backpack is a bag worn on the back, with a strap that goes over each shoulder.

Bum bag aka fanny pack (US)

Bum bags are my favourite bag — for convenience and comic relief (fanny means vagina in England) — worn around the waist, or more recently, across the torso.

Clutch

A clutch is a small bag with no handle.

Handbag aka Purse

A handbag is a bag with long and/or short handles.

Bandana

A bandana is a square of material that can be worn around the neck or as a head scarf.

Belt

A belt is a band of material that fastens around the waist, either as a decorative piece, or to improve the fit of clothes.

Boa

A boa is a decorative scarf made of feathers.

Bow tie

A bow tie is a necktie with a knot and two loops, which form the shape of a bow.

Cravat aka ascot tie

A cravat is a piece of decorative material that has been tied around the neck.

Cummerbund

A cummerbund is a broad sash worn around the waist for formal events.

Earmuffs

Earmuffs are fuzzy circles of plush material on the end of a headband, designed to keep ears ward in cold weather.

Gaiters

Gaiters are a tube of material worn on the calf, designed to keep water and debris out of your hiking shoes.

Glasses

Glasses are frames that you wear in front on your eyes, usually with corrective lenses.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are frames that you wear in front of your eyes, with tinted lenses to protect your eyes from bright light.

Gloves

Gloves are a layer of material worn over the fingers and hands in cold weather.

Handkerchief

A handkerchief is a small square piece of material that is worn in a pocket, so that it’s handy to wipe your nose.

Hats

Baseball cap

A baseball cap is a hat with a stiff brim at the front to keep the sun out of your eyes.

Beanie hat aka toque

A beanie hat is a knitted, brimless hat.

Beret

A beret is a flat, circular hat.

Boater hat

A boater hat is a semi-formal straw hat, with a flat crown and a flat, full-circle brim.

Bucket hat

A bucket hat is a soft hat with a brim that slopes downward.

Cloche hat

A cloche hat is a bell shape hat with a downward pointing brim that was popular in the 1920s. Nowadays they are mostly seen a sunhats.

Cossack hat

A cossack hat is a brimless fur hat.

Cowboy hat aka stetson hat

A cowboy hat has a wide, curled brim, and a high crown.

Fedora hat

A fedora hat has a brim and is pinched at the front.

Fascinator

A fascinator is a miniature, decorative hat / headpiece, worn to weddings and other formal events.

Fez hat

A fez hat is a circular, brimless hat that is often red and with a tassel.

Floppy hat

A floppy hat is a road hat with a large, floppy hat.

Kufi hat aka pillbox hat

A kufi hat is a rounded, brimless hat.

Mariners hat aka Breton cap

A mariners hat has a flat, soft top and a small visor.

Newsboy cap

A newsboy cap has a soft, flat crown, and a small visor.

Panama hat

A panama hat is a light coloured straw hat, with an indent at the top of the crown.

Pork pie hat

A pork pie hat has a flat crown, and a short, upturned brim.

Sombrero hat

A sombrero hat is a wide brimmed straw hat originating in Mexico.

Top hat

A top hat is a stiff hat, with a high, flat crown and a small flat brim.

Visor

A visor is a hat with no crown, and a large visor.

Headband

A headband is a decorative horseshoe-shaped band that is worn over the head.

Headscarf

A headscarf is a piece of material that is wrapped around the head. Different cultures wear headscarves differently, many with historical and cultural significance.

Jewellery

Anklet

An anklet is a decorative chain / string of beads worn around the ankle.

Bangle

A bangle is a decorative circle worn around the wrist, that keeps it’s shape.

Bracelet

A bracelet is a decorative chain / string of beads worn around the wrist.

Crown

A crown is a decorative headpiece worn by royalty.

Cuff links

Cufflinks are decorative fasteners to hold shirt cuffs together.

Earrings

Earrings are decorative adornments that are clipped on or worn through pierced holes in ears.

Necklace

A necklace is a decorative chain / string of beads worn around the neck.

Ring

A ring is a decorative band worn around fingers.

Tiara

A tiara is a smaller but similar to a crown, in headband form.

Tie clip

A tie clip is a decorative clip that holds you tie in place.

Leg warmers

Leg warmers are woollen tubes worn over the calves.

Mittens

Mittens are a layer of material worn over the hands in cold weather, but unlike gloves, they do not fit around each finger.

Scarf

Scarves are worn around the neck for extra warmth.

Suspenders

Suspenders are straps worn over the shoulder to hold your trousers up.

Tie

A tie is a long piece of material which is tied around the neck in a decorative manner.

Turban

A turban is a headpiece created by winding cloth around your head, and holds significance to many cultures.

Umbrella

An umbrella is a mobile canopy with a handle in the middle, to protect you from rain or sunlight.

Other

Apron

An apron is a piece of material which is tied around your waist to protect your clothing from messy cooking, painting, etc.

Flak jacket

A flak jack is reinforced to protect the wearer from bullets and shrapnel.

Helmet

A helmet is a protective hat worn on construction sites, etc.

Leotard

A leotard is a flexible one-piece worn by dancers and athletes.

Life jacket

A life jacket is a buoyant vest worn to help people float in water.

Long johns aka thermal under layers

Long johns are an extra layer to be worn under your clothes during cold weather.

Mucky clothes

Mucky clothes are clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty — perfect for painting, gardening, etc.

Onesie

A onesie is fun, one-piece loungewear.

Protective clothing

Protective clothing is anything you wear to protect yourself in a specific situation, e.g. beekeeper suit, high vis vests, etc.

Scrubs

Scrubs are protective clothing worn by many medical professionals.

Swim gear

Bikini

A bikini is a two piece swim suit for the beach, sunbathing, pool, etc.

Swim suit aka swimming costume (UK) / bathing suit

A swimsuit is a one piece swim suit for the beach, sunbathing, pool, etc.

Swim shorts aka trunks

Uniforms

A uniform is an outfit that you wear to show you are part of a school, club, workforce, etc.

Wet suit / dry suit

A wet suit is a garment you wear to make being in cold water more bearable.