French fashion vocabulary

You don’t just want a t-shirt – you want a blue, v-neck, slim fit t-shirt with stripes. Keep your wardrobe fashion forward with this handy list of vocab, whether you’re shopping for shoes or jeans, for men, women or children.

en lin – linen
cachemire – cashmere
dentelle – lace
en cuir – leather
en jean – denim
en laine – woollen
en laine merinos – merino wool
en tricot – knitted
verni – patent
à col V – V neck
à col montant – high neck
à col rond – round neck
col claudine – peter pan collar
à manches courtes – short sleeved
à manches longues – long sleeved
sans manches – sleeveless
droit – straight leg
à carreaux – checked
imprimé(e) – printed
rayé(e) – striped
marinière – Breton style
pailleté – sparkly
plissé(e) – pleated
motif fleuri – floral
zippe – zippered
à capuche – hooded
fluo – fluorescent
en soie- silk

For her

debardeur – vest top
robe bustier – strapless dress
chemise/chemisier – shirt/blouse
tunique – tunic
ouverts – open toed
stilettos – escarpins
ballerines – ballet pumps
bottines – ankle boots
flip-flops – tongs
sandales compensées – wedges
bottes cavalières – riding boots
pochette – clutch bag
pendentif – pendant

For him

boutons de manchette – cufflinks
cravate – tie
costume – suit
veste – smart jacket
pantalon de costume – suit trousers
doudoune – puffa
blouson – jacket

For babies & children

combishort – playsuit
salopette – dungarees
body uni – body suit
dors-bien – sleep suit
pyjama – pyjamas
robe bain de soleil – sun dress
chaussons – booties
bon – bonnet