[vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”How to Talk About Clothes in French: Vocabulary and Useful Phrases” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h1″ font_weight=”default” sub_font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]In this lesson, we are going to see how to talk about clothes in French.
If you ever find yourself on a shopping spree in France, being able to describe accurately what you want will save you time and money! It’s also a very good ice-breaker in French conversation with locals.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18769″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”1. Clothes in French : the most common verbs” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default” sub_font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]When shopping, you need to learn a few key French verbs to be able to communicate with the shop attendants. People working in clothing stores may ask lots of questions ; therefore it’s a good idea to understand these verbs.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
- Aller bien/mal à quelqu’un = to suit someone nicely/badly
- Enlever = to take off
- Enfiler = to slip into / to put on
- Essayer des vêtements = to try clothes
- S’habiller = to get dressed
- Se déshabiller = to get undressed
- Laver des vêtements = to wash clothes
- Mettre = to put on
- Porter = to wear
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18782″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”2. Basic clothing vocabulary” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default” sub_font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]The French word for a piece of clothing is “un vêtement” (masculine). However, clothes are usually used in plural: “les vêtements“. When we talk about an outfit, we say “une tenue”. In slang, you’ll often hear “les fringues”. Let’s see more in details some more key vocabulary.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Key clothing items in French
- Une chemise = a shirt
- Un costume = a suit
- Une jupe = a skirt
- Un haut = a top
- Un manteau = a coat
- Un pantalon = pants
- Un pull = a sweater
- Une robe = a dress
- Un short = shorts
- Un survêtement = a tracksuit
- Une veste = a coat / a jacket
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Useful clothing phrases in conversation
- La taille = the size
- La pointure = the shoe size
- Quelle est votre taille / votre pointure ? = What’s your size / shoe size ?
- Je fais du 36/38/40.. ou du S/M/L.. = I’m size 36/38/40 (for clothes and shoes)
- Je chausse du 39/40/41.. = I’m size 39/40/41 (only for the shoes)
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18778″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”3. Underwear and beachwear” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default” sub_font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]Knowing a few words of French lingerie can make you avoid some embarrassing moments. You will find below some practical terms for French underwear and beachwear.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Underwear terms
- Des bas = pantyhose
- Un body = a bodysuit
- Un boxer / un caleçon = men’s brief
- Des chaussettes = socks
- Des collants = stockings
- Une culotte = women’s panty
- Un soutien-gorge = a bra
- Un slip = underwear
- Un string = a thong
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At the beach
- Un maillot de bain une pièce = a one-piece swimsuit
- Un maillot de bain deux pièces ou bikini = a bikini
- Un short de bain = swimming shorts
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18780″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row gap=”0px” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1788235148581{background-color: #E8F0EB !important;}”][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”Want to Improve Your French with Personalized Guidance?” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default” sub_font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]I offer private online French lessons tailored to your level, goals and learning needs.[/vc_column_text][insignia_button btn_text=”Tell Me About Your French Goals” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.frenchwithagnes.com%2Fcontact-private-french-tutor%2F|title:Tell%20Me%20About%20your%20French%20Goals|target:_blank” button_size=”btn-medium” button_align=”text-center” enable_icon=”” text_font_weight=”font-weight-600″ btn_bg_color=”#5C977A” hover_bg_color=”#6FAF8F” border_color=”#5C977A” hover_border_color=”#6FAF8F”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”4. French footwear vocabulary” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default” sub_font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]Although French women love their high-heels, the use of comfortable shoes can sometimes be vital ! Let’s see the different types of footwear in France.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
- Des ballerines = ballerinas
- Des baskets ou des tennis = runners / sneakers
- Des bottes = boots
- Des chaussures de marche ou de randonnée = hiking shoes
- Des chaussures plates = flat shoes
- Des mocassins = loafers
- Des sandales = sandals
- Des talons aiguilles / des talons hauts / des escarpins = high-heels
- Des tongs = flip-flops
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18781″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”5. Knowing useful accessories in French” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default” sub_font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]If you’d like to complete your look with some trendy accessories, read on ![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Different hats in French
- Un béret = a beret
- Un bonnet = a winter hat
- Une casquette = a cap
- Un chapeau = a hat
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Other accessories
- Une ceinture = a belt
- Une écharpe = a scarf
- Un foulard = a headscarf
- Des gants = gloves
- Des lunettes = glasses
- Des lunettes de soleil = sunglasses
- Un sac = a bag
- Un sac a dos = a backpack
- Un sac à main = a handbag
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18776″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”6. French expressions with clothing” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default” sub_font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]The French language is full of idioms, including many French idioms with colours or references to food. Clothing is no exception, as you’ll discover below.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
- Ca te/vous va comme un gant = (it fits you like a glove) it suits/fits you very well
- Changer d’avis comme de chemise = (change opinion as a shirt) to often change your mind
- Etre sur son trente-et-un = (to be on your 31st) to be very elegant/well dressed
- N’avoir rien à se mettre = to have nothing to wear
- Se prendre une veste = (to take oneself a jacket) to come a cropper
- Se serrer la ceinture = to tighten the belt
- Trouver chaussure à son pied = (to find the shoe for your foot) to find the right partner
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Ready to Make Further Progress in French?
I hope you enjoyed today’s blog ! I’d love to help you build your confidence and make further progress with personalized French lessons.[/vc_column_text][insignia_button btn_text=”Start your French Lessons” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.frenchwithagnes.com%2Fcontact-private-french-tutor%2F|title:Tell%20Me%20About%20your%20French%20Goals|target:_blank” button_size=”btn-medium” button_align=”text-center” enable_icon=”” text_font_weight=”font-weight-600″ btn_bg_color=”#5C977A” hover_bg_color=”#6FAF8F” border_color=”#5C977A” hover_border_color=”#6FAF8F”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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