Each year, people worldwide use an estimated 80 billion pieces of clothing! Our clothing use has increased 400% in the past two decades.[1]
While not everyone is interested in fashion, clothing undoubtedly plays a very important role in our lives. It can give us a greater sense of identity, and on a more essential level, can protect us from things like sun exposure and cold weather.
New styles emerge and trends change every year, but some clothing staples have stood the test of history — like the skirt, which is thought to be the second-oldest garment ever created![2]
Below, we list the clothing that starts with each letter, A to Z. Scroll past the list for an activity to help you find more unique options!
A
- Ankle socks:
short sock that ends just at the ankle - Anorak:
waterproof, hooded jacket - Angora sweater:
sweater made from the hair of an angora goat or rabbit - Afghan shawl:
knitted or crocheted shawl - Apron:
a protective garment that covers the front of your clothes while cooking, painting, or doing other potentially messy tasks - Ascot:
men’s silk necktie - Argyle sweater:
sweater with a pattern of diamonds in various colors - Art smock:
loose dress or blouse that covers your clothes while working on art projects like painting - A-line dress:
a dress with a hem wider than its shoulders - Anklewarmers:
tubular knitted garments that cover the ankles for extra warmth - Athletic shorts:
sweat-wicking shorts designed for workouts and sports - A-line skirt:
a skirt that’s fitted at the hip and gets wider toward the hem - Air Jordans:
a popular style of Nike sneaker - Abaya:
traditional full-length garment worn by some Muslim women - Arm warmer:
knitted sleeves worn on the arms - Almond-toe shoe:
a shoe with a toe that isn’t too pointed, rounded, or square
B
- Bomber jacket:
short jacket similar to a flight jacket, but with a thicker lining - Beret:
a felt or cloth cap with a round band and flattish top - Brassiere:
undergarment that covers the chest - Bell bottoms:
pants with legs that flare widely below the knee - Boots:
sturdy footwear that covers the foot and ankle - Bloomers:
old-fashioned, loose-fitting underpants - Baseball tee:
three-quarter-sleeve shirt with sleeves in a different color than the body - Ball gown:
full-length dress worn to formal events - Belt:
a strap with a buckle worn around the waist - Bermuda shorts:
knee-length shorts - Blazer:
lightweight jacket - Bathrobe:
a terry cloth robe worn before and after bathing - Beanie:
a close-fitting hat - Boat shoes:
flat canvas or leather shoes designed not to slip on boat decks - Baseball cap:
a hat with a large visor and adjustable band - Bikini:
two-piece women’s swimsuit - Blouse:
a shirt with a collar, buttons, and sleeves - Bathing suit:
garment worn while swimming - Boxer shorts:
loose-fitting men’s underpants that look similar to shorts - Balaclava:
close-fitting garment for cold weather that covers the whole head and neck except for the eyes - Briefs:
close-fitting underpants - Bustier top:
close-fitting and structured strapless women’s top - Bowtie:
necktie tied in the shape of a bow - Boubou:
long, colorful garment worn by men and women in countries including Nigeria and Senegal - Bodysuit:
one-piece, close-fitting stretch garment - Batwing top:
a top with wing-like, wide sleeves - Bolero:
a short, open jacket - Bustle:
padding or framing worn under a skirt to puff it out - Bias-cut dress:
a dress cut diagonally across the grain
C
- Cardigan:
a long-sleeved knit sweater, typically with buttons or other closures on the front - Coat:
long-sleeved outerwear worn outdoors in cold weather - Corduroys:
pants made of thick, velvety cotton fabric - Coveralls:
one-piece garment that covers a person’s clothes when doing manual work, such as mechanic work - Cloak:
loose-fitting, sleeveless robe with a hood worn outdoors in cold weather - Clogs:
shoes with thick, wooden soles - Camisole:
sleeveless top with shoulder straps and decorative trim - Capri pants:
fitted, calf-length pants - Crop top:
t-shirt, tank top, sweater, or sweatshirt cut so the bottom hem falls between the chest and stomach - Corset:
tight-fitting, structured undergarment - Chaps:
leather pants with no seat worn by ranchers and cowboys - Cummerbund:
a sash worn around the waist with a men’s suit - Cowl neck sweater:
neckline with draped fabric that hangs in folds
D
- Dinner jacket:
short, formal jacket for men with no tails - Denim jacket:
jacket made of blue jean fabric - Denim skirt:
skirt made of blue jean fabric - Dungarees:
blue denim overalls - Dress:
one-piece women’s garment that covers the torso and extends down the legs - Dress shirt:
formal white shirt - Denim shorts:
shorts made of blue jean fabric - Down jacket:
puffer jacket filled with down (feathers) for warmth - Dashiki:
loose, brightly-colored tunic originating in West Africa - Dressing gown:
loose robe worn while preparing to dress in the morning - Dolman top:
women’s shirt with wide sleeves - Dirndl:
dress with a bodice and full skirt worn in southern Germany
E
- Earmuffs:
headband with attached ear coverings - Embroidered top:
shirt with decorative, sewn-on thread patterns - Espadrilles:
canvas shoe with a fiber sole - Eyelet top:
shirt with a pattern of small, round holes around the hems - Eyelet dress:
dress with a pattern of small, round holes around the hems - Empire-waist dress:
a dress with a fitted bodice that drapes out under the bustline
F
- Fatigues:
khaki, olive, or camouflaged outfit worn by soldiers - Fur coat:
coat made of real or synthetic animal fur - Flannel shirt:
long-sleeved wool or cotton button-up shirt, usually with a plaid pattern - Fedora:
felt hat with a creased crown and curled brim - Fingerless gloves:
gloves with no fingertips - Felt hat:
hat made of felt material - Fleece jacket:
light jacket made of soft fabric with a texture similar to sheep’s wool - Flannel jacket:
jacket made of soft, woven fabric - Flip flops:
plastic or rubber sandals with a strap between the big toe and second toe
G
- Golf shoes:
waterproof leather shoes with sole spikes - Galoshes:
waterproof shoe coverings for rainy days - Girdle:
tight-fitting support garment worn around the waist - Gym shorts:
breathable, sweat-wicking shorts designed for exercise - Gloves:
hand coverings that protect against dirt or cold - Gaucho pants:
calf-length, wide-legged trousers - Gown:
long, formal dress, usually with a flowing skirt and fitted bodice
H
- Hightops:
sneakers with high sides that cover the ankle - Hoodie:
hooded sweatshirt - Hosiery:
stockings, socks, and tights - Heels:
shoes that are raised at the back of the foot - Hotpants:
close-fitted short shorts - Herringbone jacket:
classic British jacket with a herringbone print - Hawaiian shirt:
short-sleeved button-up top with a colorful floral print - Hoop skirt:
a skirt worn over support hoops for a voluminous look - Halter top:
sleeveless shirt with straps that tie behind the neck - Herringbone dress:
dress made from herringbone-print fabric - Housecoat:
loose, lightweight robe to wear around the house - Hanbok:
traditional Korean clothing - Hobble skirt:
long skirt that tapers below the knee - Herringbone skirt:
skirt made from herringbone-print fabric - Handkerchief hem dress:
dress with an uneven hem made from triangular panels of fabric - Herringbone pants:
pants made from herringbone-print fabric - Harem pants:
loose-fitting pants that gather at the ankle - Handkerchief hem skirt:
skirt made from panels of fabric that fall in triangular points - H-line dress:
has a straight silhouette with a slight accent at the waist
I
- Inverness:
sleeveless cloak with a removable cape - Irish linen shirt:
shirt made of high-count linen produced in Ireland - Irrigation boots:
waterproof rubber boots - In-line skates:
roller skates with multiple wheels placed in a line on the middle of the sole - Izar:
garment worn by some Muslim women that covers the whole body - Ice skates:
skating boot with a blade attached to the bottom - Ihram clothing:
garments worn by Muslim people during pilgrimages
J
- Jeans:
denim pants - Jumper:
can refer to a sweater or a collarless, sleeveless dress - Jean jacket:
denim outerwear - Jellies:
shoes made of PVC plastic - Joggers:
stretchy, breathable pants designed for jogging - Jumpsuit:
one-piece garment of an attached top and trousers - Jodhpurs:
close-fitting pants designed for horseback riding - Jersey:
uniform shirts worn in competitive sports like football and hockey - Jogging suit:
loose shirt and sweatpants worn while exercising - Jacket:
long-sleeved outerwear for cool or cold weather
K
- Kimono:
long-loose robe with wide sleeves originating from Japan - Knee socks:
socks that extend above the ankle to cover the calf - Knit sweater:
sweater made from interlocking loops of wool or yarn - Kurta:
loose, collarless shirt worn in South Asia - Kaftan:
can refer to a long shirt/tunic or a long, loose dress - Kameez:
long tunic originating from India - Knit scarf:
scarf made by interlocking loops of yarn together - Kilt:
pleated, knee-length tartan garment traditionally worn by Scottish men - Knickerbockers:
pants rolled up to just below the knee - Keyhole top:
shirt with a cutaway just below the collarbone
L
- Leather jacket:
jacket made from tanned animal hide - Leather pants:
pants made from tanned animal hide - Lace top:
shirt with embellishments of lace - Leggings:
soft, fitted pants made from a stretch material - Leotard:
stretchy one-piece garment that covers the body from the shoulders to the top of the thighs; often worn by dancers - Lingerie:
women’s intimate apparel - Lettuce hem top:
skirt with frills around the neckline, sleeves, and/or bottom hem - Lace dress:
dress with a lace overlay or embellishments - Loafers:
shoe with a low, flat heel - Legwarmers:
tubular garment that covers the leg from the ankle to the knee - Lettuce hem skirt:
skirt with a frilled hem at the bottom - Lace skirt:
skirt with a lace overlay or embellishments
M
- Minidress:
dress with a hemline above the knees - Mock neck shirt:
shirt with a collar that covers most of the neck, but not as much as a turtleneck - Moccasins:
soft, flat slipper-style shoe originating among the North American tribes - Miniskirt:
skirt with a hemline above the knees - Mittens:
warm hand covering split into two sections for the thumb and the other four fingers - Midriff top:
short top that exposes the stomach - Mary Janes:
flat, round-toed shoe with a strap across the top of the foot - Micromini skirt:
very short skirt - Maxi dress:
ankle-length dress - Macrame vest:
vest made from cords knotted into decorative patterns - Midi skirt:
calf-length skirt - Mules:
backless shoe - Muff:
tube made of fur or fabric designed to keep the hands warm - Maxi skirt:
skirt that reaches the ankle - Midi dress:
dress with a calf-length hem - Mermaid dress:
close-fitted formal dress that flares out at or below the knee
N
- Nightgown:
loose, long garment worn in bed - Negligee:
dressing gown made from thin, soft fabric - Nightshirt:
long, loose shirt worn in bed
O
- Overshirt:
pullover shirt worn over another shirt - Oxford shirt:
button-up dress shirt made from Oxford cloth - Oxford shoes:
lace-up shoes with a low heel - Overalls:
trousers with an attached front flap and shoulder straps - Overcoat:
long, warm coat worn over clothing - Overskirt:
outer skirt worn over other layers of skirt or dress - Open cardigan:
a cardigan sweater with no buttons or fasteners down the front
P
- Pajamas:
clothes to wear in bed - Polo shirt:
short-sleeved, casual shirt with a collar and buttoned neckline - Pumps:
high-heeled shoe with a low-cut front - Petticoat:
underskirt, often with lace or ruffles, that adds volume to a skirt or dress - Parka:
windproof, often fur-lined jacket designed for cold weather - Pullover:
garment (often a sweater) that you put on by pulling it over the head - Pinafore:
similar to an apron, but usually worn over a dress specifically - Palazzo pants:
loose, wide-leg women’s pants - Poncho:
loose-fitting, blanket-like cloak - Pants:
trousers - Peplum top:
shirt with a gathered and flared strip of fabric at the waist - Poodle skirt:
long, full skirt with an applique of a poodle popularized in the 1950s - Pashmina:
shawl made from fine goat wool - Playsuit:
one-piece garment worn by babies and children that covers the whole body - Peter Pan blouse:
blouse featuring a flat collar with rounded corners - Peplum dress:
dress with a flared strip of fabric attached at the waist - Pleated skirt:
skirt with vertical pressed creases in the fabric - Pleated pants:
pants with pressed folds on the front - Pinstripe suit:
suit printed with very thin vertical stripes - Patchwork coat:
coat made by sewing together small pieces of cloth in various colors and patterns - Puffer jacket:
waist- or hip-length coat made of puffy, insulated material for warmth
Q
- Quilted jacket:
insulated jacket with stitching, usually in a diamond pattern - Quick-dry athleticwear:
sweat-resistant pants, shorts, and shirts designed for working out - Quarter strap shoes:
women’s shoes with an ankle strap - Quad skates:
roller skates with two front and two back wheels
R
- Raincoat:
long, waterproof coat - Running shorts:
short, breathable shorts designed to allow ease of movement for runners - Ruched top:
shirt with the fabric gathered along the seam(s) - Robe:
long, loose garment with a tie at the waist - Rainboots:
waterproof boots - Riding pants:
pants that fit wide in the thighs and tight in the calves, with reinforced fabric along the inseam - Romper:
similar to a jumpsuit but with attached shorts rather than pants - Raglan top:
shirt with a sleeve that starts at the collar rather than the shoulder - Ruched skirt:
skirt with gathered fabric on the sides
S
- Shrug:
cropped top similar to a cardigan, but covering less of the body - Smock:
loose dress or shirt with the fabric gathered at the top - Sandals:
light, warm-weather shoe with straps that hold the sole to the foot - Skirt:
garment that fastens around the waist and hangs down around the legs - Shorts:
short pants that reach no longer than the knees - Scarf:
length of fabric worn around the neck for decoration or extra warmth - Suit:
trouser, jacket, and shirt set intended to be worn together - Singlet:
sleeveless shirt worn under or in place of a shirt - Socks:
garment that covers the foot and part of the leg - Sundress:
lightweight sleeveless dress with thin shoulder straps - Slacks:
casual trousers - Sarong:
cloth wrap to cover the body; often paired with a swimsuit - Sweater:
knitted long-sleeve shirt worn during the colder seasons - Sweatsuit:
matching sweatshirt and sweatpant set - Sweatshirt:
loose, thick, long-sleeved shirt worn for leisure or exercise - Sweatpants:
loose, warm pants with an elastic or drawstring waist, worn for exercising or lounging - Sheath dress:
close-fitting dress - Swimsuit:
water-resistant garment designed for swimming - Slippers:
soft, comfortable slip-on shoes to wear around the house - Stockings:
nylon or silk coverings for the leg and foot - Sunhat:
wide-brimmed hat to protect the head and neck from sun exposure - Suspenders:
shoulder straps that fasten to the waistband of pants to hold them up - Shift dress:
a dress that hangs straight down from the shoulders rather than tapering in at the waist - Shawl:
large square or rectangular piece of fabric worn over the shoulders - Shirt:
garment that covers the upper body - Swimming trunks:
shorts designed for swimming - Sweetheart top:
shirt with a curved neckline shaped like the top of a heart - Stiletto heels:
shoe with a thin, tall heel - Seersucker suit:
suit made from thin, puckered fabric with narrow stripes - Shalwar:
lightweight, loose South Asian trousers usually worn with a kameez - Sari:
South Asian draped garment made of cotton or silk - Serape:
striped blanket or shawl originating in Latin America
T
- Tank top:
sleeveless shirt - Tutu:
fitted bodice and short, full skirt worn by a ballet dancer - Tunic:
long, loose shirt - Twinset:
matching pullover and cardigan - T-shirt:
short-sleeved casual top that has a “T” shape when spread out flat - Toga:
draped, flowing dress typically covering the whole body aside from the right arm - Toe socks:
socks with individual segments for each toe - Tube top:
strapless top made from stretchy material - Trousers:
pants - Tie-dye t-shirt:
shirt dyed by tying parts of it to create colorful patterns in the dye - Tracksuit:
sweatshirt or thin jacket and pants to wear while exercising - Tie:
fabric worn around the collar with a knot tied at the front - Turtleneck:
garment with a high and tight collar that covers the neck - Trapeze dress:
dress that gets wider toward the waist and legs
U
- Undergarments:
garments worn beneath other clothes, such as undershirts and underwear - Undershirt:
thin shirt worn under other shirts for extra warmth or to protect the overshirt from sweat - Uniform:
clothing worn by members of the same organization or profession, such as airline pilot uniforms - Unitard:
one-piece, stretchy garment that covers the body from the neck to knees or feet
V
- Vest:
sleeveless, waist-length garment with buttons on the front; usually layered with a shirt and/or jacket - Velvet dress:
dress made of velvet fabric, which is closely woven and has a thick, short pile - V-neck t-shirt:
shirt with a pointed neckline shaped like the letter “V” - Visor:
style of hat with a stiff brim but no head covering - Vegan leather jacket:
jacket made from faux leather material - Vegan leather shoes:
boots, dress shoes, or sandals made from faux leather - Vegan leather belt:
belt made from faux leather material - Vintage:
clothing produced in previous decades
W
- Wellies:
Wellington waterproof boots - Wedding gown:
formal gown worn by a bride - Waistcoat:
vest worn over a shirt and under a jacket - Wetsuit:
tight-fitting, water-resistant garment designed for diving, surfing, and other water sports - Woven top:
shirt made of fabric that is woven rather than knit or sewn - Wrap dress:
dress that closes by wrapping one side over the other and tying it - Wool hat:
hat made of wool material - Wool scarf:
scarf made of wool material - Wool sweater:
sweater made of wool material - Wedge boots:
boots with a solid sole that forms a wedge shape - Wedge sandals:
sandals with a solid sole that forms a wedge shape - Western boots:
cowboy boots - Westernwear:
traditional clothing inspired by the styles of the Western U.S. in the 19th century - Wide-calf boots:
boots that are extra wide in the calf for larger legs - Work boots:
heavy-duty, protective boots - Wife beater:
sleeveless undershirt - Wing collared shirt:
shirt featuring a high, stiff collar with the top corners turned down
X
- X-line dress:
dress with a fitted waist and full shoulders, creating an hourglass shape
Y
- Yoga pants:
stretchy athletic pants - Yarmulke:
skullcap worn by Jewish men
Z
- Zoot suit:
men’s suit with a loose jacket and high-waisted trousers popularized in the 1940s - Zip-off pants:
convertible pants that zip off at the knee to create shorts - Zip-up hoodie:
hoodie that has a zipper rather than being a pullover
Activity: Discovering International Fashion
While our list above covers a wide variety of clothing types, there are plenty more that are unique to different countries and regions throughout the world.
Complete the following activity to find out more about international clothing styles and the unique, beautiful garments people have worn worldwide and throughout history!
- Step 1: Choose a country.
You can choose your own if you’d like to dig into history, but it’s even more interesting to choose a country where you’re unfamiliar with the culture! - Step 2: Choose a time period.
Are you curious about what people are wearing now in the country you chose, or would you prefer to see what they were wearing decades or centuries ago? - Step 3: Search for styles.
The search terms “[country name]” + “[time period]” + “fashion,” “traditional clothing,” or “clothing” should bring up plenty of results. For example, a search of “Poland 1970s fashion” brings up articles on fashion in Poland after World War II and Poland’s popular culture in the 1970s and 1980s. Likewise, “Japan 1700s traditional clothing” brings up great resources on the history of the kimono and other garments. - Step 4: Explore neighboring countries.
Some fashion trends emerge from necessity — for example, wearing warmer clothes if you live in a cold-weather climate! You might find it enlightening to see the trends and styles that were prominent in countries or regions nearby your original choice. What commonalities and differences do you notice? Do the silhouettes, fabrics, patterns, or colors vary between the countries?
Top 159 Things Starting With A: Household Items, Toys, Clothing, etc
Top 289 Things That Start With S: Household Items, Toys, Clothing, etc
Top 157 Things That Start With T: Toys, Clothing, etc
Top 111 Things That Start With R: Toys, Clothing, Expensive Items, etc
73 Best Inspirational License Plate Sayings (Curated & Ranked) + Generator
Top 51 Funny Names for Foodies (Curated & Ranked) + Generator
83 Best Car Names for Honda, Audi, etc (Curated & Ranked) + Generator
57 Best Fishing Boat Names (Curated & Ranked) + Generator
109 Best Words to Describe Photography: Adjectives, Styles, etc (Curated & Ranked)
Top 173 Funny & Cool Walkie Talkie Code Names (Curated & Ranked) + Generator
Top 67 Cool Clubhouse Names (Curated & Ranked) + Generator
