Korean Clothing Words & Phrases

Whether you're shopping in Myeongdong, describing your outfit, or learning about traditional Korean dress, clothing vocabulary is essential. These words cover everything from casual streetwear to formal attire, helping you navigate Korean fashion with confidence.

100 words

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티셔츠

ti-syeocheu

T-shirt

Beginner

셔츠

syeocheu

Shirt

Beginner

블라우스

beullaauseu

Blouse

Beginner

드레스

deuresu

Dress

Beginner

스커트

seukeotyeu

Skirt

Beginner

바지

baji

Pants

Beginner

청바지

cheongbaji

Jeans

Beginner

반바지

banbaji

Shorts

Beginner

레깅스

rekkingseul

Leggings

Beginner

정장

jeongjang

Suit

Intermediate

재킷

jaekis

Jacket

Beginner

블레이저

beulleijeo

Blazer

Intermediate

코트

koteu

Coat

Beginner

파카

paka

Parka

Beginner

패딩

paeding

Puffer jacket

Intermediate

카디건

kadigeon

Cardigan

Beginner

스웨터

seuweteo

Sweater

Beginner

후드티

hudeu-ti

Hoodie

Beginner

맨투맨

maentuman

Sweatshirt

Beginner

민소매

minsomaae

Tank top

Beginner

크롭탑

keureop-tap

Crop top

Intermediate

터틀넥

teoteuneok

Turtleneck

Intermediate

폴로셔츠

pollo-syeocheu

Polo shirt

Intermediate

드레스셔츠

deuresu-syeocheu

Dress shirt

Intermediate

잠옷

jamot

Pajamas

Beginner

속옷

sogot

Underwear

Beginner

브래지어

beuraejio

Bra

Intermediate

양말

yangmal

Socks

Beginner

스타킹

seutaking

Stockings

Intermediate

타이츠

taicheu

Tights

Intermediate

신발

sinbal

Shoes

Beginner

운동화

undong-hwa

Sneakers

Beginner

하이힐

haiil

Heels

Intermediate

부츠

bucheu

Boots

Beginner

샌들

saendeul

Sandals

Beginner

슬리퍼

seulripeeo

Slippers

Beginner

로퍼

ropeo

Loafers

Intermediate

옥스포드

okseupo-deu

Oxfords

Intermediate

슬리퍼

seulripeeo

Flip flops

Beginner

벨트

belteu

Belt

Beginner

모자

moja

Hat

Beginner

캡

kaep

Cap

Beginner

비니

bini

Beanie

Beginner

스카프

seukapeul

Scarf

Beginner

장갑

janggap

Gloves

Beginner

벙어리장갑

beongeori-janggap

Mittens

Intermediate

가방

gabang

Bag

Beginner

토트백

toteu-baek

Tote bag

Intermediate

숄더백

syoldeobak

Shoulder bag

Intermediate

크로스백

keuroseu-baek

Crossbody bag

Intermediate

핸드백

haendeubak

Handbag

Intermediate

클러치

keulleochi

Clutch

Intermediate

넥타이

nektai

Tie

Intermediate

나비넥타이

nabi-nektai

Bow tie

Intermediate

멜빵

melppang

Suspenders

Intermediate

포켓스퀘어

poket-seukweo

Pocket square

Advanced

커프링크

keop-ringkeu

Cufflinks

Advanced

브로치

beurochi

Brooch

Intermediate

목걸이

mokgeori

Necklace

Beginner

팔찌

palji

Bracelet

Beginner

귀걸이

gwiggeori

Earrings

Beginner

반지

banji

Ring

Beginner

시계

sigye

Watch

Beginner

헤어액세서리

heeo-aekseseori

Hair accessory

Intermediate

헤어핀

heeo-pin

Hairpin

Intermediate

헤드밴드

hedeu-baendeu

Headband

Intermediate

마스크

maseukeu

Mask

Beginner

운동복

undong-bok

Sportswear

Intermediate

수영복

suyeong-bok

Swimwear

Intermediate

비키니

bikini

Bikini

Intermediate

원피스 수영복

wonpis suyeong-bok

One-piece swimsuit

Intermediate

짐웨어

jimweeo

Gym wear

Intermediate

요가팬츠

yoga-paenteu

Yoga pants

Intermediate

압축복

apchuk-bok

Compression wear

Advanced

전통의상

jeontong-uisang

Traditional dress

Intermediate

웨딩드레스

weding-deuresu

Wedding dress

Intermediate

정장 렌탈

jeongjang rentol

Suit rental

Intermediate

패션 트렌드

paesyeon teureendeu

Fashion trend

Intermediate

거리 패션

geori paesyeon

Street fashion

Intermediate

캐주얼복

kaejuol-bok

Casual wear

Beginner

정장

jeongjang

Formal wear

Intermediate

비즈니스 캐주얼

bijeunis-kaejuol

Business casual

Intermediate

복장 규칙

bokjang gyuchik

Dress code

Intermediate

천

cheon

Fabric

Beginner

면

myeon

Cotton

Beginner

린넨

rinnen

Linen

Intermediate

실크

silkeu

Silk

Intermediate

울

Wool

Beginner

폴리에스터

polli-eseuteo

Polyester

Intermediate

데님

denim

Denim

Beginner

가죽

gajuk

Leather

Beginner

벨벳

belbet

Velvet

Intermediate

단색

dansaek

Solid color

Beginner

사이즈 차트

saijeu chateu

Size chart

Intermediate

피팅

piting

Fitting

Intermediate

수선

suseon

Alteration

Intermediate

드라이클리닝

deuraiklining

Dry clean

Intermediate

손세탁

son-setaek

Hand wash

Intermediate

다림질

dalimjil

Ironing

Beginner

조끼

Jokki

Vest

Beginner

Learning how to talk about clothing in Korean is a fundamental step for anyone looking to navigate daily life in Korea, enjoy K-dramas, or simply converse more fluently. Whether you are planning a shopping trip, describing an outfit, or discussing fashion trends, a solid grasp of Korean clothing vocabulary is indispensable. Imagine trying to buy a new shirt or describe a specific type of pants without knowing the right terms. This vocabulary allows for practical interactions, from asking for a different size to understanding descriptions of attire in various contexts. For instance, knowing common words like 티셔츠 (ti-syeocheu) for T-shirt or 바지 (baji) for pants will immediately enhance your ability to communicate in stores and understand everyday conversations. Beyond basic items, understanding terms like 드레스 (deuresu) for a dress or 정장 (jeongjang) for a suit opens up discussions about formal wear and special occasions, which are crucial for social interactions. Even specific items like 재킷 (jaekis) for a jacket or 스커트 (seukeotyeu) for a skirt are frequently used, reflecting diverse styles. This category of words is not only about memorizing labels. It’s about building the linguistic framework to express personal style, make informed purchases, and fully engage with the cultural nuances of Korean fashion. Many terms are loanwords, making them somewhat familiar, while others are uniquely Korean, requiring dedicated learning. Mastering these terms provides a practical foundation for real-world interactions and a deeper appreciation of the language as it's used every day, empowering you to talk about what you wear and what others wear with confidence.

Start with these clothing words

These entries give you the fastest route into this category: the Korean term, how it is pronounced, and the kind of real sentence where it appears.

티셔츠

ti-syeocheu

T-shirt

A casual short-sleeved shirt commonly worn in everyday Korean fashion. It is the most basic wardrobe staple for both men and women in Korea.

셔츠

syeocheu

Shirt

A formal or casual button-up shirt worn for both professional and casual occasions in Korea. Often paired with blazers for business settings.

블라우스

beullaauseu

Blouse

A feminine button-up shirt typically worn by women in professional or casual settings. Popular in Korean workplaces and social gatherings.

드레스

deuresu

Dress

A one-piece garment worn by women for various occasions from casual to formal events. Essential for Korean women's wardrobes.

스커트

seukeotyeu

Skirt

A garment worn around the waist and hips, popular among Korean women. Available in various lengths from mini to maxi styles.

바지

baji

Pants

A basic lower body garment worn by both men and women in Korea. Essential for professional and casual wear.

청바지

cheongbaji

Jeans

Durable denim pants that are a staple in casual Korean fashion. Worn by all ages and genders for everyday activities.

반바지

banbaji

Shorts

Short pants worn during warm weather and casual occasions in Korea. Popular for summer fashion and outdoor activities.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between 셔츠 (syeocheu) and 티셔츠 (ti-syeocheu) in Korean?+

In Korean, 셔츠 (syeocheu) generally refers to a collared, button-up shirt, often more formal or business casual. On the other hand, 티셔츠 (ti-syeocheu) specifically denotes a T-shirt, which is typically a casual, collarless garment. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate communication when discussing clothing items.

How do you say common lower body clothing items like pants and jeans in Korean?+

The general term for pants in Korean is 바지 (baji). For specific types, 청바지 (cheongbaji) refers to jeans, directly translating to "blue pants." If you're looking for shorts, the term is 반바지 (banbaji), combining "half" (반) with "pants" (바지). These are essential for everyday shopping and conversations.

What are the Korean terms for women's formal wear like dresses and blouses?+

For dresses, the Korean term is 드레스 (deuresu), which is a direct loanword from English. Blouse is also a loanword, 블라우스 (beullaauseu). These terms are widely understood and used in Korea, especially when referring to more feminine or formal tops and one-piece garments.

How do Koreans typically refer to outer garments such as jackets and blazers?+

In Korean, a general term for a jacket is 재킷 (jaekis), another common loanword. For a blazer, you would use 블레이저 (beulleijeo), which is also directly adopted from English. If you need to specify a suit, the term is 정장 (jeongjang), a native Korean word.

What is the Korean word for "skirt" and "leggings"?+

The Korean word for skirt is 스커트 (seukeotyeu), which is a direct loanword. For leggings, the term is 레깅스 (rekkingseul), also adopted from English. These terms are straightforward and widely recognized, making them easy to remember for learners.

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