Clothes In Arabic 

Learning clothes in Arabic is useful for everyday conversations, shopping, travel, and understanding Arab culture. Clothing vocabulary appears in simple situations such as buying a shirt, asking for a size, describing colors, or talking about traditional garments.

Arabic also has more than one word for “clothes,” depending on the context and dialect. In this guide, you will learn the most common Arabic clothing words, their pronunciation, practical examples, and cultural notes that help you use them naturally.

How Do You Say Clothes In Arabic?

The most common word for clothes in Arabic is ملابس (malābis). Another common word is ثياب (thiyāb), which is also used to mean garments or clothing in general.

In daily spoken Arabic, the word may change depending on the country. For example, Egyptians often say هدوم (hudūm), while in some Levantine dialects, people may say أواعي (awāʿī).

English	Arabic	Transliteration
Clothes	ملابس	Malābis
Clothes / Garments	ثياب	Thiyāb
Clothes – Egyptian Dialect	هدوم	Hudūm
Clothes – Levantine Dialect	أواعي	Awāʿī

Example:
أحتاج إلى شراء ملابس جديدة
ʾaḥtāju ilā shirāʾ malābis jadīdah
I need to buy new clothes.

Master the Arabic Language

Join our expert-led sessions and start your journey today.

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS ➝

General Words Related To Clothes In Arabic

Before learning specific clothing items, it is helpful to know basic words used when describing clothes. These words are important when shopping, asking about sizes, choosing colors, or describing fabric.

Words like fabric, color, size, new, and old are used constantly in real conversations. They also help beginners form simple Arabic sentences about clothing.

Clothes’ Fabric In Arabic

The word for fabric in Arabic is قماش (qumāsh). You can use it when talking about the material of a shirt, dress, scarf, or coat.

Example:
هذا القماش ناعم جداً
hādhā al-qumāsh nāʿim jiddan
This fabric is very soft.

Clothes’ Color In Arabic

The word for color in Arabic is لون (lawn). Knowing colors is very useful when describing clothes in Arabic, especially while shopping.

Example:
ما لون هذا القميص؟
mā lawn hādhā al-qamīṣ?
What color is this shirt?

Clothes’ Size In Arabic

The word for size in Arabic is مقاس (miqās). This is one of the most useful words to know in clothing stores.

Example:
ما هو مقاسك؟
mā huwa miqāsuka?
What is your size?

New Clothes In Arabic

The word for new in Arabic is جديد (jadīd) for masculine nouns and جديدة (jadīdah) for feminine nouns.

Example:
اشتريت قميصاً جديداً
ishtaraytu qamīṣan jadīdan
I bought a new shirt.

Old Clothes In Arabic

The word for old in Arabic is قديم (qadīm) for masculine nouns and قديمة (qadīmah) for feminine nouns.

Example:
هذه السترة قديمة
hādhihi al-sutrah qadīmah
This jacket is old.

Common Clothes Vocabulary In Arabic

This section teaches the most common words for clothes in Arabic. These are the words you are most likely to use in daily life, shopping, travel, and beginner Arabic lessons.

Each word includes Arabic spelling, transliteration, and a simple example so you can understand how it appears in real sentences.

Shirt In Arabic

Shirt in Arabic is قميص (qamīṣ). It is a very common word used for men’s and women’s shirts.

Example:
أريد شراء قميص أبيض
urīdu shirāʾ qamīṣ abyaḍ
I want to buy a white shirt.

Dress In Arabic

Dress in Arabic is فستان (fustān). This word is commonly used for women’s dresses.

Example:
هذا الفستان جميل جداً
hādhā al-fustān jamīl jiddan
This dress is very beautiful.

Pants In Arabic

Pants in Arabic can be سروال (sirwāl) or بنطلون (banṭalūn). The word بنطلون is very common in everyday spoken Arabic.

Example:
أحتاج إلى بنطلون جديد للعمل
aḥtāju ilā banṭalūn jadīd lil-ʿamal
I need new pants for work.

Skirt In Arabic

Skirt in Arabic is تنورة (tannūrah). It is a feminine noun, so adjectives after it usually take the feminine form.

Example:
هذه التنورة طويلة
hādhihi al-tannūrah ṭawīlah
This skirt is long.

Shoes In Arabic

Shoes in Arabic is حذاء (ḥidhāʾ) for a shoe, while أحذية (aḥdhiyah) means shoes in plural.

Example:
أحب هذا الحذاء الجديد
uḥibbu hādhā al-ḥidhāʾ al-jadīd
I like this new shoe.

Jacket In Arabic

Jacket in Arabic can be سترة (sutrah) or جاكيت (jākīt). The borrowed word جاكيت is common in spoken Arabic.

Example:
هذه السترة دافئة جداً
hādhihi al-sutrah dāfiʾah jiddan
This jacket is very warm.

Coat In Arabic

Coat in Arabic is معطف (miʿṭaf). It is commonly used for winter coats.

Example:
أحتاج إلى معطف لفصل الشتاء
aḥtāju ilā miʿṭaf li-faṣl al-shitāʾ
I need a coat for winter.

Socks In Arabic

Socks in Arabic are جوارب (jawārib). This is a plural word and is useful in everyday shopping vocabulary.

Example:
اشتريت جوارب جديدة
ishtaraytu jawārib jadīdah
I bought new socks.

Hat In Arabic

Hat in Arabic is قبعة (qubbaʿah). In spoken Arabic, people may also use words like كاب (kāb) for a cap.

Example:
هذه القبعة أنيقة
hādhihi al-qubbaʿah anīqah
This hat is stylish.

Scarf In Arabic

Scarf in Arabic can be وشاح (wishāḥ) or شال (shāl). Both are commonly understood.

Example:
أحب ارتداء الوشاح في الشتاء
uḥibbu irtidāʾ al-wishāḥ fī al-shitāʾ
I like wearing a scarf in winter.

Practice Clothes In Arabic Through Real Speaking Lessons

Learning clothes in Arabic becomes much more useful when you can say the words clearly and use them in real conversations. In The Arabic Learning Centre’s Arabic Speaking Course, you do not only memorize vocabulary like shirt, dress, shoes, and coat; you practice using these words in natural dialogues, shopping situations, and everyday speech.

Our online Arabic speaking course helps learners improve pronunciation, sentence flow, and confidence through guided Arabic conversation practice. Whether you want to ask for a size, describe an outfit, or speak more naturally in Arabic, our instructors help you turn simple vocabulary into fluent communication.

Start your Arabic speaking journey with The Arabic Learning Centre and learn how to use Arabic vocabulary confidently in real-life conversations.

Master the Arabic Language

Join our expert-led sessions and start your journey today.

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS ➝

Clothes In Arabic Vocabulary Chart

A vocabulary chart makes it easier to review and memorize clothes in Arabic. Use this table as a quick reference when studying, practicing, or preparing for shopping conversations.

The table includes common everyday clothing words with Arabic spelling and simple transliteration.

English	Arabic	Transliteration
Clothes	ملابس	Malābis
Garments	ثياب	Thiyāb
Fabric	قماش	Qumāsh
Color	لون	Lawn
Size	مقاس	Miqās
New	جديد	Jadīd
Old	قديم	Qadīm
Shirt	قميص	Qamīṣ
Dress	فستان	Fustān
Pants	بنطلون / سروال	Banṭalūn / Sirwāl
Skirt	تنورة	Tannūrah
Shoes	حذاء	Ḥidhāʾ
Jacket	سترة / جاكيت	Sutrah / Jākīt
Coat	معطف	Miʿṭaf
Socks	جوارب	Jawārib
Hat	قبعة	Qubbaʿah
Scarf	وشاح / شال	Wishāḥ / Shāl

Traditional Arab Clothes In Arabic

Traditional clothing is an important part of Arab culture. Many garments reflect modesty, climate, social customs, and regional identity.

Learning traditional clothes in Arabic helps you understand not only the language but also the cultural background behind many common words.

Thobe In Arabic

The ثوب (thawb) is a long, loose garment commonly worn by men in many Arab countries. In the Gulf, it may also be called كندورة (kandūrah), especially in the UAE.

It is often worn with a head covering such as a غترة (ghutrah) and secured with an عقال (ʿiqāl).

Abaya In Arabic

The عباية (ʿabāyah) is a long outer garment commonly worn by women in many Arab countries. It is often associated with modest dress.

Although the traditional abaya is usually black, modern styles may include different fabrics, colors, and designs.

Hijab In Arabic

The word حجاب (ḥijāb) refers to a headscarf worn by many Muslim women. It covers the hair and neck while leaving the face visible.

The hijab can vary in style, color, and fabric depending on the country, culture, and personal preference.

Jalabiya In Arabic

The جلابية (jalābiyyah) is a loose, long garment worn by men and women in several Arab regions. It is often comfortable and suitable for everyday wear.

It may be simple for daily use or decorated for special occasions.

Shayla In Arabic

The شيلة (shaylah) is a type of headscarf worn by women, especially in Gulf countries. It is usually light and draped over the head and shoulders.

It is commonly worn with an abaya or long dress.

Agal In Arabic

The عقال (ʿiqāl) is a black cord worn by men to hold the ghutrah or headscarf in place.

It is part of traditional men’s clothing in many Gulf and Arab countries.

Bisht In Arabic

The بشت (bisht) is a formal cloak worn by men over the thobe. It is often seen at weddings, religious events, official ceremonies, and formal gatherings.

It is usually made from fine fabric and may include decorative embroidery.

Niqab In Arabic

The نقاب (niqāb) is a face veil worn by some Muslim women. It usually covers the face while leaving the eyes visible.

Its use varies by country, culture, and personal choice.

Build Your Arabic Clothing Vocabulary With Structured Lessons

Learning clothes in Arabic is a strong starting point for building practical Arabic vocabulary. Words like ملابس, قميص, فستان, حذاء, and معطف become easier to remember when you study them by topic, repeat them in context, and use them in real sentences.

In The Arabic Learning Centre’s Arabic Vocabulary Course, learners develop Arabic vocabulary through organized themes, word patterns, root-based learning, and guided practice. Instead of memorizing random word lists, you learn how Arabic words connect, how they function in sentences, and how to use them confidently in both formal and conversational Arabic.

Join The Arabic Learning Centre’s Arabic Vocabulary Course and turn everyday topics like clothes, shopping, colors, and sizes into active Arabic communication.

Master the Arabic Language

Join our expert-led sessions and start your journey today.

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS ➝

Western-Style Clothing Items In Arabic

Modern Arabic also includes many words for Western-style clothes. Some are originally Arabic words, while others are borrowed from English, French, or other languages and adapted into Arabic pronunciation.

These words are especially useful when shopping in malls, online stores, or clothing markets in Arab countries.

English	Arabic	Transliteration
T-Shirt	تي شيرت	Tī Shīrt
Suit	بدلة	Badlah
Men’s Suit	بدلة رجالية	Badlah Rijāliyyah
Blouse	بلوزة	Blūzah
Sweater	كنزة / سترة	Kanzah / Sutrah
Shorts	شورت	Short
Belt	حزام	Ḥizām
Gloves	قفازات	Qafāzāt
Bag	حقيبة	Ḥaqībah
Backpack	حقيبة ظهر	Ḥaqībat Ẓahr
Sandals	صندل	Ṣandal
Boots	بوت	Būt
Pajamas	بيجاما	Bijāmah
Swimsuit	بدلة سباحة	Badlat Sibāḥah
Tracksuit	بدلة رياضية	Badlah Riyāḍiyyah

Read Also: Arabic Alphabet In Numbers

Useful Arabic Phrases For Shopping For Clothes

Knowing vocabulary alone is not enough. You also need simple phrases that help you ask questions, describe what you want, and communicate in real situations.

These phrases are useful when buying clothes in Arabic in a shop or market.

English	Arabic	Transliteration
How much is this?	كم سعر هذا؟	Kam siʿr hādhā?
I want a larger size.	أريد مقاساً أكبر	Urīdu miqāsan akbar
I want a smaller size.	أريد مقاساً أصغر	Urīdu miqāsan aṣghar
Do you have another color?	هل عندك لون آخر؟	Hal ʿindaka lawn ākhar?
Can I try it on?	هل يمكنني تجربته؟	Hal yumkinunī tajribatuh?
This is expensive.	هذا غالي	Hādhā ghālī
This is suitable.	هذا مناسب	Hādhā munāsib

Read Also: Spanish Words From Arabic

Cultural Notes About Clothes In Arabic-Speaking Countries

Clothing in Arabic-speaking countries can vary widely from one region to another. What people wear in Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, or the UAE may differ because of climate, culture, religion, and lifestyle.

In many Arab cultures, modesty plays an important role in clothing choices. Also, removing shoes before entering some homes or mosques is common and reflects cleanliness and respect.

Traditional garments are still worn in many places, especially during religious occasions, weddings, national events, and formal gatherings. At the same time, Western-style clothing is also widely used in daily life.

Master the Arabic Language

Join our expert-led sessions and start your journey today.

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS ➝

Read Also: Hospital Vocab In Arabic

Learn Arabic Vocabulary With Arabic Learning Centre

If you want to move beyond memorizing words and start using Arabic confidently, structured lessons can help you learn faster and more correctly. Vocabulary topics like clothes in Arabic become easier when you practice them through real conversations, examples, and guided correction.

At Arabic Learning Centre, students can build Arabic step by step through practical lessons that focus on speaking, reading, vocabulary, grammar, and real-life usage. Whether you are learning Arabic for travel, Quran study, work, or daily communication, a guided Arabic course can help you understand the language clearly and use it with confidence.

Start your Arabic learning journey today with Arabic Learning Centre and turn simple vocabulary into confident real-life Arabic communication.

Courses We Offer:

• Learn to Read Arabic Course
• Arabic Grammar Course
• Arabic Speaking Course
• Arabic Script writing course
• Arabic Vocabulary Course
• Arabic Pronunciation Course

Conclusion

Learning clothes in Arabic is a practical step for anyone studying Arabic. It helps you shop, describe outfits, understand cultural clothing, and speak more naturally in daily situations.

Start with the most common words like ملابس (malābis), قميص (qamīṣ), فستان (fustān), حذاء (ḥidhāʾ), and معطف (miʿṭaf). Then expand your vocabulary with traditional garments such as ثوب, عباية, حجاب, and بشت.

The more you connect words with examples and real-life situations, the easier it becomes to remember and use Arabic clothing vocabulary correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions