Clothing vocabulary is essential for shopping, describing people, and understanding Dutch media. Essential items: de trui (sweater/jumper), het overhemd (shirt — button-up), het t-shirt (t-shirt), de broek (trousers), de rok (skirt), de jurk (dress), het jasje (jacket), de jas (coat), de schoenen (shoes), de laarzen (boots), de sokken (socks), het ondergoed (underwear), de muts (hat/beanie), de sjaal (scarf).
Shopping vocabulary: de maat (size), Welke maat heeft u? (What size do you take?), Het past me goed (It fits me well), Het zit te strak/ruim (It’s too tight/loose), Heeft u dit in het blauw? (Do you have this in blue?), Kan ik dit passen? (Can I try this on?), de paskamer (fitting room), in de uitverkoop (on sale), de kassa (checkout/cash register).
Materials and fabric vocabulary: katoen (cotton), wol (wool), zijde (silk), leer (leather), spijkerbroek / jeans (jeans), fleece (fleece). Style adjectives: stijlvol (stylish), casual (casual), formeel (formal), modieus (fashionable). Dutch fashion culture is strong — the Dutch are known for a clean, minimalist aesthetic and an approach to dressing that prioritizes function as much as form.