Dutch Fashion Terms | ExpatINFO Holland
The names of many clothing and accessory items are different in Dutch than English which can be confusing to new expats in Netherlands. See Dutch fashion terms here…
It is not surprising that the Dutch words used to identify specific clothing and fashion accessory items differ from those labels used in English. It may actually be more surprising that so many items DO share the same name in English and Dutch.
Dutch Fashion Terms
Learning the correct Dutch fashion terminology takes a little time but is easier when the specific cases are presented together (as we do below).
The most confusing situation is when a fashion term is used in both Dutch and English but does not refer to the same type of item. For example, a ‘sweater‘ in English refers to a jumper or heavy knit top while in Dutch a ‘sweater‘ is a sweatshirt.
Here is a list of clothing items, styles, fashion accessories, footwear and design elements which have different names in Dutch vs English. This list may assist a non-Dutch speaker in Netherlands find what they need when shopping online.
ENGLISH <-> DUTCH
- ankle boot = enkellaarsje
- backpack = rugzak
- bag = tas
- bathrobe = badjas
- beach sandal = slipper
- beanie = muts
- belt = riem
- blazer = colbert
- boot = laars
- bra = bh
- briefs = slip
- button-down shirt = overhemd
- buttons = knoppen
- cap = pet
- cardigan = vest
- coat = jas
- collar = kraag
- dress = jurk
- dress trousers = pantalons
- fannypack = heuptasje
- flip flops = teenslippers
- French cuff = dubbele manchet
- gloves = handschoenen
- hat = hoed
- hood = capuchon
- jacket = jasje
- keychain = sleutelhanger
- laces = veteren
- leather = leer
- legwear = beenmode
ENGLISH <-> DUTCH
- long sleeves = lange mouwen
- patent leather = lakleer
- quilted vest = bodywarmer
- raincoat = regenjas
- scarf/shawl = sjaal
- shirt dress = overhemdjurk
- shoes = schoenen
- shorts = korte broeken
- short sleeves = korte mouwen
- shoulder bag = schoudertas
- skirt = rok
- slipons = instappers
- slipper = pantoffel
- sleepwear = nachtkleding
- striped = gestreepte
- suit = pak
- sunglasses = zonnebrillen
- sweatshirt = sweater
- sweater = trui
- swimsuit = zwembroek
- tank top = hemd/singlet
- tie = stropdas
- trousers = broeken
- underwear = ondergoed
- v-neck = v-hals
- vest = gilet
- wallet = portemonnee
- watch = horloge
- wrap dress = overslagjurk
- zakken = pockets
- zipper = rits
Related information…
https://expatinfoholland.nl/help-guides/shopping-foods/dutch-fashion-terms/ Dutch Fashion Terms | ExpatINFO Holland