Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vestis | [ˈwɛs.tɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈvɛs.tis] (narrow) |
feminine, uncountable |
| vestīmenta | neuter, plural | |
| vestītus (4th decl.) | masculine | |
| velāmen | neuter, poetic, uncountable |
In Latin, the word used depends on whether you are referring to a single garment, a collection of items or a specific type of attire. vestis is used for clothing in a general sense or for a single specific garment. vestīmenta is used to refer to a collection of clothes or an outfit. vestītus denotes a person's attire or the state of being clothed.
Which one should you use?
While vestis is a feminine singular noun that can mean a single garment or clothing in general, vestīmenta is a neuter plural form and is the most common way to refer to a collection of clothes. The masculine form vestītus specifically describes a person's state of dress or attire.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
vestīmenta is a common and general term for clothes used in formal contexts. Other formal terms include indumenta, which refers to clothing as a means of protection or attire and amictus, which is a poetic term for garments worn over other clothes, such as cloaks or shawls. The term velāmen is used in poetic contexts to mean a covering or a veil rather than everyday apparel.
How does it change in a sentence?
vestītus is a fourth-declension masculine noun used to denote attire. vestis is a feminine singular noun. vestīmenta is a neuter plural noun.
Did you know?
- In ancient Rome, clothing was a strict marker of social rank, and certain vestīmenta like the purple-bordered toga were legally restricted to the Emperor and high officials.
- The English verb 'wear' actually shares the same ancient DNA as the Latin vestis, coming from the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- While vestīmenta is the general word for clothes, the Romans had highly specific terms for different folds and drapes of the toga that would be considered part of one's overall attire.
Examples in context
- Obscurum vestis contegit ampla genus.Good clothes open all doors.This sentence shows how vestis can be used in a proverb about the effect of clothes.Tatoeba #7054352 by iart61, translation #13058227 by carlosalberto
- Vestis virum facit.Clothes make the man.This sentence uses vestis to express the idea that clothes make the man.Tatoeba #7023559 by iart61, translation #269812 by CK
- Vestīmenta emere amō.I like to buy clothes.This sentence uses vestīmenta to express a personal preference for buying clothes.Tatoeba #11043128 by alexmarcelo, translation #1762329 by Amastan
- Vestimenta pulchra habeoI have beautiful clothes
- Mihi placet tuus habitusI like your style of clothing
Example conversation
Julia and Lucius are preparing to go to a dinner party.
- JuliaLuci, ubi est mea vestis alba?Lucius, where are my white clothes?
- LuciusVestis tua in arca est, Julia.Your clothes are in the chest, Julia.
- JuliaHaec vestis non est munda.These clothes are not clean.
- LuciusTunc alteram vestem sume.Then take other clothes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clothes” translations and entries vestis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vestis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
