How to Say "Underwear" in Tagalog

damit panloob

/daˈmit panloˈʔob/word by word

The English word "underwear" is translated into Tagalog as damit panloob.

This noun refers to clothes worn next to the skin.

Meaning: clothes worn next to the skin (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of damit (clothing) and panloob (for the inside/inner), literally meaning 'inner clothing'.

panloob na damit is a grammatically valid alternative that uses the linker na to connect the adjective to the noun.

In the alternative form panloob na damit, the linker na is used to connect the adjective to the noun.

/daˈmit panloˈʔob/

While damit panloob is the formal term, Filipinos often use the Spanish loanword kalson specifically for underpants. This highlights the deep influence of Spanish colonial rule on clothing terminology in the Philippines.
The word loob in panloob is a profound concept in Tagalog culture, referring not just to the 'inside' of an object, but also to one's 'inner self' or 'heart'.
In daily conversation, many Filipinos simply use the English word 'underwear', a linguistic blending known as Taglish.

Bilhan mo ako ng bagong panty kapag pumunta ka ng mall.
Buy me new underwear when you go to the mall.
Malinis ang mga damit panloob na ito.
These underwear are clean.
Nasaan ang mga damit panloob ko?
Where is my underwear?
Bumili ako ng bagong damit panloob.
I bought new underwear.

Ricardo and Angela are packing for a trip.

Ricardo

Angela, may dala ka na bang damit panloob?
Angela, did you bring underwear already?
Angela

Oo, nailagay ko na sa bag.
Yes, I already put them in the bag.
Ricardo

Sige, kukuha na rin ako ng damit panloob.
Okay, I will get some underwear too.
Angela

Bilisan mo para makaalis na tayo.
Hurry up so we can leave.

Sources

Wiktionary, “underwear” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (damit, panloob) and can differ in connected speech.

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