Learning a new language not only encompasses the acquisition of grammar and pronunciation but also requires building a rich vocabulary to communicate effectively in various contexts. One essential aspect of daily conversation is clothing and apparel. Whether you’re going shopping, discussing fashion, or simply talking about the weather and what to wear, it’s helpful to know the Icelandic words for different articles of clothing. Here’s a list of common clothing items with their Icelandic translations, definitions, and example sentences to enrich your vocabulary.

Peysa – Sweater
A peysa is a knitted garment typically worn over a shirt or blouse to keep warm.
Ég keypti mér nýja peysu í gær.
(English: I bought a new sweater yesterday.)

Stuttermabolur – T-shirt
Stuttermabolur is a short-sleeved pullover shirt, generally made of cotton, with no collar.
Stuttermabolurinn þinn er mjög litríkur.
(English: Your T-shirt is very colorful.)

Buxur – Pants (American English) / Trousers (British English)
Buxur refer to an outer garment covering the body from the waist to the ankles, with a separate part for each leg.
Getur þú mælt mér buxur þessar?
(English: Can you measure these pants for me?)

Skór – Shoes
Skór are a covering for the foot, typically made of leather, having a sturdy sole and not reaching above the ankle.
Ég þarf að kaupa nýja skó áður en við förum.
(English: I need to buy new shoes before we leave.)

Sokkar – Socks
Sokkar are a garment for the foot and lower part of the leg, typically knitted from wool, cotton, or nylon.
Mér vantar nýja sokka fyrir hlaupin.
(English: I need new socks for running.)

Skjorta – Shirt
A skjorta is a garment worn on the upper body from the neck to the waist, usually with a collar, sleeves, and buttons down the front.
Hann keypti sér fallega skjortu fyrir viðtalið.
(English: He bought a nice shirt for the interview.)

Pils – Skirt
Pils is a woman’s outer garment fastened around the waist and hanging down around the legs.
Pilsið þitt er svo fallegt!
(English: Your skirt is so beautiful!)

Jakki – Jacket
A jakki is a short coat, typically extending below the hip.
Það er kalt úti svo ekki gleyma jakkanum þínum.
(English: It’s cold outside so don’t forget your jacket.)

Galla – Suit
A galla is a set of outer clothes made of the same fabric and designed to be worn together.
Hann klæddist sinni bestu öllu fyrir brúðkaupið.
(English: He wore his best suit for the wedding.)

Tau – Tie
Tau is a long piece of cloth worn around the neck and tied in a knot in front, under the collar of a shirt, often for decorative purposes.
Hann á erfitt með að binda tau sína.
(English: He has trouble tying his tie.)

Hattur – Hat
A hattur is a head covering which is worn for various reasons, including protection against the elements, ceremonial reasons, safety, or fashion.
Hún keypti nýjan hatt til að vernda sig gegn sólinni.
(English: She bought a new hat to protect herself from the sun.)

Hanskar – Gloves
Hanskar are a covering for the hand worn for protection against cold or dirt and typically having separate parts for each finger and the thumb.
Mundu að taka þína hanska því það er frost úti.
(English: Remember to take your gloves because it’s frosty outside.)

Belgur – Belt
A belgur is a strip of leather or cloth worn around the waist to support or hold in clothes or to carry weapons.
Þú þarft nýjan belg, þessi er orðinn of gamall.
(English: You need a new belt, this one is too old.)

Kápa – Coat
A kápa is a long outer garment worn on the upper body for warmth or fashion.
Hún fékk fallega kápu í afmælisgjöf.
(English: She received a beautiful coat as a birthday gift.)

By familiarizing yourself with these apparel and clothing terms in Icelandic, you will find it easier to engage in conversations about fashion, shopping, or dressing up for the weather while in Iceland. Happy learning!