You say tomAYto, we say tomAHto… readers, let’s just call the whole thing off, OK?
OK, so maybe not. There are so many differences between UK and American English when it comes to fashion, though, that it can get mighty confusing sometimes, so I’ve rounded up some of the most commonly confused terms below, to try and shed some light on things. Of course, just to make things even MORE confusing than they already were, there are regional differences in terminology in both countries, and the word you use for a certain item can depend, not only on what part of the world you’re from, but where exactly you live, what kind of upbringing you had, and what your family and friends call it. Oh, and some terms can make their way across the Atlantic in either direction, too: Ican think of quite a few US phrases which have become reasonably common here in the UK, probably because we’re so used to hearing them on American TV shows.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, then (and I haven’t even started on the differences in terminology in other parts of the world) so feel free to drop me a comment with any words I’ve missed!
UK: Jumper
US: Sweater
UK: Pinafore
US: Jumper
UK: Trousers
US: Pants
UK: Pants
US: Panties/underwear
UK: Tights
US: pantyhose/hose/stockings (although opaque tights are still referred to as “tights”)
UK: Trainers
US: Sneakers
UK: Court shoes
US: Pumps
UK: Waistcoat
US: Vest
UK: Vest
US: Tank top
UK: Wellington boots/wellies
US: Rain boots
UK: Braces
US: Suspenders
UK: Suspenders
US: garters/garter belt
UK: Tracksuit bottoms
US: Sweatpants
UK: Shirt (a garment with a collar that buttons up the front)
US: Shirt (can refer to any item worn on the top of the body)
UK: Bag
US: Purse/Bag (in the UK a “purse” is used to keep coins and other currency in, and is never used to refer to a larger bag)
And, just to completely lower the tone:
UK: Bum bag
US: Fanny pack
