vestito

Vestito is an Italian noun that designates clothing worn on the body. In standard usage, the singular vestito refers to a garment, with the plural vestiti. The word most commonly denotes a dress worn by women, but in Italian it can also refer to a man's suit or, more generally, an outfit. Phrases such as vestito da sposa or vestito da sera illustrate its use for specific occasions; for a men's suit, speakers usually use abito or completo, though vestito can occur in some contexts. As a past participle of vestire, it also appears in phrases meaning "dressed" (è vestito bene).

Etymology: Vestito derives from Latin vestitus, the past participle of vestire (to dress). It is related to vestis (garment). The term has cognates in other Romance languages and reflects the broader Latin root for clothing.

Types and materials: Vestiti come in many styles and fabrics. For women, common categories include vestito lungo (long dress), vestito corto (short dress), tubino (sheath dress), and vestito da sera (evening dress). A vestito da sposa is a wedding dress. Materials range from cotton, wool, and silk to synthetics, with options chosen for season, occasion, and formality. For men, the corresponding garment is typically abito or completo (suit), while vestito is less common in everyday speech for men's attire.

Cultural and fashion context: The vestito plays a central role in fashion and social events. Dress codes, tailoring, and textile technology influence its styles and production. In Italian culture, appropriate vestito usage is linked to etiquette at ceremonies and professional settings; globally, the term informs fashion terminology and styling language.