Irish Slang: What People Really Say About Clothes and Shoes in Ireland

When it comes to clothes and shoes, Irish slang, the everyday language people use to talk about what they wear in Ireland. Also known as Irish vernacular, it’s not just about words—it’s about weather, practicality, and quiet cultural habits. You won’t hear "sneakers" on the street in Dublin or Galway. You’ll hear "trainers." And if someone asks for your jacket, they’re not just cold—they’re trusting you. This isn’t just vocabulary. It’s a map to how Irish people live, move, and survive rain, wind, and cobblestones day after day.

Take UGG boots, the sheepskin footwear that became a winter staple across Ireland’s damp towns and cities. They’re not fashion statements here—they’re survival gear. Same with trainers, the term used for every casual shoe from walking shoes to gym sneakers. Americans say "sneakers." Irish people say "trainers." And they mean the same thing: something that won’t fall apart in a downpour. Even the word "slippers" means something different here. In the U.S., they might be fluffy and soft. In Ireland, they’re rubber-soled, non-slip, and meant for wet kitchen floors and muddy hallways. These aren’t just word differences. They’re clues to how clothing is chosen—not by trend, but by need.

And it doesn’t stop there. What’s an "evening dress" in Ireland? Not a glittery gown. It’s a smart, warm dress that won’t leave you shivering at a wedding in a drafty hall. What’s a "cheap suit"? Not a flimsy polyester job. It’s a well-cut wool suit under €150 that lasts through funerals, job interviews, and three winters. Even the width of a boot—B or D—matters because Irish feet aren’t the same as American ones. Terrain, weather, and tradition shape every word, every choice, every pair of jeans.

Below, you’ll find real answers from real Irish people about what they call their clothes, why they wear them, and how to get it right without sounding like a tourist. Whether you’re wondering if a hoodie counts as sportswear, why denim jackets work at 50, or what jeans a 70-year-old woman actually wears in Galway, this collection has the unfiltered truth. No fluff. No guesses. Just what works in Ireland.