What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dress
Example
She wore a beautiful red dress to the wedding. [dress: noun]
Example
He dressed up in a suit and tie for the job interview. [dressed: past tense verb]
garment
Example
The store sells a variety of garments, from casual t-shirts to formal suits. [garments: plural noun]
Example
The designer creates unique garments using sustainable materials. [garment: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Garment is less commonly used in everyday language than dress. Dress is a more versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while garment is more commonly used in the fashion industry or in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dress and garment?
Dress is often associated with formal or semi-formal attire, making it more formal than garment. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.