delicate clothes

[/ˈdɛlɪkət kloʊðz/]
noun phrasefemininepl: delicate clothes (collective)
roupas delicadas
1. Clothing items made from fragile, soft, or sensitive materials that require gentle handling and special care during washing and maintenance
Silk blouses and lace underwear are delicate clothes that need hand washing.
Blusas de seda e lingerie de renda são roupas delicadas que precisam ser lavadas à mão.
2. Garments that can be easily damaged by rough treatment, high heat, or strong detergents
You should use a gentle cycle for delicate clothes in the washing machine.
Você deve usar o ciclo suave para roupas delicadas na máquina de lavar.
In Brazilian households, laundry practices for delicate clothes are taken seriously, with many families having specific washing routines. The term is commonly seen on washing machine settings and detergent labels. In Portugal, there is similarly strong emphasis on proper garment care, reflecting European textile traditions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fragile garmentsfine clothingsensitive fabricsdelicate garments
Antonyms / Antônimos
sturdy clothesdurable garmentsheavy-duty clothingrobust fabrics

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
roupas delicadas
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
roupas finas
Alternative expression emphasizing fine quality
São Paulo
peças delicadas
Variant using 'peças' (pieces) instead of 'roupas'
Portugal
roupa delicada
Singular form commonly used; same meaning as Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

hand washgentle cyclelingeriedelicate fabricssilklacewoolmesh bag

Related Idioms & Phrases

handle with care
treat with kid gloves
gentle touch needed
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