What is the correct verb to describe what is being worn?

[lizaann]

I hope that this hasn't already been answered elsewhere on the site - the search function is not working for me today.
In talking about the verb to wear, are there differences between the three (at least) ways that I have seen it translated?


llevar
usar
llevar presto

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by lizaann

In talking about the verb to wear, are there differences between the three (at least) ways that I have seen it translated?

llevar
usar
llevar puesto

... y tener puesto all describe what clothing someone is wearing.
You can also use vestirse and ponerse.
If you're wearing something for the first time (or somebody else's first time), you can use lucir.
Other verbs are used for putting on or taking off clothing.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

I agree with Rusty. I'll just add some examples.

Originally Posted by lizaann

llevar
usar
llevar puesto

"Usar" is mostly associated with a habit. If someone normally wears specific clothing or accessories, you may say "usar":

-No me gusta usar zapatos en la casa.
I don't like wearing shoes at home.
-Mi vecino se cree vampiro y sólo usa ropa negra.
My neighbor believes he's a vampire and he only wears black clothes.
-¿Por qué nunca usas vestidos?
Why don't you ever wear dresses?

It may also be said when someone skips their habit:
-La doctora siempre se viste de blanco, pero hoy la ví usar una blusa roja.
The doctor is always dressed in white, but I saw her today wearing a red blouse.
-Nunca me pongo ropa sintética, pero ahora estoy usando un pantalón de poliéster que me regaló mi hijo.
I never wear synthetic fabrics, but now I'm wearing some polyester pants that my son gave me.


Finally, when you're describing what a person is or was wearing in a specific moment, you may say "llevar", "llevar puesto", "traer puesto".
The difference between "llevar" and "traer" is a subjective choice by the speaker, who thinks about the other person or situation as getting farther or closer to them.

- La modelo lleva/trae puesto un vestido de Dior.
The model is wearing a dress by Dior.
- El ladrón llevaba/traía/tenía puesto un antifaz.
The thief was wearing a mask over his eyes.
-¡Mamá! ¿Por qué mi hermano lleva/trae/tiene puesta mi camisa?
Mom! Why is my brother wearing my shirt?

[lizaann]

That is a lot of information for one concept. Thank you, again.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

Don't worry, practice will let you use them with confidence.
If you need more examples or explanations, just ask.