Clothing Keywords Guide 2026

189 Best Clothing KeywordsThat Capture High-Intent Buyers

Master Etsy SEO for women's fashion with 189 proven keywords organized by category. Long-tail clothing keywords convert 5-15% vs. 1-3% for generic terms. Learn exactly which keywords drive sales in 2026.

12 Keyword CategoriesTitle OptimizationTag StrategiesSeasonal UpdatesConversion DataAlgorithm Insights

💡Quick Answer: What Are the Best Keywords for Women's Clothing on Etsy?

The best keywords for women's clothing on Etsy combine garment type + style descriptor + fabric/detail. Examples: "boho maxi dress floral," "linen wrap dress midi," "vintage turtleneck sweater," "cottagecore puff sleeve top." These long-tail keywords capture high-intent buyers (5-15% conversion rates vs. 1-3% for generic "dress" or "top").

Top 10 High-Converting Clothing Keyword Structures:

  1. 1. [Style] + [Garment] + [Detail] — "bohemian maxi dress floral"
  2. 2. [Fabric] + [Garment] + [Fit] — "linen wrap dress midi"
  3. 3. [Era/Aesthetic] + [Garment] + [Feature] — "vintage blazer oversized"
  4. 4. [Occasion] + [Garment] + [Style] — "wedding guest dress boho"
  5. 5. [Season] + [Garment] + [Fabric] — "summer linen dress loose"
  6. 6. [Silhouette] + [Garment] + [Pattern] — "a-line midi skirt floral"
  7. 7. [Neckline/Sleeve] + [Garment] + [Style] — "off shoulder top romantic"
  8. 8. [Color/Pattern] + [Garment] + [Fit] — "floral maxi dress flowy"
  9. 9. [Trend Name] + [Garment] — "cottagecore dress puff sleeve"
  10. 10. [Garment] + for + [Body Type/Need] — "plus size maxi dress flattering"

Keyword Strategy Formula:

  • Title: Lead with primary keyword (what it is), add 2-3 secondary keywords (style, fabric, occasion)
  • Tags: Use all 13 tags mixing broad (1-2), specific (8-10), and long-tail (1-2) phrases
  • Description: Repeat primary keyword 3-5 times naturally, include variations

Example Optimized Listing:

  • Title: "Linen Wrap Dress Midi | Boho Summer Dress | Floral Women's Dress | Cottagecore Clothing"
  • Tags: "linen wrap dress," "midi dress," "boho dress," "summer dress," "floral dress women," "cottagecore dress," "linen clothing," "wrap dress midi," "bohemian dress," "romantic dress," "garden party dress," "sustainable dress," "handmade dress"

Why These Work:

  • • Long-tail keywords = less competition, higher intent
  • • Multi-word phrases = match how real shoppers search
  • • Descriptive details = differentiate from generic listings
  • • All 13 tags used = maximum keyword coverage
  • • Captures multiple search variations

Why Clothing Keywords Matter More Than Ever in 2026

The algorithm reality and buyer behavior shifts

📊The Etsy Fashion Algorithm Reality

  • The Data:
  • 46% of Etsy sales happen on mobile — fast-scrolling shoppers need immediate keyword relevance
  • Performance-based ranking — Etsy prioritizes listings with high click-through rates (CTR) and conversions
  • Keywords determine qualification — must match search terms to even appear in results
  • Engagement signals determine visibility — CTR, favorites, add-to-cart, and purchases boost rankings
  • Long-tail keywords convert 5-15% vs. 1-3% for generic terms

🔄What Changed for Fashion Sellers in 2026

  • Algorithm Updates:
  • Title relevance first — primary keyword in first 40 characters matters most
  • Tag match quality — exact phrase matches rank higher than individual word matches
  • Category/attribute alignment — listing category must match keyword intent
  • Mobile optimization — listings optimized for mobile get prioritized (46% of GMS is mobile)
  • Performance signals — high CTR from search → higher rankings
  • Buyer Behavior Shifts:
  • Aesthetic-specific searches — "cottagecore dress," "dark academia sweater," "coastal grandmother style"
  • Fabric-conscious shoppers — "linen dress," "organic cotton top," "sustainable clothing"
  • Fit-focused searches — "plus size maxi dress," "petite midi skirt," "maternity wrap dress"
  • Occasion + style combos — "wedding guest dress boho," "festival outfit vintage"

189 Clothing Keywords Organized by 12 Categories

From dress keywords to sustainable terms—complete keyword library for women's fashion

👗

Dress Keywords

45 KeywordsVery High DemandHigh CompetitionTop seller category margin

Examples: boho maxi dress, cottagecore dress, linen wrap dress midi, wedding guest dress

Pro Tip: Lead with specific dress type + style descriptor. "Linen Wrap Dress Midi" not just "Dress".

👚

Tops & Blouses

32 KeywordsHigh DemandMedium-High CompetitionHigh repeat purchase margin

Examples: peasant top, puff sleeve blouse, linen tunic women, cottagecore top

Pro Tip: Include sleeve style and fabric. "Puff Sleeve Linen Top" captures specific searches.

🩰

Skirts

18 KeywordsMedium-High DemandMedium CompetitionEasy fit, high conversion margin

Examples: midi skirt, linen maxi skirt, tiered skirt, boho prairie skirt

Pro Tip: Combine length + style. "A-Line Midi Skirt High Waisted" targets exact searches.

👖

Pants & Bottoms

15 KeywordsMedium DemandMedium CompetitionGrowing demand margin

Examples: wide leg pants women, linen palazzo pants, high waisted pants, boho pants

Pro Tip: Emphasize comfort + style. "Linen Wide Leg Pants Women" = breathable + flattering.

🧥

Outerwear

12 KeywordsHigh DemandMedium CompetitionHigh price point margin

Examples: kimono cardigan, oversized blazer, duster cardigan, linen jacket women

Pro Tip: Strong fall/winter demand. Update keywords August-October for seasonal boost.

🧶

Sweaters & Knitwear

14 KeywordsVery High DemandMedium-High CompetitionFall/winter peak margin

Examples: oversized sweater, chunky knit sweater, turtleneck sweater, cable knit

Pro Tip: Peak demand September-February. Add "cozy" and "chunky" for higher engagement.

🧵

Fabric & Material

20 KeywordsHigh DemandLow-Medium CompetitionQuality signal margin

Examples: linen clothing, organic cotton, silk dress, bamboo fabric, sustainable

Pro Tip: Fabric keywords signal quality + sustainability. "Linen" commands 20-30% premium.

Style & Aesthetic

18 KeywordsVery High DemandMedium CompetitionTrend-focused buyers margin

Examples: cottagecore clothing, boho dress, dark academia, coastal grandmother, vintage

Pro Tip: Aesthetic keywords capture trend-driven shoppers. "Cottagecore" = major 2026 trend.

📏

Fit & Size

12 KeywordsHigh DemandLow CompetitionReduce returns margin

Examples: plus size dress, petite clothing, maternity dress, oversized clothing

Pro Tip: Size keywords reduce returns + capture niche markets. "Plus Size Boho Maxi Dress".

🎉

Occasion & Season

14 KeywordsVery High DemandHigh CompetitionHigh-intent buyers margin

Examples: wedding guest dress, festival clothing, summer dress, holiday dress

Pro Tip: Occasion keywords = high intent. "Wedding Guest Dress Boho" = ready to purchase.

🎨

Color & Pattern

10 KeywordsMedium DemandMedium CompetitionVisual searchers margin

Examples: floral dress, striped clothing, polka dot, leopard print, tie dye

Pro Tip: Combine pattern + garment. "Floral Maxi Dress" captures specific visual search.

🌿

Sustainable & Ethical

10 KeywordsMedium-High DemandLow Competition+20-30% pricing margin

Examples: sustainable clothing, ethical fashion, organic clothing, handmade, slow fashion

Pro Tip: Sustainability commands premium pricing. "Organic Cotton Dress" = eco-conscious buyers.

Clothing Keywords: The Impact

189
Total Keywords Organized
5-15%
Long-Tail Conversion Rate
13 Tags
Max Etsy Tag Capacity
Quarterly
Recommended Update Frequency

How to Implement Clothing Keywords (Step-by-Step)

Your complete action plan from research to ongoing optimization

1

Keyword Research & Selection (Week 1)

Identify the most relevant keywords for your specific clothing products.

  • Review all 189 keywords and identify 30-40 most relevant to your products
  • Categorize by: garment type, style, fabric, fit, and occasion
  • Prioritize long-tail keywords (3+ words) that match your exact offerings
  • Check keyword competition using Etsy search bar auto-suggestions
  • Create a master spreadsheet with primary, secondary, and long-tail keywords
2

Title Optimization (Week 2)

Restructure titles to lead with high-impact keywords in the first 40 characters.

  • Lead with primary keyword: [Fabric] + [Garment Type] + [Fit/Style]
  • Use pipe separators (|) to create distinct keyword phrases
  • Include 3-5 keyword phrases covering garment, style, fabric, occasion
  • Front-load descriptors: "Linen Boho Maxi Dress" not "Dress Maxi Boho Linen"
  • Use all 140 characters without keyword stuffing (must read naturally)
3

Tag Strategy Implementation (Week 3)

Maximize all 13 tag slots with strategic multi-word phrases.

  • Assign 2 broad high-volume tags ("maxi dress", "women's top")
  • Create 8 specific mid-competition tags ("boho maxi dress", "linen wrap dress")
  • Add 3 long-tail low-competition tags ("cottagecore dress puff sleeve")
  • Use multi-word phrases (2-4 words) not single words
  • Ensure tags expand keyword coverage beyond title (don't duplicate exactly)
4

Seasonal Keyword Updates (Quarterly)

Refresh keywords every 3 months to align with seasonal search patterns.

  • March: Add spring/Easter keywords (floral, pastel, garden party dress)
  • June: Emphasize summer keywords (beach, vacation, linen, festival)
  • September: Transition to fall keywords (sweater, velvet, corduroy, layering)
  • December: Focus on winter/holiday keywords (party dress, chunky knit, velvet)
  • Track listing stats (views, CTR, favorites) and replace underperforming keywords
5

Performance Monitoring & Iteration (Ongoing)

Continuously optimize based on data to maximize visibility and conversions.

  • Review Etsy Stats weekly: which search terms drive the most traffic?
  • Test keyword variations on 3-5 listings and compare performance
  • Replace keywords that generate zero traffic after 30 days
  • Monitor click-through rates (CTR) - if low, adjust title phrasing
  • Track discount code redemption to measure repeat purchase effectiveness

Title Optimization Examples by Garment Type

Dress Title Example

Maximum keyword coverage with natural readability

"Boho Maxi Dress Floral | Cottagecore Dress Puff Sleeve | Linen Summer Dress | Women's Romantic Dress"

Keywords Covered:

  • • Primary: boho maxi dress floral
  • • Style: cottagecore dress puff sleeve
  • • Fabric/Season: linen summer dress
  • • Aesthetic: women's romantic dress

Why It Works:

  • • Leads with specific primary keyword
  • • Uses pipe separators for clarity
  • • Includes trending aesthetic (cottagecore)
  • • Covers garment + style + fabric + occasion

Top/Blouse Title Example

"Linen Peasant Blouse | Puff Sleeve Top White | Cottagecore Clothing | Off Shoulder Boho Top Women"

Keywords: linen peasant blouse, puff sleeve top, cottagecore clothing, off shoulder boho top

Skirt Title Example

"Linen Midi Skirt | A-Line Skirt High Waisted | Boho Skirt Women | Summer Flowy Skirt Elastic Waist"

Keywords: linen midi skirt, a-line skirt high waisted, boho skirt women, summer flowy skirt

Pants Title Example

"Linen Wide Leg Pants Women | High Waisted Pants | Boho Palazzo Pants | Summer Loose Fit Trousers"

Keywords: linen wide leg pants, high waisted pants, boho palazzo pants, summer loose fit trousers

Clothing Keyword Best Practices

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Do This

  • Don't use only generic terms — "dress" has 500K+ competing listings
  • Don't use single-word tags — "boho" + "dress" separate ranks lower than "boho dress"
  • Don't keyword stuff — titles must read naturally to humans
  • Don't ignore fabric and fit — buyers actively search "linen wrap dress midi"
  • Don't forget occasion keywords — "wedding guest dress" = high-intent buyers
  • Don't skip aesthetic keywords — cottagecore, boho, vintage capture trend searches
  • Don't leave tags empty — use all 13 for maximum visibility
  • Don't set and forget — update keywords quarterly for seasonal relevance

Do This Instead

  • Lead with specific keywords — "Linen Wrap Dress Midi" not "Dress for Women"
  • Use all 13 tags — multi-word phrases (2-4 words) maximize keyword coverage
  • Front-load descriptors in titles — "Linen Boho Maxi Dress" not "Dress Maxi Linen Boho"
  • Include fabric keywords — linen, cotton, silk signal quality and sustainability
  • Add fit and size keywords — plus size, petite, oversized reduce returns
  • Update seasonally — swap summer for fall keywords every 3 months
  • Combine garment + style + detail — "Cottagecore Puff Sleeve Dress Floral"
  • Use pipe separators (|) in titles — Etsy reads these as keyword boundaries
  • Test and iterate — replace keywords that drive zero traffic after 30 days

Seasonal Keyword Timing Strategy

🌸 Spring Keywords (March-May)

Top Searches:

  • • "spring dress"
  • • "floral dress"
  • • "Easter dress"
  • • "garden party dress"
  • • "pastel clothing"
  • • "linen clothing" (starts rising)

Update Strategy: Swap winter keywords (velvet, sweater) for fresh, light terms (floral, linen, pastel).

☀️ Summer Keywords (June-August)

Top Searches:

  • • "summer dress"
  • • "beach dress"
  • • "vacation outfit"
  • • "linen dress women"
  • • "festival clothing"
  • • "boho maxi dress" (peaks)

Update Strategy: Emphasize breathable fabrics (linen, cotton), vacation/resort wear, festival styles.

🍂 Fall Keywords (September-November)

Top Searches:

  • • "fall dress"
  • • "sweater dress"
  • • "thanksgiving outfit"
  • • "oversized sweater" (peaks)
  • • "corduroy pants"
  • • "velvet clothing" (starts)

Update Strategy: Transition to layering pieces (cardigans, sweaters), rich fabrics (velvet, corduroy), warm tones.

❄️ Winter Keywords (December-February)

Top Searches:

  • • "winter dress"
  • • "holiday dress"
  • • "Christmas party dress"
  • • "velvet dress"
  • • "chunky knit sweater"
  • • "oversized cardigan"

Update Strategy: Focus on holiday occasions (Christmas party, New Year's Eve), warm fabrics (wool, velvet, knit).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about clothing keywords for your Etsy shop.

The best keywords combine garment type + style + fabric/detail. Top converters: "boho maxi dress floral" (long-tail, specific), "linen wrap dress midi" (fabric + fit), "cottagecore puff sleeve top" (aesthetic + feature). Long-tail keywords convert 5-15% vs. 1-3% for generic "dress." Structure: [Style] + [Garment] + [Detail/Fabric]. Use all 13 tags mixing broad ("maxi dress"), specific ("boho maxi dress"), and long-tail ("boho maxi dress floral linen"). Update quarterly for seasonal trends (summer dress → fall dress → winter dress).
Use all 13 tags Etsy allows—leaving tags empty wastes visibility opportunities. Distribute: 2 broad high-volume tags ("maxi dress"), 8 specific mid-competition tags ("boho maxi dress," "linen wrap dress"), 3 long-tail low-competition tags ("cottagecore dress puff sleeve"). Use multi-word phrases (up to 20 characters) instead of single words—"boho maxi dress" ranks better than separate "boho" + "maxi" + "dress" tags. Tags should expand keyword coverage beyond your title, not duplicate it exactly. Test and iterate based on listing stats.
Always use multi-word phrase tags (2-4 words). Etsy prioritizes exact phrase matches over individual word matches. Example: "boho maxi dress" as one tag ranks higher than "boho," "maxi," and "dress" as three separate tags. Multi-word tags capture how real shoppers search ("linen wrap dress midi") and face less competition than generic single words. Use all 20 characters when possible: "cottagecore dress puff" (21 characters - trim to "cottagecore puff dress"). Exception: If a single word is truly essential and can't combine (rare), use it—but prioritize multi-word phrases for 11 of your 13 tags.
Lead with your primary keyword in the first 40 characters—this matters most for ranking. Structure: [Primary Keyword] | [Secondary 1] | [Secondary 2] | [Detail]. Example: "Linen Wrap Dress Midi | Boho Summer Dress | Floral Women's Dress | Cottagecore Clothing." Use pipe separators (|) so Etsy reads distinct keyword phrases. Include 3-5 keyword phrases mixing garment type, fabric, style, fit, and occasion. Front-load descriptors: "Linen Boho Maxi Dress" not "Dress Boho Maxi Linen." Use all 140 characters for maximum keyword coverage. Avoid keyword stuffing—must read naturally. Update seasonally (summer → fall keywords).
Yes—size keywords reduce returns and capture niche markets. Include in titles/tags: "plus size dress" (growing market, less competition), "petite midi skirt" (under 5'4" heights), "tall pants" (over 5'8"), "maternity dress" (pregnancy-friendly), "curvy clothing" (flattering fits). Size inclusivity signals attract broader audiences. In title example: "Plus Size Boho Maxi Dress | Linen Summer Dress | Flowy Women's Dress 1X-5X." In tags: "plus size dress," "plus size clothing," "curvy dress." Attribute fields: select all available sizes. Note: "Oversized" is a style descriptor (intentionally loose), not a size—tag separately as "oversized dress."
Update clothing keywords quarterly (every 3 months) to match seasonal search trends. Schedule: Spring (March 1): Swap winter keywords (velvet, sweater) for spring terms (floral, Easter, pastel). Summer (June 1): Add vacation, beach, festival, linen keywords. Fall (September 1): Transition to sweater, fall dress, corduroy, layering. Winter (December 1): Focus on holiday, party, velvet, knit keywords. Also update when launching new products, if listing stats decline (low views/CTR), or when new aesthetic trends emerge (e.g., "cottagecore" in 2025-2026). Use Etsy Stats to monitor keyword performance—if a keyword drives zero traffic after 30 days, replace it.
Titles have higher SEO weight—primary keyword in first 40 characters matters most for ranking. Titles are visible to shoppers in search results (influences click-through rate). Use 3-5 keyword phrases in title, front-load most important terms. Tags expand keyword coverage—should include variations and related terms not in title. Tags are invisible to shoppers but read by Etsy's algorithm. Use all 13 tags with multi-word phrases. Example: Title = "Linen Wrap Dress Midi | Boho Summer Dress" // Tags include "wrap dress women," "midi dress," "boho dress," "linen dress," "summer dress," "cottagecore dress," "romantic dress," "wedding guest dress." Tags capture broader search terms title can't fit.
Absolutely—aesthetic keywords capture trend-focused buyers actively searching by style. Top aesthetic keywords 2026: "cottagecore" (prairie-inspired, puff sleeves, romantic), "boho"/"bohemian" (free-spirited, flowy, evergreen top seller), "minimalist" (clean lines, neutral), "vintage" (retro-inspired), "dark academia" (scholarly, Gen Z favorite), "coastal grandmother" (relaxed linen, Hamptons style), "romantic" (soft, feminine details), "prairie" (high neck, modest). Include 1-2 aesthetic keywords in title and 2-3 in tags. Example: "Cottagecore Dress Puff Sleeve | Boho Maxi Dress | Romantic Linen Dress." Aesthetic searchers have high conversion rates—they know the exact style they want.

Keyword performance and conversion rates are based on industry averages and may vary by niche, competition, and implementation. Rankings depend on multiple factors including listing quality, pricing, reviews, and shop performance. This guide is for informational purposes only.

Ready to Optimize Your Clothing Listings?

InsightAgent helps you research trending clothing keywords, analyze competitor tags, and discover high-converting search terms for your women's fashion products on Etsy.