Ajustado vs. apretado vs. ceñido
While 'ajustado', 'apretado', and 'ceñido' in Spanish all translate to 'tight' or 'tight-fitting' in English when referring to clothes or footwear, they are used in subtly different contexts and have different connotations.
Ajustado
'Ajustado' typically implies a snug but comfortable fit. It's used to describe clothing that is designed to closely follow the wearer's body shape.
Este vestido está muy ajustado al cuerpo.
(This dress is very fitted to the body.)
Prefiero los jeans ajustados porque me hacen ver más delgado.
(I prefer fitted jeans because they make me look thinner.)
Apretado
'Apretado' suggests a tighter, often uncomfortable fit. It's used when something is tight enough to possibly restrict movement or cause discomfort.
Mis zapatos están muy apretados.
(My shoes are very tight.)
No puedo moverme en esta camisa; está demasiado apretada.
(I can't move in this shirt; it's too tight.)
Ceñido
'Ceñido' also refers to a close fit, but often carries a more elegant or seductive connotation. It's typically used for clothing that notably enhances the wearer's figure.
El traje ceñido resalta la figura del hombre.
(The fitted suit highlights the man's figure.)
Ella llevaba un vestido ceñido que acentuaba sus curvas.
(She wore a fitted dress that accentuated her curves.)
Summary
'Ajustado', 'apretado', and 'ceñido' are all used to describe snug or closely fitting objects, typically clothing or footwear. However, 'ajustado' refers to a comfortably close fit, 'apretado' is used when the fit is uncomfortably tight, and 'ceñido' implies an elegantly close fit that accentuates the wearer's shape.