B1noun5K

Apparel

UK /["/əˈpærəl/"]/US /["/əˈpærəl/"]/

Definition

clothing, when it is being sold in shops

In simple words: Clothes or clothing items.

Examples

  • The store sells women's and children's apparel.
  • lords and ladies in fine apparel

Usage notes

Used when discussing clothing in a general or professional context. Less common in everyday conversation. Avoid using 'apparel' when talking specifically about casual clothing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'apparel' as 'a pair of clothes'.

Collocations

  • sports apparel
  • fashion apparel
  • apparel industry
  • outdoor apparel
  • women's apparel

Synonyms

  • clothing
  • garments
  • wear
  • attire
  • clothes

Antonyms

  • undress
  • nakedness
  • disrobe

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'applicate' - sounds similar but means something different.
  • Using 'apparel' in informal settings when 'clothes' is more appropriate.
  • Incorrectly pluralizing as ' apparels' instead of 'apparel'.