civilian clothes

American  

plural noun

1. everyday or ordinary clothing, as distinguished from a military uniform.

2. Informal. ordinary clothing as distinguished from a uniform, clerical garb, or work clothes.

---

Etymology

Origin of civilian clothes

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

But the donning of civilian clothes may not be entirely sincere, according to some analysts.

From BBC

He has discarded his uniform for civilian clothes.

From BBC

The 18 Cambodian soldiers, dressed in civilian clothes, were greeted by well-wishers as they were escorted over a border checkpoint and handed to the Cambodian authorities.

From BBC

He repeats the tall tales, and he sympathizes with their struggles with wanderlust and the challenge of finding civilian clothes that fit and are affordable.

From The Wall Street Journal

It has deployed thousands of armed men to patrol the streets, often dressed in civilian clothes.

From The Wall Street Journal