ready-to-wear

American  

[red-ee-tuh-wair] / ˈrɛd i təˈwɛər /

noun

1. clothing made in standard sizes; ready-made clothing.

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adjective

1. pertaining to or dealing in such clothing.

   the ready-to-wear business; a ready-to-wear shop.

ready-to-wear British  

adjective

1. (of clothes) not tailored for the wearer; of a standard size

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noun

1. an article or suit of such clothes

Etymology

Origin of ready-to-wear

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

Slumped into folding chairs inside his New York studio, renowned designer Marc Jacobs and his brand’s creative director, Joseph Carter, ponder the mood of Jacobs’ Spring 2024 ready-to-wear collection.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Taylor was rocking a thrilling, multicolored shearling coat — look 57 from the most recent Fall/Winter 2026 Chanel ready-to-wear collection.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Another new arrival, Executive Creative Director Stuart Vevers, had just designed Coach’s first ready-to-wear clothing line, expanding its portfolio beyond bags and accessories.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

The 30-year-old designer says she wants to maintain this pride in traditional tartan but with a fashionable, ready-to-wear approach.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

One of Boston's leading merchants told me that Selfridge in London was selling more jaunty ready-to-wear dresses than ever before.

From Mobilizing Woman-Power by Blatch, Harriot Stanton