clothier

A clothier is a person or company that makes, sells, or deals in clothes and clothing accessories. The term traditionally referred to someone who made clothes, often bespoke garments, for individual clients. In modern usage, it can encompass a wide range of businesses involved in the fashion industry, from high-end designers to mass-market retailers.

Historically, clothiers were skilled artisans who understood fabric, tailoring, and customer needs. They might have operated as tailors, dressmakers, or hosiers, providing a variety of apparel. The role evolved with industrialization and the rise of ready-to-wear clothing. Today, the term can also describe a manufacturer or wholesaler of clothing, or a retailer who sells branded clothing.

The business of a clothier involves sourcing materials, design, production, marketing, and sales. They often play a significant role in setting fashion trends and influencing consumer choices. The definition of a clothier continues to adapt to the dynamic nature of the global apparel market.