wardrobe

Wardrobe refers to the collection of clothing and accessories owned by a person, or to the furniture or built-in space used to store those items. The term originates from the French garderobe, meaning a place to keep garments; in English it historically referred to a room or cabinet for clothing and later to the collection itself.

In modern use, a wardrobe can be a freestanding armoire or a built-in closet, often equipped with hanging rails, shelves, drawers, and organizers.

Wardrobes serve practical needs, storing garments, protecting them from damage, and organizing by season, color, or function. A capsule wardrobe is a curated, limited selection designed for mix-and-match.

In fashion and media, the word wardrobe is also used for a department responsible for clothing in film, theater, and television, known as the wardrobe or costume department.

Care and maintenance include using appropriate hangers, garment bags for protection, seasonal rotation, and cleaning as required by fabric type; humidity control and air circulation help prevent mildew and odor.

Size and style of wardrobes vary by climate, culture, and personal means; wardrobes reflect social norms and evolving fashion, while strategies such as capsule wardrobes and digital wardrobes influence how people manage clothes.