a clothier

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A person or company that makes or sells clothes.

   Grammar: Countable noun; use 'a' or 'the' before it. Plural: clothiers.

   Patterns

   • a clothier
   • the clothier
   • clothiers

   She works as a clothier, designing and selling men's suits.

   The small clothier on Main Street has been in business for fifty years.

   Many clothiers now sell online as well as in stores.

2. 2nouncountableformalold-fashioned

   A person who makes or repairs clothes, especially as a tailor.

   Grammar: Countable noun; often used in historical or formal contexts.

   Patterns

   • a clothier
   • the clothier's

   In the 19th century, a clothier would measure and sew garments by hand.

   He learned his trade as a clothier before opening his own shop.

Word forms

Common combinations

men's clothier

He bought his wedding suit at a men's clothier.

local clothier

The local clothier donated uniforms to the school team.

clothier shop

She runs a small clothier shop in the old market.

wholesale clothier

The wholesale clothier supplies many retail stores.

Synonyms and how they differ

tailor

A tailor makes or alters clothes to fit a specific person, while a clothier may also sell ready-made clothing.

outfitter

An outfitter supplies complete outfits or equipment, often for a particular activity, whereas a clothier focuses on clothing.

haberdasher

A haberdasher sells small sewing items and men's accessories, not usually full garments like a clothier.

Word family

cloth noun

Fabric or material made from wool, cotton, etc.

clothing noun

Items worn to cover the body; clothes.

clothe verb

To dress or provide clothes for someone.

Commonly confused: a clothier or clothing? a clothier or cloth?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a clothier”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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