Words / B1

KLOHTH-ing/ˈkləʊðɪŋ/

Clothing is clothes as an uncountable, slightly formal word: warm clothing; clothing industry. Clothes is the everyday plural. A cloth is a piece of fabric — a mix-up. Garment is one item in industry English. Do not write “a clothing” for a jumper. UK weather warnings still say suitable clothing.

Meaning

Clothes in general (uncountable, slightly formal).

Examples

• “Warm clothing is essential for the night shift outdoors.”
• “Warm clothing is required for the outdoor night shift.”
• “The clothing industry lost orders when the high street slowed.”

Good to know

Uncountable: clothing. Everyday: clothes. One item: a garment. Mix-up: a cloth (fabric). Not “a clothing”.

Near in meaning

clothes

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