Definition & Meaning of "ready-to-wear"

What is "ready-to-wear"?

Ready-to-wear refers to clothing that is designed and produced in standard sizes for mass production and distribution. Unlike haute couture or custom-made clothing, ready-to-wear garments are made to fit a wide range of body types and are typically sold off the rack in retail stores or online. Ready-to-wear clothing is designed to be fashionable, functional, and accessible, and it is produced using a combination of machine and hand-sewing techniques. While ready-to-wear clothing is often less expensive than haute couture or custom-made clothing, it can still be high-quality and well-designed, with many high-end designers producing ready-to-wear collections alongside their haute couture lines. Ready-to-wear clothing has become an important part of the fashion industry, allowing designers to reach a wider audience and consumers to access stylish and well-made clothing at a range of price points.