ready-to-wear

[bieasy]

Hi,

Can I say: 'I'm looking for a ready-to-wear store'?

[MrPedantic]

Hello Bi,

Yes, that's fine; but you are more likely to encounter it in AmE than BrE. So if you plan to use it, make sure it isn't surrounded by British expressions.

Best wishes,

MrP

[BobK]

Well you could, but most clothes stores sell ready-to-wear clothes (only, or predominantly). So the choice would be between

I'm looking for a clothes shop [this is Br E; things may be different over there]
[assumption: you want ready-to wear ('off-the-peg') clothes]

or

I'm looking for a [bespoke] tailor
[assumption: you don't]


Of course, with the right context/contrastive stress 'I'm looking for a ready-to-wear store' would be fine':

[You're staying with rich friends, and you've asked the butler for recommendations]

Butler: 'Well, I'm told Simpsons of Picadilly offer a good service, Lord Fauntleroy would never wear anything else, sir.'

You: 'No, no, you've got the wrong end of the stick. I'm looking for a ready-to-wear clothes store.'

b