Apparel means clothing, especially when referring to what people wear in a more formal or business context. A clothing store might have a sign reading “Men's Apparel” or “Children's Apparel” to indicate what section you're in. Companies that make clothes are often called apparel manufacturers or apparel companies.

The word carries a slightly more official or professional tone than just saying “clothes.” You'd probably tell your friend “I need new clothes for school,” but a store advertisement might announce “Back to School Apparel Sale!” Sports teams buy uniforms from athletic apparel companies. Outdoor adventurers shop for hiking apparel designed to keep them warm and dry.

While apparel and clothing mean essentially the same thing, apparel tends to show up in business, shopping, and professional settings. It's the kind of word you'll see on store signs, in catalogs, or when people discuss the clothing industry. If someone works in retail or fashion, they might naturally say apparel where most people would simply say clothes.