attire

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "attire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the clothing that someone is wearing, or to clothing that is generally suitable for a particular occasion. Example: She arrived at the party in her finest attire.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Fashion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, parts of London, there are actually Muslim religious police that actually beat and actually wound seriously anyone who doesn't dress according to religious Muslim attire.

The Guardian

This policing of women's bodies starts early, and when young women are told repeatedly that their attire is linked to their worth, they fall prey to the unrelenting standards of capitalist patriarchy in which they are made to feel as though their appearance is the most important aspect of them as women.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unlike many parts of the country where women have shed traditional regional attire, the women of Qeshm and Hormuz mostly wear the colourful bandari pants, loose at the top and tight at the bottom with vibrant embroidery.

The Guardian

And it is the significance of clothing in relation to a specific culture that makes me uncomfortable with the casual adoption of traditional attire for "an occasion".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Party like its the dark ages at this historic new year festival, during which men dressed in pagan attire march whisky barrels filled with flaming tar across the town square.

The Guardian - Travel

It feels too nonchalant, somehow, too lacking in respect for the rich heritage and language of such attire.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In early 20th century, shorts emerged exclusively as attire for boys: boys in "short trousers", instead of knickerbockers, began appearing in photos in the 1920s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Taking its inspiration from the highway eateries that feed truck drivers throughout India, the staff here are decked out in Punjabi attire and are genuinely friendly – they recognise regular customers and are always up for a chat, no matter how busy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Universal impositions about what is "respectable" attire or "appropriate" conduct compromise individual autonomy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The policing of the attire of young people also leads to problematic situations.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a race, we make instinctive judgments based on appearance and attire.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attire" to refer to clothing appropriate for a particular occasion or setting, such as "formal attire" for a wedding or "business attire" for the office.

Common error

Avoid using "attire" in overly casual settings. Opt for simpler terms like "clothes" or "outfit" when describing everyday wear to prevent sounding pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "attire" is as a noun, referring to clothing, especially of a particular or formal type. It functions to describe what someone is wearing or should wear, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attire" is a noun denoting clothing, particularly that which is appropriate for a specific occasion or context. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in News & Media and Lifestyle contexts. While "attire" is generally suitable for formal descriptions, it's best to avoid it in overly casual settings, opting for simpler terms like "clothes" or "outfit". Alternatives such as "clothing", "dress", and "apparel" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Using terms such as "mode of dress" or "garb" can add particular shades of meaning to descriptions. Remember that, as the data suggests, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided in order to prevent sounding pretentious. Overall, "attire" is a useful term for describing clothing in a specific and often formal manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clothing

A more general and common term for what one wears.

Garments

Refers to items of clothing, often considered collectively.

Dress

A general term for clothing, but can also refer to a specific item of clothing.

Apparel

A more formal or commercial term for clothing.

Garb

Often used to describe distinctive or characteristic clothing.

Costume

Clothing worn for a specific occasion or performance.

Outfit

A set of clothes worn together.

Wearing apparel

A more descriptive and slightly redundant term for clothing.

Mode of dress

Emphasizes the style or manner of clothing.

Raiment

An archaic or literary term for clothing.

FAQs

How is "attire" typically used in a sentence?

"Attire" is usually a noun referring to clothing, often for a specific occasion. For instance, "formal attire is required at the gala."

What's a good substitute for "attire"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "attire" include "clothing", "dress", "apparel", or "garb".

Is "attire" formal or informal?

"Attire" is generally considered a more formal term than "clothes" or "outfit". It's suitable for describing specific types of dress for events or professions.

What's the difference between "attire" and "clothing"?

"Clothing" is a general term for anything worn on the body. "Attire" often implies a specific type of "dress" suitable for an occasion, such as "business attire" or "formal attire".