The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word GEAR
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
G
E
A
R
More clues leading to the result GEAR
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Clothes" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case clothes = gear.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does GEAR mean?
GEAR noun- Equipment or paraphernalia, especially that used for an athletic endeavor.
- Clothing; garments.
- Goods; property; household items.
- A wheel with grooves (teeth) engraved on the outer circumference, such that two such devices can interlock and convey motion from one to the other; a gear wheel.
- A particular combination or choice of interlocking gears, such that a particular gear ratio is achieved.
- A configuration of the transmission of a motor car so as to achieve a particular ratio of engine to axle torque.
- Recreational drugs, including steroids.
- Stuff.
- Business matters; affairs; concern.
- Anything worthless; nonsense; rubbish.
- To provide with gearing; to fit with gears in order to achieve a desired gear ratio.
- To be in, or come into, gear.
- To dress; to put gear on; to harness.
- (usually with to or toward(s)) To design or devise (something) so as to be suitable (for a particular type of person or a particular purpose).
- To borrow money in order to invest it in assets.
- Great or fantastic