Cryptic crossword clue
Earl wearing trousers, tailored initially to be most loose 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SLACKEST

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "most loose" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case most loose = slackest.
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 SLACKEST mean?

SLACKEST adjective
  1. (normally said of a rope) Lax; not tense; not firmly extended.
  2. Weak; not holding fast.
  3. Lacking diligence or care; not earnest or eager.
  4. Not active,successful, or violent.
  5. Excess; surplus to requirements.
  6. Vulgar; sexually explicit, especially in dancehall music.

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