The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CLOTHING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "trousers?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case trousers? = clothing.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 CLOTHING mean?
CLOTHING verb- To adorn or cover with clothing; to dress; to supply clothes or clothing.
- To cover or invest, as if with a garment.
- Any of a wide variety of articles, usually made of fabrics, animal hair, animal skin, or some combination thereof, used to cover the human body for warmth, to preserve modesty, or for fashion.
- An act or instance of putting clothes on.
- The art or process of making cloth.
- A covering of non-conducting material on the outside of a boiler, or steam chamber, to prevent radiation of heat.