RAG TRADE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "rag trade" refers to the industry involved in the manufacturing and sale of new clothing, typically mass-produced garments. It is a colloquial expression that is primarily used in British English and Australian English.
In its most literal sense, "rag trade" suggests a connection to old or discarded fabrics or clothes, indicating the recycling or reformation of such materials into new garments. However, this association with "rags" is more historical than contemporary, as the term is now used to describe the broader clothing industry as a whole.
The rag trade encompasses various aspects of the clothing business, including design, production, distribution, and retail. It encompasses a diverse range of professionals such as designers, pattern makers, seamstresses, tailors, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and merchandisers. The industry can involve both large corporations and small, independent businesses.
Due to its association with garment production on a large scale, the term "rag trade" is sometimes used pejoratively, suggesting an industry that prioritizes speed, efficiency, and profit margins over quality, ethics, and sustainability. However, others may view it simply as an informal descriptor for the fashion and clothing industry.
Ultimately, the rag trade is an integral part of the global economy, responding to ever-changing trends, consumer demands, and cultural influences. It plays a significant role in shaping personal style, identity expression, and the overall landscape of fashion.
Common Misspellings for RAG TRADE
- eag trade
- dag trade
- fag trade
- tag trade
- 5ag trade
- 4ag trade
- rzg trade
- rsg trade
- rwg trade
- rqg trade
- raf trade
- rav trade
- rab trade
- rah trade
- ray trade
- rat trade
- rag rrade
- rag frade
- rag grade
Etymology of RAG TRADE
The word "rag trade" is a colloquial term used to refer to the business of making or selling clothing, particularly in the context of the garment industry. The term originated in the early 20th century in Britain, primarily in London's East End.
The etymology of "rag trade" can be traced back to the fact that in the early days of the garment industry, many fabrics used in the production of garments were made from recycled or second-hand materials. Rags were often collected, sorted, and then turned into new pieces of clothing. Hence, the name "rag trade" emerged to describe this industry.
Over time, the term expanded to encompass the entire process of making and selling clothing, including designing, manufacturing, and retailing. Today, "rag trade" is still used primarily in the United Kingdom and Australia to describe the fashion industry, although it has somewhat fallen out of common usage in other regions.
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