"Womenswear" is a term used to refer to clothing for women. The term is spelled as "womenswear" with the IPA phonetic transcription [ˈwɪmɪnzweə(r)], with the stressed syllable being "minz". The word follows the typical English suffix "-wear", which is added to the noun that describes the type of clothing. However, the spelling of "women" differs from its pronunciation [ˈwɪmɪn] because of the silent "e". Women's clothing has a long history of evolution and offers a wide range of styles and designs.
Womenswear is a term that pertains to clothing and garments designed and tailored specifically for women. It refers to the broad range of clothing options, styles, and fashion trends that are created and marketed exclusively for the female gender. Womenswear encompasses a diverse array of clothing articles, including but not limited to dresses, skirts, blouses, pants, suits, lingerie, swimwear, outerwear, and accessories, such as handbags, jewelry, and shoes.
The design principles and considerations for womenswear often emphasize femininity, elegance, and comfort, taking into account the unique body shapes and proportions of women. Women's fashion is subject to various influences, including cultural, social, and individual preferences, and can greatly vary across different regions and time periods.
Designers, fashion houses, and retailers specializing in womenswear cater to the diverse needs and tastes of women, offering a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points. Womenswear collections are typically presented during fashion shows and are made available for purchase through physical retail stores or online platforms. The fashion industry constantly evolves, bringing forth new trends, innovations, and creations, in order to meet the ever-changing demands of women seeking stylish and simultaneously functional clothing options.
The word "womenswear" is a compound formed by combining two words: "women" and "wear".
The term "women" comes from the Old English word "wimman", which evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "wībam" and the Proto-Indo-European root "gwen", meaning "woman".
The word "wear" is derived from the Old English word "werian", which meant "to carry" or "to have on one's person". It ultimately stems from the Proto-Germanic word "wērōną".
Therefore, "womenswear" refers to clothing or garments designed and made for women, combining the notion of female gender with the act of wearing or carrying clothes.