dress goods

noun

, (usually used with a plural verb)

1. cloth or material for dresses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dress goods¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Sewing skills learned from her late mother, a Chinese immigrant, help 14-year-old Hanna and her White father to combat the town’s racially motivated resistance to their dress goods business.

From Washington Post

While she stood there trying not to believe her ears, Grandpa said, “Miss Love thinks she can be a big hep in New York. She’s go’n pick out the housewares and dress goods, and the ladies’ ready-to-wear and all like thet.”

From Literature

Speaking so loud I could hear her from the downstairs hall, Loma said, “Sister, you cain’t let Love Simpson go off like that with Pa! You know good’n’well she’ll hope to come back with more than the latest in housewares and dress goods.”

From Literature

“Why, it’s beautiful, Rucker! I never noticed before! Goodness, it would make a lovely design for dress goods. But...what’s the point?”

From Literature

Besides clothing, the store also sold dress goods and notions.

From Washington Times