civilian clothes

plural noun

1. everyday or ordinary clothing, as distinguished from a military uniform.
2. Informal. ordinary clothing as distinguished from a uniform, clerical garb, or work clothes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of civilian clothes¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The BLA has said it was targeting military personnel travelling in civilian clothes, according to news agency Reuters.

From BBC

The Post says that the call stopping his release came as Dunn was dressed in civilian clothes and was “50 feet” from the prison parking lot.

From Slate

Then women were drummed out of the service with nothing more than a few extra coupons to help buy civilian clothes.

From Seattle Times

“That was great fun,” Augé said backstage at the festival the next morning, looking only a little less imposingly cool dressed in satiny civilian clothes.

From Los Angeles Times

Carson regularly changed out of her uniform to civilian clothes in one of the cubicles during her shift, as there were no changing rooms for women on the floor.

From Seattle Times