rag trade

noun

, Slang.

1. the garment, clothing, or fashion industry.

rag trade

noun

1. informal.
   the clothing business, esp the aspects concerned with the manufacture and sale of dresses

Other Words From

• rag trader noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rag trade¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

It's not an obvious place for a Manhattan-raised daughter of the rag trade to end up.

From The Daily Beast

There is in Galveston a new-invented trade, called "the rag-trade," which is very profitable.

From Project Gutenberg

At the same time the rag trade was torn to rags by competition; while the 'rents' became bigger every year in proportion.

From Project Gutenberg

There is, in Galveston a new-invented trade, called “the rag-trade,” which is very profitable.

From Project Gutenberg