'apparel' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'apareillier' (also attested as 'apparail'), where the element 'a-' (from Latin 'ad-') meant 'to' and 'parare' meant 'to prepare'.

'apparel' changed from Old French 'apareillier'/'apparail' and Middle English 'appareil' and eventually became the modern English word 'apparel'.

Initially it meant 'equipment' or 'preparation' (related to preparing or outfitting); over time its meaning narrowed to the modern sense of 'clothing' or 'to clothe'.