'apparel' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'apareil' (also seen as 'apparail'), where the root traced to Latin 'apparare' meant 'to prepare'.

'apparel' changed from Old French 'apareil' (meaning 'preparation, equipment') and Medieval Latin influences from 'apparare', and eventually became the modern English word 'apparel' with the sense of 'clothing'.

Initially, it meant 'preparation, equipment' (something prepared or arranged), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'clothing; garments' and the verb sense 'to clothe'.