Crossword Genius

A wearing sort of business (3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rag trade

This clue might be a double definition.

'a wearing' is the first definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'sort of business' is the second definition.
(the clothing industry)

(Other definitions for rag trade that I've seen before include "Slang for the garment industry" , "Informally, the clothing business" , "National winner" , "Clothing business (colloq.)" , "The couture business" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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