Crossword Genius

Goes without outer garments when it's this? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hot

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'goes without outer garments' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'it's this?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ho' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hot that I've seen before include "Radioactive; very warm" , "Flaming - stolen" , "Torrid" , "Flaming - spicy" , "Sultry or angry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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