Crossword Genius

Make empty new promise in clothing department (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

menswear

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

'clothing department' is the definition.
'menswear' can be an answer for 'clothing' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'department' bit.

'make empty new promise' is the wordplay.
'empty' suggests removing the centre.
'new' becomes 'n' (common abbreviation eg NT for New Testament).
'promise' becomes 'swear' (as in swearing something is true).
'make' with its centre taken out is 'me'.
'me'+'n'+'swear'='MENSWEAR'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for menswear that I've seen before include "Ties, say" , "Gents' clothing" , "Male attire" , "Traditionally suits, shirts etc." , "clobber" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app