What does it mean when people say they bought something "off the rack"?

Question

What does it mean when people say they bought something "off the rack"?

Answer 1

Ready-made, as in they have all their clothes made in standard size

Answer 2

It means it was not made especially for you.  Literally, taken right off the rack.

Answer 3

Literally, off of the rack in the store, as-is, no alterations made to the item.

Answer 4

People of means have their clothes tailor-made for them. They visit with the designers and tailors, choose fabrics and styles and have their clothing sewn specifically for their bodies. It's expensive and something that only people of privilege do.

A long time ago, you either had your clothes made for you or you made your own clothes. Eventually, an industry emerged that created ready-to-wear clothing that you go to the store and purchase. It might not be the most perfect fit and hundreds of other people might have the same outfit as you, but the clothing was accessible and affordable.

When you go to the store to shop for clothing, you look through the clothing that's usually hung on a rack. Then you buy it "off the rack."

When you read that a Hollywood starlet went to the Oscars in a gown that was "off the rack," you are supposed to be either impressed that she's just an ordinary person or you are to feel sorry for her that she couldn't afford a one-of-a-kind designer special; I'm not sure which!