apparel vs clothe

apparel is a noun but clothe is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
apparel	Yes	No	Yes	No
clothe	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, apparel and clothe are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of apparel include dress, enclothe, fit out, garb, garment, habilitate, raiment, tog.

apparel (noun)	clothe (noun)
clothing in general

apparel (verb)	clothe (verb)
provide with clothes or put clothes on	provide with clothes or put clothes on
	cover as if with clothing
	furnish with power or authority; of kings or emperors