Crossword Genius

Admit occasionally purchasing sexy loincloth (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dhoti

'loincloth' is the definition.
(dhoti is a kind of loincloth)

'admit occasionally purchasing sexy' is the wordplay.
'occasionally' indicates alternate letters (letters taken at regular intervals or occasions).
'purchasing' indicates putting letters inside (some letters take possession of others).
'sexy' becomes 'hot' (similar in meaning).
The alternate letters of 'admit' are 'di'.
'di' placed around 'hot' is 'DHOTI'.

(Other definitions for dhoti that I've seen before include "Loincloth worn by Indians" , "Lean over; end of loaf" , "pants in Goa?" , "Indian loincloth" , "Indian attire" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app