The compound adjective 'tight-fitting' is a transparent and relatively modern formation in English, directly combining two native elements. The first element, 'tight,' originates from Old English, carrying the ancient Germanic sense of something dense, compact, or firmly drawn together. The second element derives from the verb 'fit,' which entered Middle English with the core meaning of being suitable or proper, later specializing to describe the correct size and shape of garments. When combined, the literal meaning "fitting in a tight manner" perfectly captures the modern, concrete definition of clothing that conforms closely to the contours of the body, emphasizing a snug and constrictive quality.

Structure: tight (firm) + fitting (shaped to) - tight: From Middle English tight, thiht, from Old English þīht, þēht (dense, solid, firm), of Germanic origin. Functions as an adjective describing closeness and lack of slack. - fitting: From the verb fit, of uncertain origin, possibly from Middle English fitten (to be suitable). The suffix -ing forms the present participle/adjective. In this compound, it functions as an adjective meaning "having a specified fit or shape."