What does the cryptic crossword clue "Stole a hat before pants (7,3)" mean?

The definition is "Stole". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of A + HAT + BEFORE = FEATHERBOA; definition: "Stole" The answer is FEATHERBOA.

Stole a hat before pants (7,3)

Daily Mail Cryptic #16337 | 25 Across | 2020-06-15 flower