Abstract: A clothing protector assembly (34) for an automobile (10) prevents a person's shoes and clothes from brushing against the automobile's (10) exterior body surface (12) and becoming soiled with dirt, mud, snow, salt, and other debris during entry and exit. The clothing protector assembly (34) includes a guard (36), which is automatically moved to an extended position when the door (20) is opened to hold clothing away from the exterior body surface (12). When the door (20) closes, the guard (36) is pushed back to its retracted position. Alternatively, a motor (172) or a mechanical linkage (274) tied to the door (220) can be used to extend and retract the guard (36). A extension lock feature (76) holds the guard (36) in the fully extended position, as when leaned against. The automobile door (120) may be of the sliding van type.