How to recognise it
A blouse is usually made of silk, chiffon or viscose, has no stiff collar and may feature ruffles, a bow, flounces or wide bishop sleeves. Hip length and loose.
Where it comes from
The word comes from the French blouse, a loose smock worn by workers and painters. In the late 19th century a blouse with a skirt became the working woman's uniform, and later one of the core women's garments.
Who and when it suits
It suits the office, meetings and evenings. Tucked into a pencil skirt or trousers it looks businesslike; worn loose with jeans it suits the weekend.
Variations and look-alikes
It comes with a bow at the neck, ruffles, gathers, puff or bishop sleeves, sheer or opaque, plain or printed. The pussy-bow blouse is the classic business version. It differs from a top in its sleeves and fabric, and from a shirt in being soft and collarless.
How to style it
- Tuck it into a pencil skirt or wide trousers.
- Wear a nude camisole under a sheer blouse.
- With jeans and loafers at the weekend.
- Hand wash silk in cool water.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01What is the difference between a blouse and a shirt?
A shirt has a stiff collar, a button placket and cuffs; a blouse is softer, in a fluid fabric and often collarless.
02What are bishop sleeves?
Long sleeves that widen towards the wrist and are gathered into a cuff, so they balloon at the bottom.