Types of tops, shirts and sweaters: names and styles
Tops differ in fabric (woven, jersey or knit), collar and neckline, sleeves and length. Blouses and shirts are woven, T-shirts and hoodies are jersey, sweaters and cardigans are knitted.
Below are the types of tops drawn on a figure so the length and silhouette show. Each page covers how to recognise them, where they come from, who and when they suit, what to pair them with and which fabrics work.
BlouseA blouse is a light women's top in a fluid fabric, looser than a shirt, often with a decorative neckline or sleeves.ShirtA shirt is a top with a collar, a button placket down the whole front and cuffs, usually made of cotton.T-shirtA T-shirt is a knit top with short sleeves and a round or V neck, with no collar or buttons.Polo shirtA polo shirt is a knit shirt with a turn-down collar and a short button placket, usually short-sleeved.CamisoleA camisole is a light sleeveless top on thin straps, often in silk or satin.Crop topA crop top ends above the waist and shows part of the midriff; it can be jersey, woven or knitted, with or without sleeves.Corset topA corset top is a fitted top with sewn-in boning that shapes the bodice, often strapless and laced.TurtleneckA turtleneck is a fitted jumper or knit top with a high, folded collar that covers the neck.SweaterA sweater is a knitted top with long sleeves, pulled on over the head, with no buttons or zip.CardiganA cardigan is a long-sleeved knitted top that buttons all the way down the front, often with a V neck.HoodieA hoodie is a long-sleeved knit top with a hood, drawstrings and often a single kangaroo pocket at the front.JumpsuitA jumpsuit is a one-piece garment in which the top and trousers are joined, often belted at the waist.
How to choose
- For work: a shirt, a blouse, a fine turtleneck or a cardigan.
- Every day: a T-shirt, a polo, a sweater, a hoodie.
- For the evening: a corset top, a silk camisole, a jumpsuit.
- Pair a wide bottom with a fitted or tucked-in top; a slim bottom can take a loose top.
Lengths
| Length | Where it ends |
|---|---|
| Cropped | above the waist |
| Waist length | at the waist, corsets and camisoles |
| Hip length | most shirts and sweaters |
| Long (tunic) | covers the hips |
Related guides
- Types of dresses
- Types of skirts
- Types of pants and jeans
- Types of coats and jackets
- Types of shoes
- Types of sneakers
- Types of heels
- Types of bags
- Types of necklines
- Types of sleeves
- Types of collars
- Fabric guide: 40 fabrics, properties and care
- Dress codes: what to wear to an event
- Clothing sizes and measurements
Questions and answers
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.
02What is the difference between a sweater and a sweatshirt?
A sweater is knitted from yarn; a sweatshirt is sewn from jersey.
03Which tops are office-appropriate?
A shirt, a blouse, a fine turtleneck, a cardigan, and a silk camisole under a blazer.
04What is a jumpsuit?
A one-piece garment with the top and trousers joined.