What’s The Difference Between A Blouse And A Shirt?
Have you ever found yourself staring at your wardrobe feeling like you have nothing to wear?
I promise you, we’ve all been there!
From blouses and t-shirts to mini, midi, and maxi skirts, the world of women’s clothing is filled with countless choices.
And to complicate matters even more, there are so many terms when speaking about different articles of clothing without straightforward distinctions.
Two of these pieces of clothing are shirts and blouses, classic styles that have been in the fashion world forever.
But what in the world is the difference?
In general, a blouse is a feminine top with a flowy fit whereas a shirt is a more fitted top with more specific features such as a button-down front.
Before we can go over the differences and similarities between a blouse vs a shirt, let’s first discuss the features of each one.
What is a Blouse?
A blouse is a type of upper garment that is typically worn by women.
In general, blouses are feminine pieces of clothing that often have details such as ruffles, pleats, or even embroidery.
They are loose-fitting and can be made from a variety of materials such as soft cotton, silk, or chiffon giving them a more elegant feel.
In fact, the term “blouse” originated from the French word “blous,” which referred to a garment with a loose fit worn by peasants in the 19th century.
The term later evolved into the English term we know today, blouse, which is used to describe various loose-fitting (or flowy) and less strcutured tops designed for women.
Blouses are a classic addition to a woman’s wardrobe and can be worn with skirts, pants, and shorts.
They can also be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
For example, they work well with jeans for a casual day of running errands, but can also be paired with a pair of chino pants for a business-casual look for the office.
Retailers like Banana Republic, J. Crew, and Ann Taylor carry beautiful blouses for all seasons.
Features of a Blouse
What does a blouse look like?
Blouses come in many different styles however, they are often characterized by the following features:
- Loose fit: Blouses are designed to be on the looser side and comfortable. They are not meant to be form-fitting like a shirt is .
- Sleeves: Blouses can have a variety of sleeve lengths, from sleeveless to long-sleeved. Some blouses might also have puffed or ruffled sleeves.
- Styles: Blouses come in a variety of styles, including peasant blouses, button-up blouses, and wrap blouses.
What is a Shirt?
A shirt, on the other hand, is a type of upper body garment that typically has a collar, buttons down the front, and/or sleeves.
Traditionally, the term “shirt” has been more associated with males (or at the very least gender neutral) whereas the term “blouse” is more often associated with women and a style of women’s shirts.
Shirts can come in various styles, lengths, and different fabrics, making them suitable for both formal and casual occasions depending on the type of shirt.
They are incredibly versatile and can be worn by people of all genders and ages.
Almost every fashion brand offers at least one type of shirt with most offering much more than that.
Features of a Shirt
- Collar: Shirts typically have a structured collar, which can be either a point collar, spread collar, or button-down collar, giving a more tailored and professional appearance.
- Buttons: Shirts are often characterized by a fully buttoned vertical opening – this allows for easy wear and removal.
- Fabrics: Shirts are commonly made with sturdy and durable fabrics like cotton, linen, or chambray making them great for everyday wear.
- Sleeve Length: Shirts often come in different sleeve lengths, including long sleeves, short sleeves, and 3/4 sleeves.
This is great for different occasions, weather, or style preferences.
Blouse vs Shirt: What is the main difference between the two?
Buttons
One of the main differences between a blouse vs shirt is that shirts most commonly have a classic button-down front for a polished and refined look that is perfect for dressing up or down.
In contrast, blouses might feature buttons or other closures but most often do not have full-length openings.
Collar
Another one of the key differences is the collar style.
Shirts typically have different types of collars like a point collar or spread collar, whereas blouses don’t usually have collars.
Instead, they feature other feminine features.
Gender
Historically, shirts were primarily considered men’s clothing, but modern fashion has blurred these lines, and now both men and women wear shirts.
On the other hand, blouses are most commonly associated with women’s clothing due to their feminine designs and details.
Formality or Occasion
Shirts often lean towards a more casual style – though they can certainly be dressed up, with certain styles being considered professional.
Blouses, however, certainly offer a more eloquent look that can be dressed up or down and in some instances can be worn as a formal garment (funeral, job interview).
Fit
Shirts tend to have a more tailored and structured fit while blouses can vary in fit but most often are loose and flowy.
This flexibility allows blouses to flatter different body shapes and sizes, providing a more personalized look.
Length
In general, shirts offer a more standard length that typically covers the waistband of pants or skirts.
Blouses can come in various lengths, from standard to cropped styles and tunic lengths.
Style
Shirts often have a very classic and timeless style, think clean lines and simple designs.
Blouses, on the other hand, definitely offer a more diverse range of styles, incorporating feminine details like ruffles and lace.
A shirt also tends to be a more simple garment.
Best Way To Style A Shirt
When it comes to styling a shirt, there are so many possibilities.
Whether you’re going for a casual or formal look, a shirt can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion as well as your own personal style.
Here are some tips:
Tuck it in
Tucking in your shirt (and even a half-tuck) is a classic look that never goes out of style. It instantly makes you look more put-together and sophisticated.
You can tuck your shirt into a pair of pants, a skirt, trousers, and even mom jeans.
If you’re wearing a skirt, tucking in your dress shirt will accentuate your waistline and give you a more polished look.
Layer it
Layering your shirt is a great way to add depth and dimension to your outfit.
You can layer your shirt under a sweater or blazer for a more formal look, or under a denim jacket for a more casual look.
Layering also allows you to play with different colors and patterns.
Add heels
Adding a pair of classy heels to any outfit instantly elevates your look.
Heels can make you look taller and appear more confident.
They also add a touch of femininity to a super casual outfit.
You can wear heels with a pencil skirt or trousers for a more formal look, or with skinny jeans and tennis shoes for a more casual look.
Best Way To Style A Blouse
Just like with shirts, there are a lot of options for styling your blouse top for any occasion.
Here are some tips:
Pair it with Jeans
One of the easiest ways to style a blouse is to pair it with jeans.
This combination is perfect for a casual day out with friends or running errands.
A fitted blouse paired with skinny jeans is a casual yet chic look.
Add a pair of heels to dress it up or opt for mules to keep it polished yet comfy and more casual.
Tuck it in a Skirt
Blouses can also be paired with skirts for a more feminine look.
Flowy blouses pair well with high-waisted pencil skirts and provides a beautiful, professional look.
You can also add a belt to cinch your waist and add some definition to your outfit.
Finish off the look with a pair of pumps or sandals.
Layer it with a Blazer
For another professional look, layer your blouse with a blazer.
This combination is perfect for a business meeting or job interview.
A fitted blouse and a structured blazer makes a great sophisticated look.
You can also add a pair of dress pants and heels to complete the outfit.
Accessorize with Jewelry
To add some extra flair to your blouse, accessorize with jewelry. A statement necklace or a pair of earrings can add a lot to your outfit. If it’s chilly out, you can also add a scarf or a hat to compliment your outfit.
More Popular Women’s Tops
When it comes to tops, blouses and shirts are just the beginning.
There are several other popular tops that you can add to your wardrobe.
Here are a few of some of the other most popular types of tops:
