Choosing the types of tops to include in your wardrobe isn’t an easy task because of the many options available. Tops are the easiest to wear, so we tend to buy these in trendy options instead of a perfect balance between comfort and fashion. Always look for tops and types of blouses that will bring out your personality and style.
Types of Tops - Best List Tutorial
Look stunning even if you’re wearing plain clothes by matching your bottoms with the right tops. Wear tops that will flatter your figure and are designed for a certain occasion so that you feel great. Below is a selection of the types of tops, who should wear them, and what usual bottoms match them.
Types of Tops by Neck or Shoulder
Definitely, most of you are familiar with different types of necklines, such as round, V-shaped, and square, but here are some less common options. These are stylish tops that will up your fashion sense.
1. Princess Line Tops
Princess line tops are defined by their unique paneling and seam structure, which curves along the body to create a fitted, flattering silhouette. Unlike traditional tops with side seams, princess line tops have vertical seams that extend from the armhole or shoulder, contouring the bust and waist areas.
2. Camisole
Camisoles, commonly known as "camis," are lightweight, sleeveless tops with thin, spaghetti straps that serve as a versatile foundation in a woman's wardrobe. Traditionally made of silk, satin, or a blend of synthetic materials, camisoles offer a mix of functionality and style.
3. Off-Shoulder Top or Bardot
A term coined from a Hollywood star’s name, Bardot tops will show off your shoulders and neck while keeping your cleavage and bust in check. That is all thanks to the elastic band or gathering placed on the top area. It’s perfect for those who want to show a little skin. These tops can be either loose, regular fit, or slim fit, worn with jeggings, skinny jeans, sneakers, pumps, and stilettos. They’re ideal for women with hourglass and pear-shaped bodies.
4. One-Shoulder
These tops have asymmetrical necklines, with one shoulder completely exposed due to it extending diagonally under your arm. The other side can be either sleeveless or short or long sleeves. With such a design, you might not need neck accessories or jewels.
5. Cape Top
Ideal for most body types, this top adds volume to your shoulders and covers your chest, thanks to the attached cape. The cape has a length extending up to the elbows or pelvic region. It can be casual or party wear that you can wear with your choice of pants, skirts, and shorts, as well as any shoes.
6. Drape or Cowl
These types of tops have draping necklines that can flatter almost all body types but are best for pear-shaped, petite women since the rounded folds or drapes will shift the focus to your upper body. Some cowl tops have drapes on the hems instead of the neckline.
7. Halter Top
Halter types of tops have narrow ties or bands to hold the whole clothing piece. They’re sleeveless, making them perfect in exposing your nice shoulders, especially if you're an athletic build. These tops are available in several lengths and body fit.
8. Flashdance
If you don’t want to show off your entire shoulders, the flashdance top is a perfect choice! It has an unfinished neckline edge, so one of the sides is inclined, exposing one shoulder. It can have different fitting and short or long sleeves.
9. Tank Tops
Tank tops are the ultimate casual wear staple, known for their sleeveless design and straightforward, uncomplicated style. Typically made from breathable, stretchable fabrics like cotton, jersey, or blends containing spandex, these tops are characterized by their wide shoulder straps and scoop or round necklines.
10. Cold-Shouldered Top
Cold shoulder tops are also called split or open shouldered top, the sleeves' side part is cut out, exposing a little skin and adding a little glam. It can have short, three-fourth, or long sleeves and is available in various fittings and necklines, including collared or non-collared. These types of tops are perfect for several occasions, matching almost all types of bottoms and footwear.
11. Choker Top
These tops have a band above the neckline that looks like a choker, making them suitable for casual and party wear. You can pair them with multiple types of bottoms and footwear, but best for short skirts and half-palazzos.
12. V-Neck Tops
V-neck tops are a wardrobe staple, distinguished by their plunging neckline that forms a "V" shape. This design element serves to elongate the neck and draw attention to the face, often creating a flattering look that appeals to a variety of body types. V-neck tops come in a wide range of styles, materials, and sleeve lengths.
13. Collared
You can match tops with collars with all types of bottoms and footwear. You can wear them on multiple occasions, even as sportswear. They’re available in multiple lengths and sleeve types. Additionally, there are also different types of collars, including cutaway, tab, winged, band, and spread.
14. Henley Top
A henley top is a collarless pullover shirt with short, three-fourth, or long sleeves that’s easy to put on. It has a placket in the middle of the neckline with buttons ranging from two to five buttons.
15. Pussy Bow Neck Tie
Pussy bow top types exude a sense of elegance and femininity that makes them a classic choice for more formal or business settings. Characterized by a bow-tie feature at the neckline, these tops offer a stylish twist to traditional blouses. Usually crafted from luxurious fabrics like silk or satin, they drape beautifully.
16. Wrap Types of Tops
Featuring a front closure that wraps around the body, these tops often tie at the side or back, allowing for adjustable fit and comfort. This design detail not only enhances the body's natural curves but also offers a touch of elegance and sophistication.
17. Peasant Top Types
Often made from light, breathable fabrics like cotton, gauze, or linen, these tops are characterized by their loose fit and distinctive design elements such as embroidery, tassel ties, and smocked or elasticized necklines. The relaxed silhouette often includes billowy sleeves and a scoop or square neck, evoking a carefree, rustic vibe.
Different Types of Tops by Fit
The top's fitting usually depends on the material used. For example, types of silk are loose-fitting while spandex is tight-fitting.
18. Standard Fit Blouse Types
Standard fit tops for women are the quintessential wardrobe staple that offers a blend of comfort and versatility. These tops are designed to follow the natural contours of the body without being too snug or too loose. Perfect for various occasions, they come in a myriad of styles, colors, and fabrics. Whether it's a simple T-shirt, a button-down blouse, or a casual tank, the standard fit top serves as an ideal canvas for layering or accessorizing. They can easily be dressed up with a blazer for work or down with jeans for a casual outing.
19. Boxy Top
Aptly named, the torso area of these types of tops has a box-like shape with a loose fit and cropped hemline. It’s usually made of thick fabric, such as cotton or denim, and fits most body shapes and sizes, but best for rectangular-shaped bodies and petite women. It’s a casual type of top that will keep you comfortable even during hot days.
20. Blouson Top
This loose-fitting top has a cinched waistline or hem with a drawstring or elastic to give your waist a voluminous effect. It can also help hide any bulges or bulks in your waist area, making it ideal for plus-sized and apple-shaped bodies. Being a casual style of clothing, you can pair it with fitted pants, shorts, and skirts, as well as sandals and sneakers.
21. Bodysuit
Made of stretchy material, this one-piece clothing will cover your body from the torso to the crotch. It will fit your body perfectly and help hide bulges and bulk. Wear it with your skirts, jeans, and other types of pants, and finalize your look with sneakers, flats, heels, or boots.
Types of Tops by Sleeves
The sleeve length and types of sleeves definitely vary enormously. We have long, short, and sleeveless versions, but there are even more options in each category. Here are the most common types of tops with different sleeves:
22. Sleeveless
These tops eliminate the sleeves, allowing for greater freedom of movement and a casual, airy feel. They come in a variety of styles, from tank tops and camisoles to more structured blouses and tunics, catering to a wide range of tastes and occasions.
23. Batwing or Dolman or Magyar
Known by many names, this three-fourth or long-sleeved top has deep armholes and tapered wrists. It has a loose top and tight bottom, so it’s usually made of drapery fabric and fits your hips and waist snugly. It’s the perfect match for jeans and shorts.
24. Sweater or Cardigan
Sweaters are knitted, woven, or crocheted long-sleeved types of tops with no enclosures and they are meant for the cold or winter season. A cardigan has a front opening with or without buttons or zippers. Robe-type cardigans, on the other hand, need to be tied around the waist. Read more about the types of sweaters.
25. Sweatshirt or Pullover
Sweatshirts are like sweaters but usually made of cotton fabric, so they’re breathable. They have a ribbed or close-fitting neckline, sleeve, and bodice hems. You can pair these slim or loose-fitting tops with multiple bottoms and footwear.
26. Corset Types of Tops
Corsets are sleeveless and strapless garments with a tight fit to help contour your body shape or make your waist look smaller than usual. They have a hook-and-eye or lace-up closure to help you find the perfect fit and fasten the corset. Although usually an undergarment, some women wear it as a standard top or under a cardigan, blazer, or jacket. Read more about the types of corsets.
Types of Tops by Length Variations
Tops are usually available in lengths reaching your hips or a little higher. Below are four variations in lengths that you can add to your closet.
27. Bralette Top (Bustier)
This looks like a bra but with bust cups, thin straps, and the absence of hook-and-eye closures. Having a slim fit, you can pair it with any type of bottoms: skirts, pants, or shorts. Summer is the perfect season to wear this bra-like top, but you can also add a jacket, blazer, or cardigan for a layered style during the spring season. Read more about the types of bras.
28. Cropped Top Styles
Also called half, belly, midriff, cutoff, and tummy shirt, cropped tops barely cover your stomach, so youngsters mostly wear them. They can have long, short, or no sleeves, as well as different fits and necklines. You can pair this top with different types of pants, shorts, and skirts, as well as several types of footwear.
29. Regular Length
Regular length tops end at the hips. Examples of this include work shirts. This is a common length that lets you either wear the top out or tucked into a skirt or pants.
30. Tunic Types of Tops
Tunic tops are a cross between a top and a short dress and end just below the bottom. They are designed to be worn with leggings or an ultra-short dress with bare legs. They are usually loose and not fitted and may have a slit at the sides.
Types of Tops by Hems
When it comes to the bottom edges of women's tops, here are some of the most popular and stylish ones:
31. Tie Front
Tie tops offer a an adjustable approach, characterized by knots or bows used to secure the garment. These tie elements can be found at the front, back, or sides and serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. From crop tops with a front tie to wrap-style blouses that tie at the waist, this feature adds a customizable aspect to the fit.
32. Asymmetric
This type of top is available in sleeveless, short sleeves, long sleeves, and plain or printed fabric. As the name implies, its bottom hem has uneven sides and great for casual, semi-casual, smart casual, and formal wear, depending on the fabric type and design. It’s perfect for skinny jeans and trousers and heeled and flat footwear. People with rectangular, hourglass and pear-shaped silhouettes will look good on this top.
33. High Low
The high low name refers to the top’s overall length, meaning one side, either front or back, is longer than the other. It comes in different sleeves and necklines and is usually loose-fitting. These types of tops are perfect for tight-fitting bottoms and best worn by people who want to cover their lower body parts.
34. Peplum Types of Tops
Peplum tops are tight-fitting tops with an attached short, flared skirt from its waistline that can help hide your stomach. These tops also accentuate your bosom as they are usually tight on top. They’re best worn with tight-fitting bottoms, whether as casual, semi-casual, or formal attire.
35. Poncho
Ponchos have triangular shapes, with completely open sides and an open neck opening. Thus, they’re used as a second layer to keep you warm.
36. Kaftan
These loose tops have cut-out sleeves and are available in various types of necklines, with the bottom’s left and right edges extending to the thighs. They allow you to move freely and keep you comfortable during hot or summer days, while you can use them as a second layer during the cold or winter season. Although suitable for most body types, this top is perfect for apple-shaped and plus-sized bodies.
37. Empire
Empire-waist types of tops look like mini-skirts or mini-dresses because of the gathered lower area. The length usually ends at the waist, but some are longer and tunic length designed to be worn with leggings.
Types of Tops with Details
These types of tops have details that distinguish them.
38. Military/Cargo Tops
A less conventional but increasingly popular style, cargo tops for women incorporate functional features traditionally found in cargo pants, such as patch pockets, zippers, and durable fabrics. These tops are typically designed with utility in mind, offering extra storage and a robust, rugged look that draws inspiration from military and workwear aesthetics.
39. Ruffle Front
These tops are marked by frilly or gathered fabric that adorns the front, often cascading from the neckline or placket, creating a focal point that instantly catches the eye. Ruffles can vary in size and layering, from delicate, subtle frills to bold, voluminous flounces.
40. Pin Tuck Types of Tops
Pin tuck tops feature narrow, folded pleats that are stitched down to create a tailored yet decorative look. Often found on blouses or tunics, pin tucks add subtle texture and visual interest without overwhelming the garment. Usually aligned vertically, they can elongate the torso and add a level of sophistication to the design. The pin tuck detailing can be focused on certain areas like the bodice or yoke, or be extended throughout the garment for a more uniform texture.
Types of Tops - The Conclusion
Undoubtedly, there are more types of tops and blouses available in the market aside from the ones listed above. Many of these are variations and combinations of the types of tops in this article. Let the information provided above guide you in choosing which ones to include in your closet and when to wear them.
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