Why are blouses

Introduced less than one hundred and fifty years ago, the concept of women's separates has become a democratic sartorial style. See also Shirtwaist ; T-Shirt. Reprint edited by Fred L. New York: Chelsea House Publisher, Gimbel's Illustrated Fashion Catalog. Kidwell, Claudia B. Washington, D. Schreier, Barbara A. Chicago: Chicago Historical Society, Fashion History Clothing Types and Styles Blouse Although the term "blouse" now refers to a woman's separate bodice of a different material than the skirt, the word derives from the French name for a workman's loose smock and was first used in English for men's and boy's shirts.

Garibaldi Shirts In the early s full-sleeved loose bodices came into vogue, called Garibaldi shirts since they were modeled on the famous red shirt of the Italian nationalist and freedom fighter. Shirtwaists By the s, these bodices, now called shirtwaists or waists, had indeed dramatically increased the average woman's clothing options.

Mass Production Although they could be made at home and commercial patterns were widely available, shirtwaists, with their loose fit, were the first women's garment to be successfully mass-produced. Triangle Shirtwaist Company One of the many sweatshops in Manhattan churning out these popular garments was the Triangle Shirtwaist Company, which occupied the top three floors of a ten-story building and ensured maximum production by locking the exit doors.

An American Institution The shirtwaist, now also called a blouse, proved remarkably accommodating in style and price. A Garment for Every Occasion While not as universally worn, the feminine blouse adapted itself to almost every occasion through the mid-twentieth century. Giving Way to Trendy Tops In the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, the blouse-like the earlier Garibaldi shirt and shirt-waist-has been overshadowed by trendier permutations of feminine tops, from T-shirts and turtlenecks to sweaters and man-tailored shirts.

Bibliography Sears Roebuck Catalogue. Fischer-Mirkin, Toby. Dress Code. New York: Clarkson Potter, Molloy, John T. Shirts are an easier fit for me. I used to wear cotton ones a lot, especially in stripes and even patterns, I have moved away from the crisper versions and now prefer a silk shirt or blouse, if I can find one. Thank you! I am definitely a blouse person.

I am not much for collars or structure. I prefer the softness and fluidness more typically found in blouses. The navy stripped BR pussy bow shirt from this past winter is my idea of shirt nirvana.

I am benched on this one. Shirts tend to fit me more easily and I enjoy them…but I also like the femininity of a pretty blouse and I often prefer a blouse under a jacket or for wearing with scarves, since the neckline will be less fussy.

But the neckline and shoulder fit has to be just right for a blouse to work…if it is too low, open, or broad, it will swamp me. I tend to wear more shirts in temperate to cooler temps, and more blouses in summer, or under jackets in cooler weather.

Oh…on that distinction again — how about a collarless shirt? They exist, no? In the old days, collars and cuffs were removable for cleaning! I like both blouses and shirts, although because of my body type blouses are easier to fit exactly as you mentioned. I find classic button down shirts too stiff and classic for me but still enjoy my plaid flannels and soft silk shirts. Softer tops — whether blouses or knits — work better on me.

This has always been true but I have only recently started accepting it and rejecting the idea that a crisp white shirt is a must-have. I am with all those who thought the distinction was about fabric. On that basis l am definitely team blouse. Knitted tops have less fitting challenges. Knitted tops for me! But I prefer fluid shirts to blouses.

Tanya, of course you did! And it makes sense that you need a larger size for the shoulders, and a smaller size for the waist. Semi tucking will help a bit. I have the same challenges with blouses. I persevere, and fill some of the neckline in with my pearls.

Anchie, I bat for Team Pullover with you. Most of my tops are pullovers, which is knitwear, not knitted tops.

Suz, HAH. I only EVER wear blouses in warmer weather. Collarless shirts are a tricky hybrid. Flip a coin. I definitely prefer blouses over shirts! Great explanation. That said, I love the structure of shirts and wear them on occasion despite having to pull out the dreaded iron.

A crisp, perfectly cut white shirt gives me goosebumps of happiness. As an aside Angie, if I see something that fits you well, I automatically rule it out as a possibility of fitting me well. Vive la difference! Used to be more of a shirt person. I love jackets and vests. Eliminating collars from most tops has allowed me to optimize their wear.

I love shirts but struggle with the straighter, stiffer style because of my body type V-shaped. I have tried to go with softer material shirts but sometimes it makes me look bigger than I am. I find blouses to be too fussy for my style. Growing up on the East Coast in a social milieu that preferred dressy and classic regardless of personal taste or body type meant that I struggled in shirts for a long time.

I am the opposite of the proportion meant for them—busty, strong shouldered, not particularly long-necked. Fast-forwarding to today, I realized that for this leg of my own style journey, the shirt collar look often feels completely wrong for me.

I occasionally wear the shirts I still own those tailored for an hourglass figure work best , but for any additions, I choose alternative neck styles like collarless—either with a band or none at all—or hooded, and those make me MUCH HAPPIER. My favorite shirt? This style also seems to work with my broad IT shoulders, wide-spaced boobs, and straight mid-section.

Regular shirts pull across my bust and mid-section unless they are very boxy, while blouses often sit weirdly on my broad shoulders. My inner tomboy likes the classic look of shirts and they work well with my long neck.

Blouses just seem easier to jump into and style and I like the way they feel on my body better. They just seem more versatile and I could be way off base in saying that. Semi-tuck and drapey material have been my salvation. I think I look better in blouses than shirts usually, but if a shirt is drapey it can be good.

Knit tops are my staple tho, less fuss. I gravitate toward blouses. Interesting post Angie. So, the shirt can be just called a shirt or maybe button up shirt. I am most definitely Team Shirt! My neck is short so I never button the top! Soft blouses tend to emphasize my round shoulders, heavy arms, and full girls and tend not to look fierce or quirky enough to suit my taste, plus they are not warm enough at the neck.

BUT, they are fine on others! This is interesting! Great info. I have some shirts but become frustrated as I struggle with the bust line and midriff being tight. Heaven forbid I add on a couple of pounds!! I have better success with blouses. Thank you for the clarification! I favour blouses- shirts I like in theory but I struggle with fit and as they look better tucked I struggle with being short waisted.

If I wear them untucked they can be unflattering and I feel sloppy. Blouses are often designed to be worn untucked. I would like a dark soft shirt in a small print that I could tuck with black pants which is a look that can work on my shape. I am definitely a blouse person in terms of body type, although I am attracted to a good shirt and actually have the pink gingham J Crew shirt and another silk shirt as well.

Pleione blouses have been a staple for years and the one you show might have jumped right into my basket! I struggle to fill out blouses as well, but since I am determined to have more blouses in my closet, I keep looking. It takes a long time, but yes, eventually you happen on something that works. I like the softer boho vibe that a blouse gives. Another sweater girl here, like Anchie. But not for summer. Undershirts can help hide those bulges under a second layer of clothing, which provides a far smoother, more uniform appearance under any shirt, blouse, or dress.

Finally, people wear undershirts so they can be comfortable regardless of their outerwear of choice. People with sensitive skin often detest feeling buttons and seams rubbing against their skin, and many fabrics are either stiff or itchy, which can cause irritation. Undershirts give people a layer of protection, allowing them to enjoy all of their favorite fashions without having to worry about their comfort.

Are you a "Lawrence" or a "Larry? What to Wear to an Interview October 01, February 22, The Rise of Performance Fabrics January 15, History of Polyester Fabrics December 22, All the Shirts above are awesome! I have many t-shirts of them. I am highly appreciative and thankful for this knowledge. Let me introduce our brand.