Tops: Glossary of Terms

Everything that goes above the waist — shirts, blouses, sweaters, knits, and layering pieces.

T-shirt

A short-sleeved knit pullover with a round neckline. Traditionally cotton jersey; the baseline layer of casual wardrobes.

Long-sleeve tee

A T-shirt with full-length sleeves. Layers under crewnecks; substitutes a light sweater in shoulder seasons.

Button-up shirt

A collared shirt fastened by a full row of buttons down the front. Woven fabric, structured shoulders, cuffs at the wrist.

Oxford shirt

A button-up in oxford cloth — a basketweave cotton with a subtle texture. The archetypal preppy shirt.

Flannel shirt

A button-up in brushed flannel, typically plaid, cut for warmth. Casual, often layered as an outer piece.

Polo shirt

A short-sleeved knit top with a small collar and a two- or three-button placket. Between a T-shirt and a button-up in formality.

Henley

A collarless pullover with a short buttoned placket. Long or short sleeve; casual, worn solo or as a base layer.

Rugby shirt

A long-sleeved knit top with a hard collar and horizontal color blocks. Heavier fabric than a polo.

Blouse

A woven top, often flowing, without the structured collar or full button placket of a shirt. Range from silk to cotton.

Peasant blouse

A loose blouse with a gathered or elasticated neckline and puffed sleeves. Bohemian silhouette.

Tank top

A sleeveless top with wide shoulder straps and no collar. Fitted or loose.

Camisole

A sleeveless top with thin straps, often silk or satin. Worn alone or as an under-layer.

Halter top

A sleeveless top where straps tie or fasten behind the neck, leaving shoulders and upper back bare.

Tube top

A strapless, sleeveless top held in place by elastic or the fabric's own structure. Straight across the bust.

Crop top

Any top cut short enough to expose the midriff. Not a fabric or silhouette on its own — describes length.

Sweatshirt

A pullover in fleece-backed knit, typically cotton, with ribbed cuffs and hem. Crew-neck by default.

Hoodie

A sweatshirt with a hood, usually with a front pouch pocket. Pullover or full-zip.

Turtleneck

A pullover with a high, folded-over collar that covers the neck. Fine-gauge or chunky knit.

Mock neck

A pullover with a high, unfolded collar — shorter and looser than a turtleneck. Doesn't fold.

Cowl neck

A top with a draped, loose neckline that falls in soft folds at the collarbone.

Sweater

A knit pullover, generally heavier than a T-shirt. Includes crewnecks, V-necks, cable knits, etc.

Cardigan

A knit top that opens down the front, fastening with buttons, a zipper, or nothing. Cropped or long.

Vest

A sleeveless upper garment — sweater vest, tailored vest, quilted vest, puffer vest. Worn as a layer.

Bodysuit

A one-piece top that fastens between the legs so it stays tucked. Sleeveless, short-sleeved, or long.

Tunic

A loose top that falls to mid-thigh or longer. Straight or A-line; often worn over leggings.

Updated 2026-07-30