Now it’s difficult to say exactly where they came from in our wardrobe.women's blouses and shirts , but we can state an obvious fact: these clothes have become popular at all levels of the social ladder, from American and European businesswomen to residents of the poorest countries in Africa. The only criterion that has changed periodically since the appearance of these clothes is the length of blouses and shirts, as well as the shape of their sleeves and the depth of the necklines.
What happened before
During the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, when women's shirts and blouses first came into use, as depicted by the artists of that period, women trimmed and decorated these clothes as best they could: with embroidery, colored threads, and beading on the sleeves, at the collar and hem. Typically, in those days only noble women could afford a blouse, while “common women” were content with homespun shirts, which have little in common with modern ones.
As the textile industry developed, the quality of the fabric increased, more elegant patterns appeared, and the styles of blouses and shirts became more diverse. In the 17th-19th centuries, cambrics, poplins, voiles, and various chiffons began to appear en masse on these clothes. The development of trade between countries has led to an increase in the popularity of blouses among fashionistas from all over the world. Simple girls still continued to be content with shirts or simple blouses made of cotton fabric.
Then came the turbulent 20th century, when fashion developed so quickly that trends began to replace each other every season, and not over several (sometimes decades) years, as was previously the case. The types of fabrics, their colors, styles, as well as the cut of blouses and shirts changed rapidly. Only one thing remained unchanged - the desire of women to be beautiful.
Formation of business style and modern look of women's blouses and shirts
Until the mid-50s of the last century, blouses continued to be the main detail women's wardrobe along with casual dresses, and wearing shirts, especially in men's styles, was considered something shameful. Although already during the Second World War, the first pin-up style posters began to appear, which depicted seductive girls wearing shirts, tying them at the stomach in a feminine manner.
By the 60s, large-scale emancipation broke out, which led to another revolution in the world of fashion, thus, a new chapter opened in the history of blouses and shirts - the formation of women's clothing. business style and the popularization of modern style shirts. A beautiful and strict blouse or shirt, dressed under a business suit, has become the personification of any business woman, regardless of her country of residence. Also in the fashion world, many styles of women's shirts have finally appeared that could satisfy every whim and female desire: strict and businesslike, open and erotic, light and comfortable, beautiful and elegant.
Thus, the very styles that we see now were formed. Moreover, almost all the styles developed in the 60s have changed little since then, since all the design moves that would have made it possible to diversify women's blouses and shirts were invented back then.
Modernity
Now every girl and woman has at her disposal thousands of types of blouses and shirts of “all varieties and colors” - as one hero of the famous movie said. Based on these simple clothes, as well as their amazing versatility, you can create a wardrobe for all occasions: be it a social event, or an ordinary trip to a picnic outside the city.
Summer is approaching faster and faster, things are getting easier. Today we will learn about what a blouse, blouse and top are.
Each of us has definitely worn or at least seen in stores blouses. The history of the appearance of this wardrobe item is very long, the first blouses appeared already in Ancient Egypt. But they entered women's wardrobes as an element of clothing only in the 19th century. It is commonly called a blouse outerwear in the form of a short fitted shirt made of thin fabric. A blouse is often confused with a shirt, but their main difference is the fabric. Blouses are made from light, weightless fabrics, but shirts are made from denser ones. A blouse always has sleeves, cuffs and a collar.
Top originally appeared as a type of blouse, but with thin straps. It was often decorated with guipure and lace, as it was the top part of the slip. The tops, which appeared in the 80s of the 20th century, have been popular for decades. Now tops are sleeveless blouses that are small in size. Moreover, unlike a blouse, they can be sewn from the most different materials. Tops are a great alternative to blouses in a classic suit.
The term " blouson» may confuse many. In fact, it is an elongated blouse that is worn untucked. A blouse is very similar to a tunic, but it must be tightened with a wide elastic band or have a drawstring at the bottom of the product. Also, blouses taper at the bottom, while tunics have a straight cut. The blouson may have sleeves and necklines different styles. Blousons came into fashion in the 1950s and have not gone out of fashion. The fabric of the blouson may vary.
There is hardly a single women's wardrobe that does not have one or a pair of women's blouses. This item of clothing is so versatile that it is a must-have for a business trouser or skirt. women's suit, will decorate any romantic image.
The prototype of the blouse is the chiton, which is very popular ancient greek outfit, which consists of two loose panels fastened at the shoulders with decorative buckles.
Later, such panels are transformed into wide shirts with sleeves. Northern peoples wore such clothes as home clothes or underwear. Sleeves did not appear immediately; at first such shirts had only armholes, then short sleeves appeared, which were then lengthened.
Linen shirts became popular as a luxury item by the 16th century. Blouses, being a piece of women's underwear, are decorated with lace, lacing, and have pleated details. And only in the 17th century the blouse became an independent item of clothing.
At the beginning of the 20th century, when the skirt became noticeably shorter, the blouse lengthened significantly. Blouses are tucked into skirts and trousers. The styles of blouses change, bows, ties, and ribbons are added to them.
Emphasizing the fragility and tenderness of their owner, blouses at that time became very popular. At that time, blouses were noticeably different from modern ones. The peculiarity is that the fasteners of most blouses are located on the back, so it can only be unbuttoned with outside help.
The famous Coco Chanel introduced a simple style of white blouse with a bow instead of a collar in the 50s. This model instantly becomes popular and does not go out of fashion for a long time.
Conventionally, all blouses can be divided into types:
- body shirt - a blouse, reminiscent in appearance of a men's shirt, sewn from thin, dense materials. The classic silk blouse is very popular.
- top - blouse on spaghetti straps. The top appeared in the 80s and is still very popular today.
- tunic - an elongated blouse resembling a dress. These blouses are worn with trousers and leggings.
Today, a blouse is an integral part of a woman’s wardrobe, as it plays a very important role important role in creating a business image of a woman, emphasizing that even in a business suit a woman remains a woman. Every woman should have a plain white blouse in her closet that matches any business suit. But with translucent and tight-fitting styles, you should be very careful, since such models do not always comply with the dress code adopted at business meetings.
Well, for everyday wear there are many styles with and without buttons, with embroidery and trim, with different fabric densities, cuts, and colors.
For the fair half of humanity, blouses and shirts that are tucked into a skirt or trousers have returned to fashion. They look incredibly feminine and sexy, accentuate the waist and create an incredibly fashionable silhouette. Body blouses are an ideal option for everyday use for any occasion. And here's why.
Shirts of a similar cut were worn by representatives of the northern peoples in the 3rd century BC. But their purpose was somewhat different: shirts were used as underwear, and were tucked under clothes in winter time year.
Over time, shirts changed; they were sewn using various fabrics from wool to cotton. And only in the 14th century did this thing become an instrument of aesthetics. During this period, women's blouses began to be sewn from the finest fabric - cambric. Accordingly, not every beauty could afford to flaunt herself in a blouse. Some young ladies, who did not have the opportunity to wear expensive blouses, resorted to a trick - they sewed lace cuffs and collars to their suits, creating the effect of the presence of a blouse. By the way, modern clothing designers have adopted this trick and not so long ago the “two-in-one” effect adorned women’s fashion sweaters.
For a long time, blouses were not a very popular wardrobe item. They were then demoted to the rank of underwear, then again elevated to the status of clothing for aristocrats.
It was only in the 19th century that the fashion for blouses spread throughout Europe and women's blouses became the dominant element in the wardrobe of fashionistas.
Modern blouses offer an incredible variety of models, styles, materials and finishes. Here are just the most popular types of this thing:
- Body shirt. This is a fitted blouse with a placket fastening. She wears it untucked.
- Blouson. A distinctive feature of this model is a belt or drawstring at the waist. The blouson is also worn untucked.
- Cowgirl. The cut is a men's style shirt with chest pockets, most often in a large check, but it can also be monochrome.
- Kosovorotka. The prototype of this model is the Russian national shirt without fasteners and collar.
- Top. A characteristic feature is the absence of sleeves.
- Tunic. This model of an elongated blouse is usually worn with trousers, leggings, and leggings. If you want to buy a warm women's jacket, you should pay attention to this practical model.
- Chemisier. Another blouse model similar in cut men's shirt. It has a loose fit and is worn untucked.
- Peplum blouse. This model has a flirtatious extension at the bottom - a peplum. She can transform any female figure into ideal hourglass, advantageously emphasizing the waistline. If you need figure-flattering clothing, women's peplum sweaters are the perfect option.
- Combidress. It is very practical and comfortable model, which does not hinder movement. If you don’t like adjusting the sloppy corners of your blouse from under your skirt or trousers, buy a jumpsuit. On top it is a regular blouse, but the zipper between the legs provides comfort and convenience.
The fashion for this wardrobe element has changed several times. If you want to replenish your closet with something that is relevant this season, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the selection of models that stylists foretell the greatest success this year:
- Sheer blouses. The wardrobe of fashionistas has long ceased to be dictated solely by weather conditions. Designers suggest combining light blouses made of chiffon, lace or silk in the autumn-winter period with woolen fabrics or thick textured knitting. So if you prefer transparent fabrics, do not forget to buy women's knitted sweaters or jacket.
- Lurex. Shiny threads on blouses are back in trend. Moreover, stylists of Fashion Houses suggest boldly including such models in office clothing.
- Loose fit. Amateurs oversized style will appreciate the trend for loose-fitting blouses. Such models will give the figure the missing volume and hide the “excess” in the right places.
Blouse as a women's must have
Every woman should have a white blouse, like a little black dress. However, like black dress, the white blouse was elevated to the rank of must-haves by the legendary Coco Chanel. In 1950, she gave fashionistas a very simple and practical model of a white blouse with a collar in the form of a silk bow.
A fashionista's closet may have a wide variety of beautiful women's sweaters, but only a white blouse remains timeless. It will not go out of fashion and will suit any style, unless it complements sporty look.
Despite its modest and rather simple appearance, this basic item will make its owner seductive. It is unlikely that you will be able to buy a women's knitted sweater in which you can look equally appropriate whether you are going to a business meeting or going shopping with your girlfriends. And a white blouse can do it!
There is probably not a person who does not know what a blouse is. This light and feminine wardrobe item rightfully ranks important place in the closet of every representative of the fair sex. The history of the blouse, as well as its features, is in our article today.
The history of the blouse
The ancestor of the blouse can be considered the shirt. Over time, from simple work clothes, the shirt turned into attire for noble people and special events. In the early 1900s, something similar to today's blouses appeared, but this item was only an element of women's underwear. However, quite quickly blouses became part of casual wear.
In 1920, the blouse became elongated and quite fashionable thing in the wardrobe. With every decade, the external has changed and continues to change depending on fashion trends.
What types of blouses are there?
This wardrobe item is divided into several types.
- A body shirt is a blouse with an elongated cut. Most resembles a shirt for men. It is a stylish and off-trend item.
- A tunic is a lightweight blouse. Great for roasts summer day or as beachwear. The tunic is worn over leggings or light trousers.
- The top is a blouse with straps. It first appeared in the 80s of the last century and still does not lose its position in the fashion world. Tops are often decorated with lace or ruffles. Perfectly complements office style during the hot season.
- A blouse is a blouse with a wide elastic waistband. It features a lighter style and three-quarter sleeves. The blouson collar can be anything you want.
What to wear and how to combine a blouse
Today designers from every new collection offer all new ideas for wearing blouses. However, "classics will never die." That is why we offer you several options for what you can wear with this or that blouse model.
1. White blouse with print + ripped jeans. A fresh and stylish look is suitable both for a walk around the city and for a date with the man of your dreams. It's both mischievous and classic. In the photo, supplemented denim jacket.
2. Neutral blouse with short sleeve and a pencil skirt. An office option, but also suitable for those who like similar combinations in life. Complete with patent leather heels and you are the star of the day!
3. Blouse from under a sweatshirt. Option for a walk. White cuffs and a sweatshirt collar make an interesting combination. It will fit perfectly into the wardrobe of students and schoolgirls when a strict appearance within the walls of an educational institution is required.
Play with different models and colors of blouses and you will find what you need!
