Tops and Tees

Choose the right style of women's tops to accentuate your positives and draw attention away from less flattering areas. Different features of women's tops will look better on you than others depending on your own body features, so take the time to try on a variety and get objective opinions on which look best on you.

Types

Blouses, tunics, empires, sweaters, t-shirts, and camisoles are common types of women tops. The differences are found in sleeve length, collar type, neckline and cut.

Sleeve Length

Sleeves of blouses, sweaters and t-shirts can be long, three-quarter length, short, or capped. Long sleeves stop at the wrist. Three-quarter length tops end midway between the elbow and the wrist. Short-sleeves stop at the bicep. Cap sleeves never fall beyond the armpit.

As the name suggests, a sleeveless top, such as a camisole or a halter top, has no sleeves. Straps are most often used instead. Tube tops, however, are sleeveless and strapless and kept in place with the help of elastic sewn in at the top of the garment.

Collar Types

Collars placed on a woman's top either stand up or lay flat. Straight collars are considered to be more formal than rounded collars, which hint at playfulness.

Necklines

Tops without collars are grouped according to necklines. The most common necklines include crew necks, v-necks and scoop necks. V-necks and scoop necks typically create the illusion of a longer silhouette.

Cuts

Cut refers to the top's shape. Some tops are boxy and loose-fitting and have straight seams running from the armpit to the hem. Form-fitting tops have princess seams. Trapeze-shaped cuts, which are seen in many empire tops, are loose-fitting and flare out at the bottom.