What Is A Blouson Top?
A blouson top generally has an elastic hem that sits at your waist to create a blousing effect with the excess fabric. You can usually move the hem up or down on most blouson tops, depending on where you want it to sit. Here’s why I like wearing a blouson top:
- You can eat whatever you want in it and you don’t have to suck in your stomach.
- You get the look of tucking in your shirt without actually tucking in your shirt. This means you don’t have to shove fabric down your pants and add potential bulk to your hips and belly.
- They are very comfortable.
What To Wear With A Blouson Top
You can wear a blouson top with almost any bottom depending on the length of your top. I particularly love the look of a blouson top with pencil skirts and slacks to get that “tucked in” look in a professional setting.
Outside of work, I love a short blouson top with casual high-waisted, wider-leg pants or maxi skirts. They also look great with high-waisted shorts.
Note: If your blouson top is too long, most can be tucked in.
What Not To Wear With A Blouson Top
- A-line Skirts: It adds weight.
- Leggings: It exposes far too much crotch and bum.
- Paper Bag Waist Bottoms: This much competition at the waist adds weight and creates an apple body shape.
- Overalls: The top will bunch up and peak out the sides of the overalls, adding weight.
Best Blouson Tops
Blouson tops aren’t really that common to find right now, so there are only a few that I can recommend. I’ll continue to add more of my favorites to this post as I come across them.
J.Crew Collection Sheer Gathered Top
Available at J.Crew.
Sizing: XXS-3X
Material: 100% viscose
Ramy Brook Vina Balloon Sleeve V-Neck Top
Available at Nordstrom, Saks 5th Avenue, and Ramy Brook.
Sizing: XXS-XXL; fits true to size
Material: 100% polyester
Michael Stars Isabel Convertible Gauze Top
Available at Bloomingdale’s and Michael Stars.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 100% cotton
Nation LTD Charlene Blouson Top
Available at Nation LTD.
Sizing: XS-XXL
Material: 100% organic Peruvian cotton
Photos: Dayley Photography
