Blouse or Shirt?????

honeybeagle · ‎10-19-2011

Please help.... What is the difference between a blouse and a shirt?

Bird mama · ‎03-12-2010

Hi Gracie, Welcome to the Community.

When I was growing up a blouse was something a woman wore and a shirt was something a man wore.

I just looked online to see what the thoughts are out there regarding the difference and found this:

A shirt is the general term for anything from a halter top to a hairshirt, and a blouse refers to something more specific. It doesn't have to be short or long sleeved. They have buttons or zippers, some kind of closure, and are made of a fine fabric like silk or satin so it can hang loosely.

There are times when you must speak, not because you are going to change the opposing side, but because if you do not speak, they have changed you.

Bird mama · ‎03-12-2010

Now, for anyone reading this thread, you probably saw the word "hairshirt" in my previous post. Like you I went - wha?

A hairshirt is a shirt made of coarse cloth or animal hair. I think the origin is religious in nature as it was considered penance to have to wear this kind of shirt.

There are times when you must speak, not because you are going to change the opposing side, but because if you do not speak, they have changed you.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

I always think of a blouse as being loose and a shirt as being fitted.

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

I've always thought of a blouse as a top that you button up and a shirt as something you pull over your head. I call them all tops or shirts.

ladyroxanne · ‎03-09-2010

i think and this is what i think....a blouse is dressier and a shirt is more casual.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

I shirt is a shirt. Like a "man's" shirt, it buttons down the front and opens up all the way down. A blouse is put on over the head and doesn't have buttons all down the front--doesn't open up to be worn like a jacket.

fthunt · ‎12-24-2010

Replies are interesting - I think of a blouse as being more fitted & dressy... and a woman's shirt more like a boyfriend's style. (looser)

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

Here's another take on the meanings...a shirt is a whole category of garments. Within this shirt category are blouses which are really shirts that are cinched in at the waist with a belt, elastic, whatever and it creates the blousing effect of the fabric...this blousing of fabric makes it a blouse.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

A hairshirt is a shirt made of coarse cloth or animal hair. I think the origin is religious in nature as it was considered penance to have to wear this kind of shirt.

More of a penance for the animal that sacrificed its life.