Fashion Glossary: Tops and Knitwear

A cardigan is a knitted jacket that stays open at the front or is closed with buttons, a long-sleeve top is a shirt with long sleeves and a tunic is a long, loose-fitting top. This fashion glossary explains 13 terms for tops and knitwear in two to three sentences each.

When you browse, you come across words like zip-up cardigan, sweater vest or shirt blouse that not everyone can place right away. For each term you will find what is behind it and what you can combine it with. Where the shop has matching items there is an example, so not every term is linked. Fabrics and fibers are explained in the Fabric glossary for women’s fashion.

Cardigan terms: cardigan, zip-up cardigan and knit vest

Cardigan. A knitted jacket that is worn open at the front or closed with buttons. In everyday use, cardigan and knitted jacket are usually the same piece. A cardigan can be pulled on over a shirt, blouse or dress. You will find more ideas in the guide How to style a cardigan. One example is the lightweight cardigan in black with a V-neck, button placket and short, wide sleeves. You will find more styles in the cardigans.

Zip-up cardigan. A cardigan with a zip instead of buttons. Many styles have a stand collar that covers the neck. The knit cardigan with a zip in blue has stripes and a stand collar. You wear it open over a shirt or closed as a top.

Knit vest. A sleeveless vest made of knit that stays open at the front or is closed with buttons or a zip. As an extra layer it leaves the arms free. The knit vest in gray is sleeveless, has a full-length zip and a round neckline. You can wear it over a blouse, for example. The guide How to style a knit vest shows how it looks, and you will find more styles in the knit vests.

Sweater vest and turtleneck sweater: knitwear to pull on

Sweater vest. A sleeveless sweater that is pulled on over the head. It has no opening at the front, usually a V-neck or round neck, and is worn over a blouse or shirt. That is the difference from the knit vest, which is open at the front or is closed.

Turtleneck sweater. A sweater with a high collar that is folded around the neck. It is a classic basic for cooler days. A vest, a blazer or an open cardigan goes over it.

Shirt terms: long-sleeve top, tunic, bustier and bodysuit

Long-sleeve top. A shirt with long sleeves, cut like a T-shirt. It is also called a long-sleeve shirt. The long-sleeve top Leo in beige has a leopard print and a round neckline. It goes under a cardigan or a vest. The guide How to style a long-sleeve top for women has ideas.

Tunic. A long, loose-fitting top that reaches over the hips, often to the thigh. There are tunics with a V-neck or round neck, with and without sleeves. Slim pants or leggings and flat shoes go with it.

Bustier. A sleeveless, close-fitting top that reaches to the waist. You wear a bustier on its own or as a layer under an open blouse or a cardigan. The lace bustier in white has floral lace and a V-neck.

Bodysuit. A top that is cut in one piece down to the crotch, where it is usually closed with snap buttons. It stays under the waistband of pants or a skirt and gives a smooth base for a blazer, cardigan or vest.

Blouse terms: blouse, shirt blouse, wrap blouse and off-shoulder

Blouse. A top made of light woven fabric, often with a button placket and a collar or neckline. Unlike a sweater, it is not knitted. A blouse can be worn on its own or under knitwear. How that works is explained in the guide Blouse under a sweater.

Shirt blouse. A blouse cut like a shirt, with a shirt collar and a full button placket. The checked shirt in brown is a shirt blouse with chest pockets. You wear it closed as a top or open over a shirt.

Wrap blouse. The front overlaps and is tied or knotted at the side or at the waist. The V at the neckline comes from the wrap. Pants or a skirt with a high waist go with it.

Off-shoulder blouse. A blouse with a wide neckline that leaves the shoulders bare. The horizontal neckline is also called a Bardot neckline. In cool weather a short cardigan goes over it.

How do I style tops and knitwear?

Layers from thin to thick. First bustier, bodysuit or long-sleeve top, then blouse, last cardigan or vest.
One piece with texture. If you wear a chunky knit, the layer underneath stays smooth, for example a long-sleeve top or a blouse.
Open or closed. Cardigan and shirt blouse can be worn open over a top. That adds an extra line.

Pants and skirts are explained in the Fashion glossary: pants and skirts.

Matching items in the shop: long-sleeve tops and blouses.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a cardigan and a knitted jacket?

Usually there is none. Both terms name a knitted jacket that stays open at the front or is closed with buttons.

What is the difference between a sweater vest and a knit vest?

A sweater vest is pulled on over the head and has no opening at the front. A knit vest is open at the front or is closed with buttons or a zip. Neither has sleeves.