The right shirt can make a big difference in women's fashion. Whether you're dressing for a business meeting, going to brunch with friends or just relaxing at home, your shirt affects how you look and feel. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one for each occasion?
In this guide, we'll look at different types of women's shirts, from classic to trendy styles. We'll show you how each shirt can fit various body types and help you build a wardrobe that's stylish, comfortable and versatile. Ready to find your perfect shirt? Let's begin.
Types of Women’s Shirts Based on Style and Silhouette
Button-Up Shirt
A button-up shirt has buttons from the top to the bottom. Made from cotton or linen, it can be worn for both work and casual looks. You can wear it with a blazer for a formal look or with jeans for something more relaxed. Button-up shirts come in different fits, from tight to loose, making them great for all body types.
Oxford Shirt
The Oxford shirt is like a button-up shirt but made from thicker, stronger fabric. It has a button-down collar and a more fitted style. This shirt is perfect for work or special events but can also be worn casually. It’s a timeless piece for any wardrobe.
Denim Shirt
Denim shirts have a casual, rugged look. Made from denim, they’re comfortable and easy to wear. These shirts work for casual or semi-formal events and can be paired with skirts or pants or worn over a dress. Denim shirts can be worn all year round.
Chambray Shirt
Chambray shirts are made from a light, soft fabric, similar to denim. They’re breathable and comfortable. These shirts are great for casual days or more dressed-up events and are perfect for spring and summer.
Tunic Shirt
Tunic shirts are longer, often reaching below the hips. They are great for a relaxed and stylish look. You can wear them with leggings or skinny jeans for a casual outfit or add a belt for a more put together style.
Polo Shirt
A polo shirt made from knit fabric has a collar and buttons at the neck. It gives a sporty and neat look and is great for casual or active events like golf or tennis. Polo shirts come in many colors and patterns and can be paired with shorts, skirts, or pants.
Henley Shirt
A Henley shirt has buttons down the front but no collar. It’s comfortable and looks a bit more casual. Henley shirts come in short and long sleeves, making them great for different seasons. They look good with jeans or chinos for a simple, stylish look.
Graphic Shirt
Graphic shirts have fun prints, designs or logos on them. They are a great way to show off personal style. Graphic shirts are casual and trendy, made from cotton or cotton blends. They’re perfect for hanging out, concerts, or making a bold fashion statement. Pair them with jeans, shorts or skirts for a relaxed look.
Fabrics and Materials for Women’s Shirts Based on Style and Silhouette:
|
Shirt Style |
Fabrics |
Why |
|
Button-Up Shirt |
Cotton: Breathable, easy to care for. Linen: Light and breathable, perfect for warm weather. Silk: Luxury for formal settings. Flannel: Cozy, perfect for cold weather. |
|
|
Oxford Shirt |
Oxford Cloth, Cotton, Polyester Blend |
Oxford Cloth: Durable and textured for a crisp look. Cotton: Comfortable and classic. Polyester Blend: Wrinkle-resistant, easy to care for, structured appearance. |
|
Denim Shirt |
Denim, Chambray, Cotton Twill |
Denim: Sturdy, casual. Chambray: Lighter and breathable. Cotton Twill: Smooth texture, durable, polished version of denim. |
|
Chambray Shirt |
Chambray, Cotton, Linen |
Chambray: Lightweight and breathable, casual yet refined. Cotton: Breathable, ideal for warm weather. Linen: Lighter option for summer, great for casual outings. |
|
Tunic Shirt |
Cotton, Rayon, Jersey, Silk |
Cotton: Comfortable and versatile. Rayon: Drapes beautifully, stylish. Jersey: Soft, stretchable, ideal for casual wear. Silk: Elegant, perfect for dressy occasions. |
|
Polo Shirt |
Cotton Pique, Polyester Blend, Merino Wool |
Cotton Pique: Breathable with a textured finish, polished yet comfortable. Polyester Blend: Durable, moisture-wicking, less wrinkling. Merino Wool: Warm, breathable. |
|
Henley Shirt |
Cotton, Polyester Blend, Jersey, Merino Wool |
Cotton: Soft, breathable, casual. Polyester Blend: Durable, easy-care. Jersey: Relaxed, stretchy fit. Merino Wool: Warm, breathable, perfect for cooler weather. |
|
Graphic Shirt |
Cotton, Jersey, Polyester, Rayon |
Cotton: Soft, comfortable, casual. Jersey: Stretchy, relaxed fit. Polyester: Durable, moisture wicking, good for outdoor activities. Rayon: Silky feel, luxurious. |
Styling Tips for Women’s Shirts Based on Style and Silhouette:
|
Shirt Style |
Occasion |
Styling Tips |
|
Button-Up Shirt |
Office, Business Meetings, Smart Casual |
Pair with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt; tuck in for sleekness or leave untucked for a relaxed vibe. Layer with a blazer, vest or cardigan. Neutral colors or subtle patterns work best. |
|
Oxford Shirt |
Business Casual, Weekend Brunch, Semi-Formal |
Pair with chinos or slacks for business casual or tuck into a high waisted skirt for a feminine silhouette. For brunch, go with denim jeans or tailored shorts. Layer with a sweater. |
|
Denim Shirt |
Casual Outings, Weekend Getaways, Travel |
Pair with distressed jeans for double-denim or tuck into a flowy skirt. Add a belt and booties for an edgy look or sneakers for casual days. Works well over a dress as a layering piece. |
|
Chambray Shirt |
Daytime Casual, Casual Fridays, Beach Vacations |
Pair with white shorts or floral skirts for a summer look. For casual Fridays, wear with tapered trousers or a pencil skirt. Roll up sleeves and wear sandals for a relaxed look. |
|
Tunic Shirt |
Casual Outings, Weekend Brunch, Boho-Chic Look |
Pair with leggings, skinny jeans or wide leg trousers. Cinch the waist with a belt for a chic look and pair it with ankle boots. Add statement jewelry and a hat for the boho aesthetic. |
|
Polo Shirt |
Casual, Sports Events, Golf Outings, Country Clubs |
Wear with khaki shorts, chinos or a skirt. Layer with a light jacket for cooler weather and finish with sneakers or loafers. Stick to neutral tones or add bold colors for vibrancy. |
|
Henley Shirt |
Casual, Relaxed Days, Outdoor Activities |
Pair with cargo pants, jeans or athleisure wear. Layer with a jacket or sweater and wear sneakers or boots. Tuck into high waisted jeans for a stylish casual look. |
|
Graphic Shirt |
Casual, Music Festivals, Weekend Activities |
Pair with denim jeans, leather jackets or high waisted skirts. Wear sneakers or combat boots for an edgy look or sandals for a relaxed vibe. Layer with a cardigan or denim jacket. |
Types of Women’s Shirts Based on Style and Silhouette for Different Body Types:
|
Body Shape |
Recommended Shirts |
Why |
|
Hourglass Body Shape |
Button-Up Shirt, Oxford Shirt, Denim Shirt, Chambray Shirt |
Button-Up: Fitted to accentuate waist. Oxford: Slightly tailored for balance. Denim: Fitted to emphasize curves. Chambray: Light and follows the body's shape. |
|
Pear Body Shape |
Tunic Shirt, Polo Shirt, Henley Shirt, Graphic Shirt |
Tunic: Elongates torso and skims over hips. Polo: Adds volume to shoulders, balances hips. Henley: Draws attention upwards. Graphic: Prints focus on the upper body. |
|
Apple Body Shape |
Tunic Shirt, V-Neck Button-Up Shirt, Chambray Shirt, Oxford Shirt |
Tunic: Flows down from bust, creating a relaxed silhouette. V-Neck: Elongates neck and torso. Chambray: Loose fit adds structure. Oxford: Looser, tailored fit. |
|
Rectangle Body Shape |
Peplum Shirt, Button-Up Shirt, Graphic Shirt, Henley Shirt |
Peplum: Adds curves, cinches at waist. Button-Up: Tailored fit creates shape. Graphic: Breaks up straight lines, adds visual interest. Henley: Defines bust. |
|
Inverted Triangle Body Shape |
V-Neck Button-Up Shirt, Tunic Shirt, Chambray Shirt, Graphic Shirt |
V-Neck: Elongates neck and balances shoulders. Tunic: Flows to soften shoulders, adds volume to the lower body. Chambray: Looser fit balances proportions. Graphic: Focuses on lower body. |
|
Petite Body Shape |
Button-Up Shirt, Henley Shirt, Chambray Shirt, Polo Shirt |
Button-Up: Slim fit enhances shape, short hemline flatters. Henley: Adds height with a relaxed fit. Chambray: Tailored fit elongates body. Polo: Cropped cut elongates legs. |
Trending Garments for the Season:
|
Season |
Garment |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Spring/Summer |
|
|
|
Fall/Winter |
|
|
Standard Size Chart for Women’s Shirts:
|
Size |
Bust (inches) |
Waist (inches) |
Hip (inches) |
|
XS |
31-32 |
24-25 |
34-35 |
|
S |
33-34 |
26-27 |
36-37 |
|
M |
35-36 |
28-29 |
38-39 |
|
L |
37-39 |
30-32 |
40-42 |
|
XL |
40-42 |
33-35 |
43-45 |
|
XXL |
43-45 |
36-38 |
46-48 |
Conclusion
Choosing the right shirt based on style, fit, fabric and season helps you build a wardrobe that looks good and feels comfortable. A fitted shirt gives a smart look, while a loose tunic feels relaxed. Light fabrics are perfect for summer and warm ones are better for winter. The right shirt not only makes you look good but also boosts your confidence. With so many options available, it’s a great time to try different styles and find what suits you best.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.