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Top (clothing)

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A top is a piece of clothing for the upper body.

European teenage girl 2008
European teenage girl 2008

It usually covers the area between the neck and the waistline. Some tops are very short and end at the mid-torso. Other tops can be much longer. These might reach down to the mid-thigh.

Kim Chambers DSC 0027
Kim Chambers DSC 0027

People use tops to cover their chests. Men often pair their tops with pants. Women might wear tops with pants or skirts.

Lisa Ann DSC 0056
Lisa Ann DSC 0056

Designing a top involves many different choices. You can choose the neckline first. This is the highest line on the garment. It can be as high as a hood. It can also be as low as the waistline.

Bangalore, India Model 2
Bangalore, India Model 2

You can pick how the fabric fits the body. Some tops feel loose and airy. Other tops fit tight around the waist or bust. You can also choose the back style. Some tops cover the back completely. Others leave the back bare.

Nicodruif2
Nicodruif2

There are many ways to style the arms and shoulders. Some tops have full or half sleeves.

Nicodruif2
Nicodruif2

Other styles use shoulder straps. You might see thin spaghetti straps, also called noodle straps.

Nicodruif2
Nicodruif2

Some tops are sleeveless, like a tank top. A tube top is a unique style. It has no sleeves and no shoulder straps. It simply wraps around the bust. A halter top uses a single strap around the neck.

Nicodruif2
Nicodruif2

A turtleneck is another option. It has a high, round collar. This collar folds over to cover the neck.

Many specific types of tops exist today. A T-shirt is a very common choice. Blouses and shirts are also popular.

Lisa Ann DSC 0056
Lisa Ann DSC 0056

You can find tops made of denim fabric. These are called jean tops. Some people like crop tops. These are short tops that expose the belly.

Hüfthose
Hüfthose

You might even see a bralette or a corset. These are different kinds of upper body wear.

Lisa Ann DSC 0056
Lisa Ann DSC 0056

Each type offers a different look.

Tops help us express our own style. We can use straps around the waist or neck.

Nicodruif2
Nicodruif2

We can choose fabrics that feel right. Clothing connects us to the world around us.

Woman visitor at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Malaysia-10Aug2010
Woman visitor at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Malaysia-10Aug2010

We use these items every single day. They are a basic part of how we dress.

Bangalore, India Model 2
Bangalore, India Model 2

Whether loose or tight, tops are very important. They help cover and protect our upper bodies.

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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:Nicodruif2.JPG
Nicodruif2.JPG
File:European teenage girl 2008.JPG
European teenage girl 2008.JPG
File:Hüfthose.jpg
Hüfthose.jpg
File:Woman visitor at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Malaysia-10Aug2010.jpg
Woman visitor at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park,...
File:Kim Chambers DSC 0027.JPG
Kim Chambers DSC 0027.JPG
File:Lisa Ann DSC 0056.JPG
Lisa Ann DSC 0056.JPG
File:Bangalore, India Model 2.jpg
Bangalore, India Model 2.jpg
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