blouselike

Blouselike is an adjective used in fashion and textile description to describe garments or silhouettes that resemble a blouse in style. It typically refers to tops or bodices that have blouse-inspired details and a relaxed or fluid upper body, rather than a strictly tailored, fitted shirt. The term is descriptive and can apply to both contemporary designs and vintage pieces.

Common blouselike features include a loose or draped upper torso, gathers or pleats at the yoke, and a front button placket. Necklines such as a stand collar, Peter Pan collar, or frock-inspired necklines are often present, as are sleeves that are puffed, bishop, flutter, or billowy. The fabrics used are usually lightweight to moderately heavy, such as cotton, silk, satin, or chiffon, chosen to achieve drape and volume.

In use, blouselike describes a feminine, relaxed aesthetic that sits between a traditional blouse and other shirt-focused silhouettes. It is frequently employed in product descriptions, fashion journalism, and design discussions to signal a blouse-inspired mood without committing to a fully tailored shirt. Blouselike elements appear in tunics, peasant tops, and blouse-inspired dresses, as designers blend historical blouse features with contemporary cuts.

Etymology and related terms: blouselike derives from blouse, plus the suffix -like indicating resemblance. Related terms include blouse, blouson (a short, gathered-waisted jacket), and blousey, which broadly describe similar visual cues.