camicie

Camicie (plural of camicia) are shirts, a class of upper-body garments worn by people in many cultures. They are typically made from woven fabrics and are designed to be worn on the torso, with a front opening, a collar, sleeves, and a tailored fit.

Design and construction vary, but most camicie feature a front placket with buttons or studs, a collar and often cuffs. Many include a yoke at the shoulders, and pockets are common in casual styles. Garments range from structured dress shirts to looser casual shirts, and they may be finished with details such as stitching, pleats, or decorative elements.

Types by context include dress shirts, casual shirts, flannel or denim shirts, and camp or short-sleeved varieties. The term camicia is used in Italian fashion to describe both men’s and women’s shirts, with formality depending on cut, fabric, and details such as collar type and pocket presence. In many regions, camicie serve as essential components of business attire, everyday wear, or traditional dress, reflecting cultural and climatic differences in shirt design.

Materials are diverse; cotton is the most common, including compact cotton and twill, with blends or linen for summer wear, silk for luxury, and synthetics for performance or easy care. Care varies by fabric, but most shirts are machine washable; ironing or steaming is often used to smooth the fabric, and care labels may advise avoiding high heat on delicate weaves.

Historically, camicie emerged as a distinct garment in Europe and became central to Western dress codes during the 19th and 20th centuries, including the development of detachable collars and formal dress shirts. Today camicie are manufactured worldwide in a wide range of styles, fits, and price points.