Top (clothing)
Clothing worn on the upper body
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History
T-shaped upper body garments have existed since antiquity in the form of tunics. T-shirts are thought to be derived from the one-piece union suit worn in the 19th century. To increase comfort, workers cut apart the top and bottom of the union suit. After World War II, T-shirts became somewhat acceptable as outerwear for men working on farms and road crews.
By the 1890s, most American women had a shirtwaist blouse.
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Design
The neckline is the highest line of the top, and may be as high as a head-covering hood, or as low as the waistline or bottom hem of the top. A top may be worn loose or tight around the bust or waist, and may have sleeves or shoulder straps, spaghetti straps (noodle straps), or may be strapless. The back may be covered or bare. Tops may have straps around the waist or neck, or over the shoulders.