What Is A Longline Top?

I’m not opposed to the concept of longline tops at all, though all of my longline tops tend to be down to just below my hips. If the top is any longer than that and it feels as if I’m wearing a dress over my pants or jeans. I’d rather just be wearing a dress so that I can feel it moving against my legs. That’s just me, and I’m not trying to knock the popularity of longer-length longline tops.

A longline top is a top that has been cut with a longer hemline. Almost any style of top can have a longline version. Hemlines of longline tops can fall anywhere from just below the hips down to knee length. The longline top is a variation of a women’s tunic and falls into casual fashion.

Let’s take a closer look at what a longline top is and learn how you can style it to suit any body shape.

What Are The Significant Features Of A Longline Top?

Long and oversized, two accurate adjectives that perfectly capture the essence of a longline top. Longlines are longer-length options to almost any regular cut clothing garment. In most cases, these tops fall under the casual and relaxed styling, popular in both men’s and women’s fashion.

Longline hems measure in varying lengths, with some falling below the hips or above the thighs and in some styles, just around the knees. This style is particularly popular amongst taller builds because of the extra length. Designs and styles are wide and varied, from longline t-shirts to long-sleeved ones.

What Are The Origins Of The Longline Top?

Women’s longline tops are a variation of women’s tunics. Tunics date back to Ancient Greek and Roman times. Worn primarily in a uniform or religious context in the Western culture, tunics have always been worn as an under or outer garment. Light feminine garments with lengths in mid-thighs are still currently referred to as tunics.

The domination of the longline fashion in menswear has been fairly recent. In 2014, a surge in interest in the style was recorded, thanks to Kanye West. The uptake was largely attributed to the rapper and style icon, resulting in massive demand which is still true recently.

What Figure/Body Shape Is Best Suited To A Longline Top?

With the characteristic casual, relaxed, and oversized fit of longline tops, these shirts are almost universally flattering if styled and chosen right. The effortless style can be figure-flattering if you choose the right style for your body type. Longlines can be flattering to tall people but petite girls can get away with wearing these styles as dresses or over leggings.

Pear-shaped ladies have a beautiful silhouette that will look stunning in printed longline tops paired with plain pants. For women with square or rectangle shapes, a long line top can be paired with a belt to add curves. Meanwhile, wide-sleeved longline tops with V-shaped necklines are recommended for inverted triangle body shapes as the style tends to break up the wide shoulders.

Etiquette: When Can You Wear/Not Wear Your Longline Top?

Longline tops and warm, tropical vacation and lounging have always been associated with one another due to the relaxed nature of the garment. Paired with shorts or capris, longline tops are the perfect summer staples. Swap the shorts with good-quality jeans or jeggings for a casual outing.

Even though these tops are usually associated with breezy and casual styles, they can also be excellent as office and business wear if paired with a cardigan or blazer, along with simple, understated jewelry or accents.

On the other hand, longline t-shirts can run the risk of being too streetwear and baggy. In order to remedy this, pair them with slim trousers or skinny jeans. Otherwise, oversized everything can make you look sloppy and heavy.

What Shoes/Bag Works Best With A Longline Top?

If you are aiming for a sleeker, taller look, opt for boots tucked into leggings and accessorize with a wallet crossbody bag. Linen longline tops can be paired with capris and sandals when you’re out and about on your tropical vacation (lucky you). A hobo bag will round off the laidback look.

Perhaps the most versatile footwear of them all, sneakers can also be paired with longline tops, especially with the more straightforward styles such as longline t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets. Taper off the masculine vibe with a girly tote bag. Bling-y ballerina flats, denim jeans, and a colorful handbag can lend an early summer look to a square and crisp long-sleeved longline top.

If you are looking to shop for a longline top, start with Amazon where they have this one for example.

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