I created this little glossary of different types of tops (and bottoms) when I was writing the book. I was going to include it in the book, but the powers that be decided that it was too long. So, here it goes. Please feel free to add any additional types of tops to the comments section below.

Bandeau Tops: band-shaped covering specifically the breasts

Blazer: generally a long-sleeved sports jacket with lapels

Bolero jacket: a jacket that is loose and waist-length and open at the front

Cap sleeve: a shorter sleeve than normal that forms a stiff cap or falls on to arms providing minimal coverage

Chemise: A simple, straight unbelted dress with different lengths and sleeve styles

Corset top/boned bodice: usually strapless bodice with laces or snap closures that is extremely form fitting.

Cowl neck: a piece of material attached to a garment at the neckline, usually used as a hood or draped loosely at the front neckline or back.

Crew neck: a round neckline that sits close to the base of the neck encircled by a ribbed banding.

Cropped top/jacket: a top or jacket where the hem is cut above the waist.

Dolman sleeve: a sleeve designed without a socket for the shoulder-creating a deep armhole extending from the waist to the wrist. A.k.a. batwing sleeve.

Double breasted: normally a jacket where one-half of the front lays over the other, and usually has a double row of buttons and a single row of buttonholes.

Double-tee top: one t-shirt over the other, giving the effect of layers.

Draped bodice: extra pieces of material laid over the bustline.

Empire waist: a waistline that begins below the bust.

Halter top: a sleeveless shirt that meets on the top of the neckline creating a high choke or wrap neck and is normally backless.

Jewel neck: a round and high neckline that rests at the base of the neck.

Keyhole neck: a round or tear shaped cutout that meets at the front or back neckline.

Mandarin collar: an Asian inspired collar that is short and stand-up.

Notched collar: a two-piece collar that can be worn open.

Off the shoulder neck: a neckline that displays uncovered shoulders, above the top of the bustline.

Peasant top: a romantic style top that often has a low neckline, ruffles, and is made from free flowing materials.

Scoop neck/round neck: a u-shaped/round neckline.

Shawl collar: a one-piece collar that is turned down to form a continuous line from the back of the neck to the front.

Shrug: a small, waist-length (sometimes shorter) jacket.

Split neck: a round neckline that forms a small “v” in the center.

Square neck: an open-yoke neckline shaped to form a half-square.

Sweetheart neck: an open-yoke neckline shaped to form the top half of a heart.

Tankini: a two piece bathing suit in which the top portion resembles a tank top.

Trapeze top: a tank top with flare bottom.

Tunic style: a simple slip on garment usually knee-length or longer worn as an under or outer garment.

Unitards: a one-piece, tightly fitted garment for the torso, legs and feet, and arms.

V-neck/v-back: an open yoke forming a “V” shape midway down the bodice.

Wrap top/surplice top: a garment created by cross-wrapping fabrics, sometimes in the front or back and associated with a high/low neckline.