Top Fabrics
Fabric decides how a top feels, drapes and wears. This hub covers the materials you will meet across our range, so you know what to expect from feel to care. Browse women's tops and blouses (/collections/womens-tops-blouses).
Casual and jersey fabrics
Cotton Jersey
A soft, breathable stretch knit for tees.
How it behaves
Cotton jersey is soft, breathable and lightly stretchy, the classic t-shirt fabric that moves with you.
Care note
Wash cool and reshape while damp. Browse women's t-shirts and vests (/collections/womens-t-shirts-vests).
Ribbed Jersey
A textured knit with vertical ribs and cling.
How it behaves
Ribbed jersey has raised vertical lines and extra stretch, hugging the body for a neat, fitted top.
Care note
Wash cool to keep the stretch.
Linen
A cool, breathable natural fabric that creases.
How it behaves
Linen is crisp, breathable and cool in heat, with a relaxed, lived-in crease that is part of its charm.
Care note
Wash cool; expect natural creasing.
Cotton Poplin
A smooth, crisp woven cotton for shirts.
How it behaves
Poplin is a tightly woven cotton with a smooth, crisp hand that holds a sharp shirt shape.
Care note
Machine washable; iron for crispness.
Blouse and occasion fabrics
Viscose
A soft, drapey fibre with a fluid feel.
How it behaves
Viscose drapes softly and feels cool, giving blouses a relaxed, flowing movement.
Care note
Wash cool; it can shrink if handled hot. Browse women's tops and blouses (/collections/womens-tops-blouses).
Satin
A glossy, fluid fabric with an elegant sheen.
How it behaves
Satin has a smooth, shiny face and liquid drape, ideal for dressy camis and occasion blouses.
Care note
Handle gently and often dry clean.
Chiffon
A sheer, floaty fabric usually layered or lined.
How it behaves
Chiffon is light and semi-sheer, floating for soft, romantic blouses, often over a camisole.
Care note
Delicate; hand wash or dry clean.
Lace and Broderie
Openwork fabrics with decorative patterns.
How it behaves
Lace and broderie anglaise carry cut or woven patterns with small holes, adding texture and a pretty, feminine feel.
Care note
Wash gently to protect the openwork.
Fine Knit
A lightweight knitted top that layers smartly.
How it behaves
A fine knit top is a lightweight jumper-style top that layers under jackets and dresses up or down.
Care note
Wash cool and dry flat to hold shape.
Casual and jersey fabrics
Modal and Blends
A soft, silky-feeling fibre often blended with cotton.
How it behaves
Modal is a soft, smooth fibre with good drape and colour retention, often blended into tees for a premium feel.
Care note
Wash cool for lasting softness.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for a summer top?
Light, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton jersey and viscose suit summer, keeping you cool with good airflow. Linen is the coolest but creases, cotton jersey is easy and soft, and viscose flows nicely on dressier tops.
Why do satin and chiffon tops need careful washing?
Satin and chiffon are delicate fabrics that mark easily and can lose their finish with rough handling or heat. Hand wash cool or dry clean, avoid wringing, and dry away from direct heat to keep the sheen and drape looking their best.
What is the difference between lace and broderie anglaise?
Lace is an openwork fabric made by looping or knotting threads into decorative patterns with open spaces. Broderie anglaise is a cotton fabric with small cut holes edged in embroidery. Both add texture and a feminine look, but broderie is firmer and more structured.