Feather Tops: Ostrich, Feather Trim and How to Wear Them

A feather top is a blouse, knit, bodysuit and the like trimmed with real feathers (usually ostrich at the cuffs, neckline and hem) and its job is to add movement and softness to the top half of an outfit; you will find them across tops and knitwear. SIMKHAI makes several this season, including a new ostrich trim knit, so the picks start there.

Key facts

• Ostrich is the most common feather on feather tops, usually as a trim at the cuffs, neckline and hem.
• The SIMKHAI Elinor Feather Top is a 73% wool, 27% nylon knit with an ostrich feather trim.
• Featherlike organza gives the movement of feathers without real feathers.
• Feather tops should be stored loosely in breathable cotton, never compressed in plastic.

The main types of feather top

Ostrich feather trim

Ostrich is the feather most people picture: long, fine strands that float and sway. It is usually applied as a band at the cuff, around the neckline and along the hem, so the top itself stays wearable and the feathers do the talking. An ostrich trim on a fine wool knit is the most practical version, since the knit keeps you warm and the trim is confined to the edges.

All-over and shorter feathers

Shorter feathers, such as the chicken feathers on the SIMKHAI Avrae sweater, lie closer and give texture across a wider area. They read more like a fluffy surface than a fringe and suit a sweater shape well.

Featherlike fabrics

Not every feathered look uses feathers. SIMKHAI also works with a featherlike organza, cut so it moves like plumage, and with a feathery satin. These are lighter to wear, simpler to store and a good route if you prefer to avoid real feathers. See our organza dress guide for how that fabric behaves.

Feather tops to shop

1. Elinor Feather Top in Ivory

New for Holiday 2026: a 73% wool, 27% nylon knit with an ostrich feather trim, in ivory. The knit makes it a top you can actually sit through dinner in.

2. Elinor Feather Top in Black

The same Elinor shape in black, with ostrich feathers. Black feathers look sharper and pair with tailoring.

3. Rielle Feather Cardigan in Ivory

An ivory wool and nylon cardigan trimmed with ostrich feathers. Wear it buttoned as a top, open over a slip dress.

4. Avrae Feather Sweater in Frost

A wool and recycled cashmere sweater in frost with chicken feathers. The fullest feather texture of the group.

5. Fei Feathery Satin Top in Ivory

Ivory 100% silk with a feathery finish, from Pre-Fall 2026. The lightest option and the easiest to wear in a warm room.

6. Zurie Lace Bodysuit in Black

Not feathered, but this new black lace bodysuit is the base to wear under an open feather cardigan, since it stays tucked and smooth.

7. Feyre Organza Top in Black

A black organza top from Fall 2026, for when you want the airy volume without any feathers.

How to wear a feather top

• Pair it with something sleek below: wide satin trousers, a straight wool pant, dark denim with a clean hem.
• Keep jewellery minimal. Feathers catch on chains and drop earrings, so wear studs and a ring.
• Let the feathers be the only texture. Skip sequins, fur and heavy embroidery in the same outfit.
• Pick the scale for the event. A trim at the cuff works for an office party; an all-over feather sweater suits a dinner.
• Choose a coat with a wide sleeve, a cape style, so the cuffs are not crushed. Our cape jacket guide has options.

Feather tops are made for December: see Christmas party outfits, New Year’s Eve outfits and going-out tops for full looks. If you want feathers head to toe, our feather dresses edit picks up there. For more feathered eveningwear, browse Markarian, Alex Perry and Rebecca Vallance.

Sizing a feather top

Knit feather tops follow the knit’s fit, not the trim. SIMKHAI cuts dresses in US sizes, and its own chart sets US 00 as a UK 4, so a US 2 is a UK 8 and a US 6 is a UK 12. Tops, knitwear and outerwear run in letters from XS to XL. Most pieces fit true to size; read the fit note on each product page, and see our SIMKHAI size guide for the full table. If you are between sizes on a knit with feathered cuffs, size for the shoulder, since the trim adds bulk at the wrist.

Care and storage

Feather pieces are almost always Dry Clean Only; check the label and use a cleaner who handles trims. Between wears, hang the top, give the feathers a gentle shake and let them recover their shape in the air. Store folded loosely in a breathable cotton bag, with tissue around the trim, never compressed in a drawer and never in plastic, which traps moisture. A cool steamer held well back will revive flattened ostrich; do not touch the feathers with a hot iron. Spray perfume before you dress, not over the top.

Frequently asked questions

What is a feather top?

A top trimmed with real feathers, often ostrich at the cuffs, neckline and hem. Some designers use featherlike fabrics such as fronded organza to give the same movement.

Do feathers shed on feather tops?

A few strands may come loose on the first wears, which is normal. Shake the top gently before wearing and avoid rubbing it against bag straps.

How do you wash a feather top?

Most are Dry Clean Only, so do not wash them at home. Steam gently from a distance to refresh the feathers.

What do you wear with an ostrich feather top?

Sleek, plain pieces: satin trousers, straight wool pants, a column skirt. Keep jewellery small so it does not catch on the feathers.

Can you wear a feather top in the day?

Yes, choose a knit with a trim only at the cuff and wear it with denim and flat boots.

Read next: Feather dresses, SIMKHAI feather dresses, Going-out tops.

By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 21 October 2026.