Wrap Tops for Women: Wrap Shirts, Blouses and Knits, and How to Wear Each One

The short answer: a wrap top crosses over the body and fastens at the side, so it shapes the waist, frames the neck in a V, and adjusts to your figure. Choose a wrap shirt in cotton for the office, a wrap blouse in silk for evening, and a wrap knit for winter. Wear it tucked into a high-waisted skirt and trousers to keep the waist line. Our pick is the Dries Van Noten Fitted cotton wrap shirt in Midnight, a fitted cotton poplin wrap with a draped front and back tie. Browse our shirts and tops edits and the full Dries Van Noten collection.

The wrap shape went mainstream in 1974 with Diane von Furstenberg’s jersey wrap dress, and the top followed. It flatters because the diagonal line draws the eye to the waist and the V lengthens the neck. “Wrap top” draws about 74,000 searches a month worldwide, with wrap shirts and wrap blouses adding another 16,000.

Wrap shirt, wrap blouse and wrap knit compared

How to fit and tie a wrap top

• The V should sit flat. If it gapes, the top is too big across the bust; size down, and add a discreet pin inside.
• Tie at the natural waist. A side tie sits on the hip bone; a back tie should pull the body in without bunching.
• Layer underneath for a higher neck. A fine camisole in the same colour closes a deep V for work.

What to wear with a wrap top

With a wrap skirt

Wrap on wrap, in one colour, makes a dress. See how to wear a wrap skirt.

With a maxi skirt

A tucked wrap shirt gives a long skirt its waist. Read how to wear a maxi skirt.

With a silk skirt

A cotton wrap shirt calms a printed silk skirt. See silk skirts.

With a cargo skirt

The polished way to wear utility. Read cargo skirts.

With tailored trousers

A wrap shirt, high-waisted trousers and a heeled loafer is a complete office outfit.

Our picks

1. Dries Van Noten Fitted cotton wrap shirt in Midnight

Cotton poplin in midnight navy, fitted, with a draped front and a back tie.

2. Dries Van Noten Fitted cotton wrap shirt in White

The same shirt in white, the office classic.

3. Dries Van Noten Fluid wrap top in Off White

A fluid wrap top that drapes rather than fits, for evening.

4. Patou Wrap blouse in White organic cotton poplin

A crisp organic cotton poplin wrap blouse.

5. Maison Margiela Ruched Wrap Shirt in Black

Black, ruched, and architectural.

6. St. Agni Baby Wool Wrap Top in Soft Ash

A fine wool wrap for winter layering.

7. ME+EM Ballet Wrap Top in Rich Olive Green

A ballet-style wrap top in olive, easy over jeans.

8. St. Agni Silk Halter Wrap Top in Washed Black

A silk halter wrap for evening under a blazer.

Frequently asked questions

Are wrap tops flattering?

Yes. The diagonal crossover defines the waist and the V-neck lengthens the neck, which flatters most figures. Choose a fit that lies flat across the bust.

How do you stop a wrap top from gaping?

Choose the right size across the bust, tie it firmly at the natural waist, and add a small pin inside the crossover. A camisole underneath also helps.

What is the difference between a wrap shirt and a wrap blouse?

A wrap shirt is usually cotton shirting with a collar and cuffs; a wrap blouse is softer, in silk and crepe, and often collarless.

Can you wear a wrap top to work?

Yes. A cotton wrap shirt with tailored trousers and a pencil skirt is office appropriate. Add a camisole if the V is deep.

What do you wear under a wrap top?

A smooth bra in a skin tone, and a fine camisole if you want a higher neckline.