body shirt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Fashion/Tailoring, Everyday (Specific)
Quick answer
What does “body shirt” mean?
A close-fitting shirt, often for women, designed to be tucked into trousers or a skirt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A close-fitting shirt, often for women, designed to be tucked into trousers or a skirt.
A fitted, waist-length top, often with buttons down the front and collar, that tapers at the waist and is meant to be worn tucked in. It is a specific style distinct from a regular shirt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term, but it is more common in fashion writing. 'Fitted shirt' or 'tuck-in top' are common alternatives. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly dated (popular in 1970s/80s fashion). Connotes a smart-casual or retro style.
Frequency
Low to moderate frequency. More likely found in fashion retail, vintage clothing contexts, or style advice than in general conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “body shirt” in a Sentence
[to wear/team/tuck] + a body shirt + [with trousers/skirt][body shirt] + [is/was] + [tucked in]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “body shirt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to body-shirt her look for the party, pairing it with wide-leg trousers.
American English
- You can't just body-shirt that outfit; it needs a jacket.
adjective
British English
- The body-shirt style is making a comeback this season.
American English
- She prefers a body-shirt fit for her work blouses.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could appear in business-casual dress codes (e.g., 'a smart body shirt with tailored trousers').
Academic
Virtually absent.
Everyday
Used in descriptions of personal style or when shopping for clothes.
Technical
Used in fashion design, pattern-making, and retail product descriptions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “body shirt”
- Using 'body shirt' to describe any T-shirt or casual top.
- Spelling as 'bodyshirt' (though sometimes hyphenated, 'body-shirt' is less common).
- Confusing with 'bodysuit' (a one-piece garment).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A body shirt is specifically designed to be close-fitting (hugging the torso) and is intended to be worn tucked into trousers or a skirt. A regular shirt can be loose or fitted and is often worn untucked.
While historically and most commonly associated with women's fashion, the term describes a cut and style. Men's fitted shirts designed to be tucked in could be described as body shirts, though it's a less common usage.
No. A body shirt is a shirt, open at the bottom. A bodysuit is a one-piece garment that fastens at the crotch, like a leotard, and is worn as an undergarment or top.
The body shirt was a iconic fashion item in the 1970s and had a strong revival in the 1980s as part of power dressing. It sees periodic revivals in contemporary fashion trends.
A close-fitting shirt, often for women, designed to be tucked into trousers or a skirt.
Body shirt is usually fashion/tailoring, everyday (specific) in register.
Body shirt: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒdi ʃɜːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːdi ʃɝːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BODY SHIRT' – it fits the BODY closely and is a SHIRT. Imagine a shirt hugging your torso.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A SECOND SKIN (due to its close fit).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a 'body shirt'?