Shirts & Blouses
Our women's shirts and blouses range from crisp striped poplin and relaxed cotton shirts to embroidered, broderie anglaise and lace blouses with a little more romance. You'll find pieces from Rails, BA&SH, Stella Nova, Rixo and Bellerose, chosen to work as hard with jeans as they do under a blazer.
We buy in small batches and never restock, so the edit changes often. For softer jersey and going out pieces, browse our full tops collection, or visit us on Pontcanna Street, Cardiff, for honest advice on fit.
Women's Shirts and Blouses at Kiti
A good shirt is one of the most useful things you can own. Tucked into jeans, knotted over a skirt or worn open as a light layer, it suits almost every day of the week. A blouse does the same job with a softer, prettier finish, which is why our collection mixes the two. Every piece is chosen by us for its fabric, cut and the small details that make it feel worth keeping.
Women's Shirts: Striped, Poplin and Relaxed
Our women's shirts lean towards relaxed tailoring. Rails is known for soft, easy shirting that looks as good half tucked as it does buttoned up, and Bellerose brings classic striped poplin with a slightly oversized cut. Essentiel Antwerp adds playful twists, from checks to layered and scarf details, while American Vintage keeps things simple and effortless.
For something more directional, MOS MOSH and VI.VE.RE offer shirts with sharper lines, belted waists and sheer fabrics that work well layered over a simple vest. A striped shirt is a particularly good investment: it pairs with denim, white trousers and tailoring, and it never looks like it is trying too hard.
Designer Blouses: Embroidered, Lace and Printed
When it comes to designer blouses, we look for craft. Rixo brings embroidered cotton blouses with a vintage feel, BA&SH adds Parisian prints and delicate lace, and Stella Nova offers embroidered and sequinned styles that move easily from day to evening. The Tiny Big Sister and Queens of Archive contribute puff sleeves, playful prints and characterful buttons, and Never Fully Dressed adds bold, joyful prints.
Broderie Anglaise and Puff Sleeve Blouses
Broderie anglaise is a cotton fabric decorated with small cut-out embroidered patterns. It feels fresh and light, which is why it is a summer favourite, but a cropped broderie blouse also looks lovely under a blazer or with a knit thrown over the shoulders in cooler months. Puff sleeve blouses offer a similar romance with more volume, and look best with something streamlined below, such as straight jeans or slim trousers.
How to Wear a Blouse with Jeans
- Tuck a fitted blouse into high-waisted jeans and add a belt to define the waist.
- Leave a relaxed shirt untucked over straight or wide-leg denim, with the sleeves pushed up.
- Do a loose half tuck at the front for a softer, off-duty look.
- Layer a sheer or lace blouse over a simple vest and finish with fine jewellery.
- Add a blazer or a coat to take the look into the office or out for dinner.
Caring for Shirts and Blouses
Always check the care label first, as embroidered, lace and sheer fabrics often need a gentler approach than everyday cotton. As a general rule, wash at a low temperature, turn embroidered pieces inside out, avoid the tumble dryer and press while slightly damp. Delicate blouses are best hung rather than folded, which also saves you ironing time.
Small Batches, Never Restocked
Like everything at Kiti, our shirts and blouses arrive in small quantities and are not restocked. If you are unsure about sizing, the team in our Pontcanna Street shop in Cardiff are always happy to help. You can also explore our wider tops edit or the full clothing collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a shirt and a blouse?
A shirt usually has a collar, a full button front and a more structured, tailored cut. A blouse is softer and more decorative, often with details such as embroidery, lace, ruffles, puff sleeves or a bow, and it may not have a full button front.
How do you wear a blouse with jeans?
Tuck a fitted blouse into high-waisted jeans for a polished look, or leave a relaxed shirt loose over straight or wide-leg denim. A half tuck at the front works for most shapes, and adding a blazer makes the outfit smart enough for the office or dinner.
What is a broderie anglaise blouse?
Broderie anglaise is a cotton fabric decorated with small embroidered eyelets and cut-out patterns. A broderie anglaise blouse feels light and fresh, which makes it a summer favourite, but it also layers well under a blazer or knit.
What should I wear under a sheer blouse?
A simple vest, camisole or fitted bodysuit in a matching or skin tone shade works best under a sheer blouse. For evenings, a black vest under a dark sheer shirt looks deliberate and elegant.
How should I wash an embroidered or lace blouse?
Always follow the care label. Most embroidered and lace blouses do best with a cool, gentle wash or a hand wash, turned inside out, then dried flat or on a hanger away from direct heat.
Do you stock women's shirts and blouses in your Cardiff shop?
Yes. Our boutique on Pontcanna Street in Cardiff carries many of the shirts and blouses you see online. We buy in small batches and do not restock, so styles change regularly.
