A blouse is a shirt, typically worn by women and girls, that's usually made from lighter, dressier fabric than a regular t-shirt or sweatshirt. Blouses often have buttons down the front, a collar, and sleeves that might be long, short, or three-quarter length. They're made from materials like cotton, silk, or synthetic fabrics that drape nicely.

Today, blouses are considered more formal than casual shirts. You might wear a t-shirt to play outside, but you'd probably wear a blouse to a nice dinner, a school concert, or a family celebration. Teachers often wear blouses to work, and businesspeople wear them to meetings.

Blouses come in countless styles: some are plain and simple, others have ruffles, patterns, or decorative buttons. Some tuck into pants or skirts, while others are designed to hang loose. The key difference between a blouse and a casual shirt is really about the fabric and the occasion. A blouse signals that you're dressing up a bit, showing respect for the event or the people you're meeting.