Chemise
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The chemise is the loose, straight-hanging undergarment — longer than a camisole, unfitted at the waist. This guide covers both the lingerie sense and the dress sense of the word.
Chemise
The most common use of the word chemise refers to a loose-fitting, sleeveless undergarment or type of lingerie which is unfitted at the waist. A chemise is generally a woman's garment that vaguely resembles the older shirts but is typically more delicate, and usually more revealing.
A chemise can also be referenced as a type of dress or smock. The term chemise can refer to a short, sleeveless dress that hangs straight from the shoulders and fits loosely at the waist. A chemise typically does not have any buttons or other fasteners and is put on by either dropping it over the head or stepping into it and lifting it up from the ground. The term chemise is also sometimes called a shift and can refer to the classic smock.
In the classical use of the word chemise, it is a simple garment worn next to the skin to protect clothing from sweat and body oils. It was the precursor to the modern shirts or blouses.
As lingerie, a chemise is similar to a babydoll, which is also a short, loose-fitting, sleeveless garment. Babydolls are different because they are looser fitting at the hips.
Do you know the difference between a chemise and camisole? If you have other questions about fashion, you may want to visit our fashion questions & answers section.
Learn more about camisoles and lingerie.
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The Chemise Through History
For centuries the chemise was the washable layer worn against the skin under garments that were rarely laundered — the practical foundation of dress in much of Europe, known in English also as a shift or smock. Its shape stayed remarkably stable: a simple, loose body, usually of linen and later cotton, hanging from the shoulders without waist shaping. The modesty and simplicity of that cut is exactly what the modern lingerie chemise keeps, translated into silk, satin and lace-trimmed fabrics.
The dress sense of the word draws on the same shape. A chemise dress hangs straight from the shoulders and fits loosely at the waist, without buttons or other fasteners — put on by dropping it over the head or stepping into it. When fashion periodically rediscovers the straight, unfitted silhouette, the chemise name comes back with it.
Common Questions
What is a chemise?
Most commonly, a loose-fitting, sleeveless undergarment or type of lingerie which is unfitted at the waist — a woman's garment resembling the older shirts but typically more delicate. The term can also refer to a type of dress or smock.
What is a chemise dress?
A short, sleeveless dress that hangs straight from the shoulders and fits loosely at the waist. A chemise typically has no buttons or other fasteners and is put on by dropping it over the head or stepping into it.
How does a chemise differ from a camisole?
Length and coverage. The chemise is the longer garment, falling more like a short dress; the camisole is shorter, covering the top part of the body.