Camisole vs. Chemise
Fashion Terms — the Apparel Search fashion terminology directory
What is the difference between a camisole and a chemise? Primarily, the camisole is shorter. In modern usage a camisole or cami is a loose-fitting sleeveless woman's undergarment which covers the top part of the body but is shorter than a chemise, which typically extends to the thighs or knees. This page compares the two garments directly, with photographs of a camisole and of chemises, so the difference in length and cut is easy to see.
What is the difference between a camisole and a chemise?
Primarily, the camisole is shorter.
In modern usage a camisole or cami is a loose-fitting sleeveless woman's undergarment which covers the top part of the body but is shorter than a chemise. A camisole normally extends to the waist but is sometimes cropped to expose the midriff, or extended to cover the entire pelvic region. Camisoles are manufactured from light materials, commonly cotton, satin or silk, or stretch fabrics such as lycra, nylon, or spandex. It can also be produced with blended fibers.
The chemise pictured above is from the Hanro brand sold at Lord & Taylor 2015.
View camisole blog posts here on Apparel Search.
In modern usage, a chemise is generally a woman's garment that vaguely resembles the older shirts but is typically more delicate, and usually more revealing. Most commonly the term refers to a loose-fitting, sleeveless undergarment or type of lingerie which is unfitted at the waist. It can also 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.
Chemise pictured above in black is La Perla brand Empire Chemise sold at
Lord & Taylor 2015. The
light blue chemise pictured above is an
Oscar De La Renta which was
referenced as a precious pleats chemise.
As lingerie, a chemise is similar to a babydoll, which is also a short, loose-fitting, sleeveless garment. Typically, though, babydolls are looser fitting at the hips.
You may want to visit the clothing definitions section to learn more about camisoles and chemise.
Thank you for using the Apparel Search website.
Two Garments With a Shared History
The chemise is the older garment by centuries: for most of European history it was the washable layer worn next to the skin under structured outer clothing, made of linen and changed far more often than the garments over it. The camisole developed later as a shorter, lighter covering for the upper body, and the two words settled into their modern length distinction as undergarments became simpler in the twentieth century. Both survive today less as hidden layers than as visible clothing — satin and lace-trimmed versions are sold as tops and sleepwear in their own right.
When shopping, the practical checks are the ones this comparison suggests. Length decides the job: a camisole layers under a blazer or a low neckline without adding bulk below the waist, while a chemise works as a slip under a dress or as a nightdress. Straps matter too — adjustable straps and a little stretch in the fabric make either garment fit more bodies comfortably — and fabric decides care, since silk and satin versions need gentler washing than cotton ones. Kept straight, the two terms describe a simple, useful difference: same family, different length.
Common Questions
What is the main difference between a camisole and a chemise?
Length. A camisole covers the top part of the body and ends around the waist or hip; a chemise is longer, extending to the thighs or knees like a short dress or slip.
What is a camisole worn for?
A camisole is a loose-fitting sleeveless undergarment, also worn as a layering top under jackets and cardigans or on its own in warm weather — the cami is one of the most versatile pieces in a wardrobe.
What is a chemise worn for?
Traditionally as an undergarment worn beneath dresses, and in modern usage also as sleepwear — a loose, comfortable, dress-length layer, as the photographs on this page show.