A trapeze top is a fitted top that gradually widens into an A-line shape and can have various sleeve lengths. It originated in the 1930s and gained popularity in the 2000s. Trapeze tops are similar to empire waist and babydoll dresses and are often worn as maternity wear. They vary in details and weave and should be paired with skinny pants or shorts to contrast the loose fit. Different necklines suit different body types.
A trapeze top is a top that is fitted at the bust and gradually widens into an A-line shape as it extends toward the hem line. Gradual flare creates waves in the fabric similar to unstructured pleats, and can be continued to flare or be banded at the hem. Trapeze tops can be sleeveless tank tops or have cap sleeves, three-quarter length sleeves, or long sleeves. Longer sleeves on a trapeze top often feature the same structure as the top itself, with flared fabric that billows out before settling at the elbow or continues to flare into a bell sleeve.
The trapeze top style originated in the 1930s when it appeared in certain dress designs, although it was not considered a mainstream style at the time. It wasn’t until 1958 that the trapeze style gained wide recognition after it appeared in the Yves Saint Laurent designer collection. Ten years later, Mia Farrow would further popularize the style by wearing floral-print trapeze dresses, sometimes referred to as “tent dresses” in the film, Rosemary’s Baby. The trapeze style of tops, dresses, and jumpers continued into the 1970s and 1980s, but disappeared from mainstream fashion in the 1990s before making a big comeback in the 2000s. Pair with skinny pants or shorts like leggings or skinny jeans to contrast the loose fit of the garment.
Trapeze tops or dresses are similar to empire waist and babydoll dresses in that they are a popular choice for maternity wear, due to the volume of space that the angled side seams create in the waist area. Trapeze tops vary in their details, which can include embellishments such as layers at the waist that create a “tiered” effect, sequins, ruffles, bows, or embroidery. They also vary in their weave, ranging from knitted cotton to silk or chiffon. A-line tops that have halter necks look best on slim frames with broad shoulders, while larger frames with a full bust line look best on a V-neck or scoop neck A-line top. Small frames should Avoid baggy trapeze tops and opt for those that have features such as spaghetti straps, an empire waist, and tiered fabric.
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