In Wikipedia a camisole or cami is described as a type of woman's underwear which covers the top part of the body. It is sleeveless and tight fitting in contrast to a loose-fitting chemise. A camisole is sometimes worn cropped allowing midriff exposure, but often covers the entire torso. Camisoles are manufactured from satin or silk, or stretch materials such as Lycra,nylon, or spandex, though cotton based materials are more common.
A camisole can be worn over a women’s bra or without one. Some camisoles come with a built-in under wire bra which eliminates the need for a women’s bra among those who prefer one. Recently, camisoles though technically considered women’s underwear have been known to be used as outerwear.
Here are some dos and don’ts from an article by Cynthia Nellis found on About.com:
Everyone from Madonna to Kate Hudson has been spotted donning this season's feminine top, the camisole. Here's how to make this pretty trend work for you:
Do
* Wear a silky camisole under a blazer for the office for a hint of feminine charm.
* Wear a lacy camisole on its own with something unexpected like faded jeans or a structured skirt: contrasts in feminine and masculine are always chic.
* Layer two camisoles together for more coverage, making sure both have similar straps,necklines and armholes (you only want a peek of the second one showing.)
* Do wear a strapless, smooth-cupped bra for added coverage or look for a cami with a built-in shelf bra for more support.
Don't
*Don't wear a silky cami with pajama-type bottoms or a slip-like skirt: too many lingerie looks together kill a great look.
* Don't choose a skimpy camisole if you are busty; instead opt for lace trims on a more substantial tank top like one with thick straps or in heavier cotton material.
* Don't forget to fill in the empty neckline with layers of thin-chained necklaces or a long,skinny, lightweight scarf.
As you can see, in terms of womens underwear the camisole has come into its own as a fashion designer statement. In the history of underwear chemises (next to loincloths) are perhaps the oldest known form of mens underwear and womens underwear. Historically, chemises were long, simple pieces that were worn underneath the clothes of both men and women, beginning in the medieval era. The term chemise can refer to the classic smock or shift, or else can refer to certain modern types of womens underwear and dresses. In the classical usage in the history of underwear it is a simple garment worn next to the skin to protect clothing from sweat and body oils, the precursor to the modern shirts commonly worn in Western nations. Although chemises never really disappeared until the early 20th century, changing fashions required variants on the chemise to be created. In a way a camisole is a development in womens underwear that came about after the development of the corset. Look at this image of Madonna from years ago.
Fashion designer camisoles are now the rage for the Hollywood set and all the women that follow behind stars like Kate Hudson or Madonna. No matter what you call it, it's all just underwear.
