In a blouse with bamboo, polyester and elastane, each fibre has a different function. Bamboo provides a soft feel, microfibre and polyester help against creasing and elastane gives freedom of movement. That way a tailored blouse stays neat for longer while you wear it.
What is in such a blouse?
A good example is the Delphine tailored blouse in white. The composition is 35% bamboo, 30% microfibre, 30% polyester and 5% elastane. Each fibre contributes in a different way to the feel and the fit.
| Fibre | What it does | What you notice |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo | Soft, supple fibre with a light shine | Feels pleasant on the skin and drapes beautifully |
| Microfibre | Very fine fibre that makes the fabric smooth and dense | A sleek, polished surface |
| Polyester | Strong and shape-retaining | Creases little and dries quickly |
| Elastane | Stretches along and springs back | Freedom of movement without pulling |
Why stretch in a blouse makes such a difference
A blouse without stretch gives less when you move. When sitting, cycling or stretching your arms, the fabric can therefore pull sooner at the shoulders and buttons. Gaps can appear between the buttons. With a few percent of elastane in the fabric, the blouse moves along and then springs back into shape. That also allows the blouse to be cut closer to the body without feeling tight.
The tailored cut
Stretch makes a tailored cut with darts more comfortable. The blouse follows the waist without much excess fabric. With a stiff fabric, such a cut would start to pull with every movement; with stretch it stays comfortable.
Three colours, three moods
- White: the classic. Fresh and business-like, goes with everything from navy to black and beige.
- Light blue: the Delphine in light blue is softer than white and gives a friendly, open look. Ideal for interviews and presentations.
- Shadow blue: the Delphine in shadow blue is deeper and calmer, and works beautifully in autumn and with dark trousers.
The striped variant
If you are looking for something with more character, the Odette striped slim-fit blouse in light blue striped is a good choice. The composition is 50% bamboo, 47% polyester and 3% elastane: a little more bamboo, a little less stretch. That makes it feel even a bit softer, while it still stays neat. The fine stripe gives a classic, shirt-like look that suits an office with a slightly more formal dress code.
Combinations for the working week
- Monday, important meeting: white Delphine with the Arabelli high-waist trousers with pleats in navy, with loafers and small earrings.
- Tuesday, ordinary office day: light blue Delphine with black or beige trousers and a fine-knit cardigan.
- Wednesday, client meeting: striped Odette with navy trousers and pumps with a small heel.
- Thursday, presentation: shadow blue Delphine with black trousers. Calm and focused, without distracting.
- Friday, relaxed: white Delphine with dark jeans, sleeves turned up twice.
You will find more combinations in our Office for Women collection and in the trousers for Women.
Why these blouses travel well
The low-crease composition is also practical on the road. The polyester and the microfibre mean the blouse creases little in a suitcase, and it dries quickly if you rinse it out in the hotel room in the evening. Roll it up instead of folding it, hang it up straight away on arrival and any light creases drop out within an hour.
What to look for in the fit
Even with stretch, a good fit remains important. The shoulder seam should sit exactly on your shoulder point, not over it or in front of it. No gap should appear between the buttons when you stand straight or stretch your arms forward. And the sleeves fall to just over your wrist bone, so they do not ride up when you type. If a blouse is just a little too tight around the bust, rather choose a size up: the darts and the stretch make sure it still stays fitted at the waist.
Blouse tucked in or out?
A tailored blouse with darts is designed to follow the waist. That means you can wear it untucked over slim trousers or jeans. With high-waist trousers with pleats, you tuck it in, so the line of the waist and the pleats stay visible. Thanks to the stretch, the blouse also stays in place more easily when tucked in.
Care
A blouse with bamboo, microfibre and elastane is easy to care for, but elastane does not like heat. A few tips:
- Wash at a low temperature, according to the label, and fasten the buttons before washing.
- Use a laundry bag to prevent snagging and friction.
- Skip the dryer: heat can weaken the elastane over time.
- Hang the blouse on a hanger straight after washing. You will often hardly need to iron.
- If necessary, iron on a low to medium setting, possibly inside out.
You will find more general guidelines on our care instructions page, and all blouses in the blouses for Women collection.
Shop the look
Delphine: tailored blouse, white
Delphine: tailored blouse, shadow blue
Delphine: tailored blouse, light blue
Odette: striped slim-fit blouse, light blue striped
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, navy
Frequently asked questions
Does a blouse with bamboo crease?
Less than a cotton blouse, because polyester and microfibre make the fabric shape-retaining. Hang it up straight after washing and it stays largely crease-free.
Why is there elastane in a blouse?
Elastane lets the fabric move along, so a tailored blouse does not pull at the shoulders and buttons when you sit, reach or cycle.
Can a blouse with elastane go in the dryer?
Preferably not. Heat can weaken the elastane over time. Let the blouse dry on a hanger.
