Buying guide for best women’s tunics
Tunics have become a fashion staple in the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. They’re comfortable, and they flatter most body types.
Whether you’re looking to make a fashion statement or just want to lounge in comfort, there are so many tunics on the market, you’re sure to find one that would work for you.
But tunics come in different fabrics, hemlines, and shapes, which gives you a lot of selection but can make wading through all the choices an arduous task.
You have to take into account your height and body type to find a tunic that enhances your figure. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to begin.
That’s where BestReviews comes in!
We consult experts, test products, and read consumer reviews so that we can bring you the unbiased reviews you need to make an informed decision.
We don’t accept free samples from manufacturers. Every product we test is either ordered online or purchased off of store shelves.
We’ve created a buying guide to help you find a women’s tunic that will be comfortable, fit your style, and work for your body type.
Don’t forget to take a look above at our top five women’s tunic picks as a good place to start your search.
"Tunics with side slits show off a little leg. Their style can range from athletic to sexy."
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Types of women’s tunics
Shaped shirt tunics
Shaped shirt tunics look similar to classic button-down shirts but are longer. Not all tunics in this category have buttons all the way down the front, but they’re distinguishable by the crisp fabric with which they are made.
They work well for formal occasions and come in more structured fabrics like cotton and dupioni silk.
Did you know?
A slim-fitting tunic works well with a scarf, as it can balance out a pear shape or draw the eye to the face of other body types.
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Flared tunics
These tunics are distinguished by a snug fit on top that flares to a wide hemline. Flared tunics come in fabrics with good drape and/or movement. Flared jersey tunics have a bit of drape while chiffons and other lightweight fabrics have a flowy look.
Belted tunics
Belted tunics add a touch of definition to your shape. Belted tunics work well to add curves to an otherwise straight figure. Shaped shirt tunics often come with a belt, and if they don’t, a belt makes a great accessory that creates a smaller waistline.
Expert Tip
Balance a billowing tunic by pairing it with a fitted jean jacket, belt, or thick necklace.
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Asymmetric tunics
Whether it’s the neck or hemline, asymmetry grabs the eye and softens the visual transition from one part of the body to another. An asymmetric hemline can visually narrow wide hips while an asymmetric neckline can draw the eyes to the face. Asymmetric tunics tend to be universally flattering as long as the material and length work on your frame.
Dress tunic
As the name suggests, these tunics can pull double duty. They are usually long enough to be a dress but are designed to be worn with skinny jeans or leggings. A dress tunic can vary in length from mid-thigh to mid-calf. Fabrics used in dress tunics tend to have less structure, so they accentuate curves without clinging to the body.
"Sheer overlays let your body show through. This type of tunic can be worn for more formal occasions yet still has the comfort of a regular tunic."
STAFF
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Features to consider before buying a tunic
Fabric
The type of fabric used to make a tunic affects the drape and shape of the garment.
Fabrics like cotton, linen, and flannel give structure to a tunic and work best in shaped garments, although these fabrics can be used for almost any tunic style. Jersey and other draping fabrics create gentle movement that is flattering to many body types and is especially comfortable in the warm summer months.
The fabrics that will be flattering for you depend on your body type, height, weight, and personal preferences.
Expert Tip
Extra features bring out your personality. Tassels, grommets, lace, and pockets are all decorative extras that can express your personal style. Just be sure these little extras don’t throw off the visual balance of your body.
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Body type
No matter your body type, there is a tunic out there that will complement and accentuate your natural beauty. Knowing what type of body you have will help you narrow down your choices. Women’s body types can be narrowed to four broad categories.
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Hourglass: An hourglass shape has a narrow waist with a hip and bust/shoulder that are similar in size. A belt is a good way to accentuate that small waist. You’ll want to avoid tunics with a lot of detail at the neckline (like ruffles or embroidery); these details can make the upper body look out of balance with the lower body.
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Pear: A pear-shaped figure has narrow shoulders and bust with wider hips. Tunic styles that draw attention to the upper body bring balance to this type of figure. An asymmetric neckline, ruffles, and ruching can all draw the eye upward.
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Apple: The apple body type looks rounded and usually carries more weight in the stomach area. A scoop or V-neck tunic will help make the upper body look longer. To add definition through the middle, consider a belted or empire waist tunic.
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Inverted triangle: This body shape has broad shoulders with a narrow waist and hip. Sometimes called an athletic body type, a woman with this shape can wear fitted tunics, although empire waist and belted tunics add curves and definition.
"A good tailor may be your new best friend. If you have a hard-to-fit body, a tailor can adjust your clothing so that it fits you perfectly."
STAFF
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Neckline
The neckline can make all the difference in the appearance of a tunic because it brings balance to the overall shape. V-necks, scoop necks, and asymmetric necklines all draw the eye upward to the face. Whichever neckline you choose, consider whether it will make your body look proportionally balanced or not.
Length
Even short tunics are longer than normal shirts. However, tunics can range from just below the normal hipline to mid-calf. If you are short, you want to be careful that the tunic doesn’t visually cut you in half, making you look even shorter.
Did you know?
Sweater tunics make a great addition to a fall or winter wardrobe. They can be worn as a dress with tights, or they can be paired with leggings and tall boots for extra coverage.
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Issues to watch out for when wearing a tunic
Hemlines
Hemlines should never cut you off at the widest part of your body, namely the hips or mid-calf, because that structure can make your body look bigger.
Rounded and asymmetric hems help to prevent an abrupt cutoff between the tunic and your lower body, but if you opt for one of these designs, be sure the hemline still hits you in a flattering spot.
For your safety
Read the washing instructions on the label of your tunic. The last thing you need is your amazing tunic to get stretched out of shape.
STAFF
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Balance
Tunics bring volume to the upper body, so they are best paired with slim-fitting jeans or leggings. Wide-leg jeans or loose pants cause the body to lose all shape and look larger than it really is.
No-nos and watch-outs
Skirts should never be worn with tunics for the same reason you wouldn’t wear wide-leg jeans or baggy pants with a tunic. However, you can get away with shorts once in awhile, as long as the shorts aren’t hidden by the tunic.
FAQ
Q. I see a lot of tunics that are loose and flowy for summertime, but are there tunics that work in the fall and winter as well?
A. Tunics can be warm and cozy for winter. Look for heavier fabrics like denim or flannel that will help keep you warm. When paired with leggings and tall boots, you won’t get cold, and you’ll look great. If you have a summer tunic you absolutely love, throw a long sweater over the top, add a scarf, and add fleece-lined leggings to complete the seasonal transition.
Q. I have a full figure. What kind of tunic would flatter my figure?
A. You want to avoid anything that makes you look shapeless. Here are a few tips.
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Smaller prints work well for a full figure.
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Be sure that your collar bone and wrists are showing, as they make the body look slimmer.
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Find the right balance of drape and shape. Look for a tunic that hugs your curves without clinging to them.
Q. I’m barely five feet tall, but I love how comfortable tunics look. What do I need to watch for?
A. Tunics are longer than normal shirts, and if you’re petite, that means they’ll be even longer on you. Because of your small size, empire waists and puffed sleeves might make you look younger than you are. Look for short-sleeve tunics that fall just below your hipline. This way, you won’t look like you’re drowning in fabric.
