An overtop is any piece of upper-body clothing intended strictly as an outer layer over a base garment. This category includes overshirts, vests, light tunics, and smocks that provide warmth, protection, or a specific silhouette without acting as heavy outerwear. Designers use them to add depth and texture to layered ensembles.
Heard on the job
We need a sheer overtop to break up the solid color of the base dress.
Insider tip
When drafting a pattern for an overtop, always build in extra ease at the armholes to accommodate the layers beneath.