The Polished Blouse That Means Business — In the Best Way
Sharp, sophisticated and utterly wearable — the Black Pleated Loose Blouse is the kind of wardrobe piece that makes everything around it look better. Padded shoulders add confident structure, buttoned cuffs deliver a crisp, tailored finish, and soft pleating at the front creates a relaxed drape that flatters without clinging. This is black done right.
Why You'll Love It
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Padded shoulders — a fashion-forward structural detail that adds definition and a confident, powerful silhouette
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Pleated front — elegant soft pleating creates beautiful drape and movement, elevating this beyond a simple black blouse
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Buttoned cuffs — a crisp, tailored detail that polishes the sleeve finish and adds a smart, professional quality
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Loose, relaxed fit — the comfortable, non-restrictive cut flatters all body types and works with a wide range of bottoms
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Classic solid black — the most versatile, hardest-working colour in any wardrobe; pairs with absolutely everything
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Autumn/winter weight — the fabric weight is ideal for the cooler months, keeping you comfortable from office to evening
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Occasion-ready — equally at home in a boardroom, at a dinner or styled up for an evening event
Fabric & Care
- Woven fabric — structured drape with soft pleating
- Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
- Do not bleach or tumble dry — hang to dry
- Cool iron if needed, avoid shoulder pads
- Available in UK sizes S–XL
How to Style
Padded shoulders had a major comeback in UK fashion and are here to stay — Vogue UK names the power shoulder as one of the most transformative silhouette details you can wear, while Who What Wear UK consistently highlights the black blouse as a capsule wardrobe cornerstone that earns its place across all occasions. Find more in our blouses & shirts collection and women's tops.
- Tuck into high-waist tailored black trousers + stiletto heels for a sleek, monochrome power dressing look
- Wear loose over straight-leg dark wash jeans + ankle boots for a polished smart-casual outfit
- Pair with a midi satin skirt + court shoes for a sophisticated evening look with minimal effort
Size Guide — Body Measurements
Measure your body (not your clothes) for the best fit. This blouse has a loose, relaxed cut — go true to size for a comfortable, flattering fit.
| Size |
UK |
Bust (inch) |
Waist (inch) |
Hips (inch) |
| S |
8–10 |
32–34 |
25–27 |
34–36 |
| M |
10–12 |
34–36 |
27–29 |
36–38 |
| L |
12–14 |
36–38 |
29–31 |
38–40 |
| XL |
14–16 |
38–41 |
31–34 |
40–43 |
| Size |
UK |
Bust (cm) |
Waist (cm) |
Hips (cm) |
| S |
8–10 |
81–86 |
64–69 |
86–91 |
| M |
10–12 |
86–91 |
69–74 |
91–97 |
| L |
12–14 |
91–97 |
74–79 |
97–102 |
| XL |
14–16 |
97–104 |
79–86 |
102–109 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the padded shoulders feel bulky or uncomfortable?
The shoulder pads are subtle and well-structured — they add shape and definition without feeling heavy or overly 1980s. The effect is a clean, confident shoulder line rather than an exaggerated look.
Is this blouse suitable for office wear?
Yes — the Black Pleated Loose Blouse is an excellent choice for smart-casual and formal office environments. The structured shoulders, pleated front and buttoned cuffs all contribute to a professional, polished appearance.
Is the black colourway true black or closer to charcoal?
The colourway is a true, deep black — not faded or charcoal-toned. It's a clean, rich black that photographs accurately to the product images.
Can I wear this blouse tucked in?
Yes — the blouse is designed with a loose fit that tucks comfortably into high-waist trousers or skirts without adding bulk. A full tuck or half-tuck both work well depending on the look you're going for.