Shirts and blouses

Shirt or blouse: what is the difference at Balzac Paris?

The difference lies more in the shape than the fabric, which varies from one style to another. The Léonor shirt has a straight cut, a shirt-tail hem and gathered cuffs. The Source blouse features ruffled cuffs and subtly puffed sleeves. The shorter Constantine blouse has a round neckline, a polo placket and a ruffle at the cuffs. We choose the fabric for each piece according to the effect we want to create. Depending on the version, the Léonor shirt comes in cotton, cotton and viscose, or viscose and polyamide.

Victorian collar or round neckline: which should I choose?

Choose a Victorian collar for a statement piece, or a round neckline for a simpler silhouette. On the Léonor shirt, the Victorian collar sits high and, on some versions, features gathering at its base. One of our signature details, the Victorian collar also features on the Source blouse and, in a smaller form, on some versions of the Salomé shirt.

The Léonor shirt comes in different fabrics and patterns depending on the version: chambray, stripes, Liberty print, gingham or Sophie Hallette lace.

The Constantine blouse has a round neckline with a polo placket. It comes in several fabrics and prints, including a Liberty print.

Broderie anglaise, guipure, dotted Swiss: which styles should I choose?

These textured fabrics feature in select styles, each with its own cut.

The Mona blouse is made from broderie anglaise, with a flared, godet-panelled cut and puffed sleeves.

The Wyatt short-sleeved shirt, in checked guipure with a boxy cut, is unlined and slightly sheer.

Dotted Swiss features on the Janelle blouse and some versions of the Camille blouse.

How should I style a shirt or blouse?

With plain wardrobe staples. The Léonor shirt pairs well with jeans as well as with trousers. The shorter Constantine blouse can be worn with a skirt plain-coloured.

FAQ: women’s shirts and blouses

What size should I choose for a shirt or blouse?

It depends on the style, as the cuts vary: straight for the Léonor shirt, boxy for the Wyatt short-sleeved shirt and flared for the Mona blouse. Product pages give the length of each style and the size worn by the model. The size guide provides further guidance.

How should I care for a Balzac Paris shirt or blouse?

Follow the care label for each style: most can be washed at 30 °C on a delicate cycle and ironed on a low setting. Some styles need extra care: the Wyatt short-sleeved shirt, for example, should be washed in a laundry bag. A Kiosque dedicated to care and repairs is available at our Adresses in Hauteville, Bordeaux, Lyon and Lille.

Can a Léonor shirt be personalised?

Yes, on selected versions: a word or date of up to 12 characters can be embroidered on the left sleeve. Some versions of the Salomé shirt can also be personalised with embroidery. Embroidered items cannot be returned.

Are your shirts and blouses made from organic cotton?

Some are, depending on the style: several versions of the Léonor shirt and Source blouse are GOTS-certified. Other styles use different fibres: lyocell for the Anne shirt and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose for one version of the Constantine blouse. The exact composition is listed on each product page. Balzac Paris is B Corp certified.

How do I return a shirt or blouse?

Register your return through the “Return an item and Refund” section of your account; returns are free from mainland France. The conditions are detailed on the Delivery and returns.