When I first learned of Vetta, an ethical brand that makes convertible clothes and capsule collections, it was one of their tops that caught my eye: the Boyfriend Shirt. Then I saw that Vetta makes another shirt, the Girlfriend Shirt. I went back and forth on which one to get for a long time before finally settling on the Boyfriend Shirt.

Now I own both. (Funny how that happens.) So, I decided to write a post comparing the two tops in case anyone out there, like me, was deliberating over which one to get.

Boyfriend Shirt vs. Girlfriend Shirt

The Boyfriend Shirt and Girlfriend Shirt both retail for $98 and come in sizes XS to XL. Just yesterday, Vetta released some limited edition colors of both styles made from deadstock fabric.

The Boyfriend Shirt is definitely roomier all around. It’s oversized on purpose. (You can read my detailed review of the Boyfriend Shirt here.) The Girlfriend Shirt fits more true to size.

Here’s both shirts in XS. The Girlfriend Shirt is on top of the Boyfriend Shirt. As you can see, the Boyfriend has more material all around. Not only is it wider by about 3″, but it’s longer too. Another major difference is the sleeve length. On the Boyfriend Shirt, it falls below the elbow, while on the Girlfriend Shirt it stops above.

Here’s how both shirts in XS look on me worn different ways. For reference: I’m a dress size 4, generally wear S or XS depending on the brand and the cut, and am 5′ 4″.

The longer sleeve length of the Boyfriend Shirt gives it a more drapey, elegant look. (Though in some cases, such as when untucked, it gives it pajama vibes.) Plus, you can wear it as a light layer like a cardigan.

However, the sleeves can also be overwhelming on someone with a smaller frame. I bought the Boyfriend Shirt in XS secondhand from someone who is smaller than me. The Boyfriend Shirt was just too much shirt for her. She preferred the proportions of the Girlfriend Shirt.

Do note that both shirts have low arm pits, which can take a little getting used. As you can see from the photo of the shirts laid out, it’s a bit lower on the Boyfriend Shirt. This cut may render either shirt unworkable for someone with a large bust. (I go into details about the low armpit thing in my review of the Boyfriend Shirt.)

A Closer Look at the Girlfriend Shirt

Since I ordered the Girlfriend Shirt in two different sizes to try, might as well share what they looked like. Here’s the XS on top of a S.

The S is bigger than the XS by about 2″ bust-wise. The S in the Girlfriend Shirt is similar in size to the XS in the Boyfriend Shirt, though the Boyfriend Shirt is still a bit bigger. (The Girlfriend Shirt in S has a 42″ bust measured all the way around while the Boyfriend in XS measures 43″.)

Interestingly, though, once I tried on the Girlfriend Shirt in the two sizes, I felt like there wasn’t a whole lot of difference when it came to the fit (at least on me), besides the length.

Since I’m petite, I decided that it made more sense to keep the XS since it’s a little shorter. It almost doesn’t matter, though, because I almost always wear it tied up or tucked in.

Styling Considerations

In some ways, the Girlfriend Shirt seems like a more wearable top because of the shorter sleeves. I feel that I can throw it on with nearly any bottom. Here’s a couple outfits I’ve created with it.

With the three-quarter sleeves and the slouchier fit of the Boyfriend Shirt, I take care to not style it with something too flowy or baggy on the bottom. Then again, the ability to wear the Boyfriend Shirt like a cardigan comes in pretty handy. When I packed a 6-week housesitting capsule this fall, I chose the Boyfriend Shirt over the Girlfriend because I knew the Boyfriend Shirt could do double duty.

So, which one is better? Hard to say. I feel like they’re both good, just different. Sorry if that’s a cop out answer, but it’s true. I now own the Boyfriend Shirt in two different shades of blue. And I wouldn’t hesitate to get the Girlfriend Shirt in another color. I don’t know if I reach for one style more than the other. I find they both play well with my wardrobe. Nevertheless, I hope this comparison was helpful.