Generic noun: Jersey, sweater, shirt, ...

[Peter]

Is there a generic word to refer to any upper body garment that covers the torso and possibly also the arms no matter if it's used as an outer layer or the layer closest to the skin? If there isn't any, is there a word that is more suitable as a generic word than others?

I'm a bit confused when I try to read about the meaning of all the different words because there seems to be a lot of regional differences. If I have understood correctly the word 'sweater' is used relativly broadly by the Americans but I'm not sure if it includes things like undershirts that you can wear under the sweater. :undecided:

 

[GigaGreg]

A top? jumper, knitwear these are english words. There are different types of sweaters/jumpers, those that are very thick and those very thin ones which can be used as under the sweater

 

[SonLight]

[No message]

 

[Peter]

Thank you for helping me out.

Isn't 'top' something that mostly women wear. I have assosiations with the stomach being visible but maybe it doesn't have to. You don't say 'topless' about a man, do you?

Yeah, 'shirt' seem to be the best candidate I've seen so far. As far as I understand the word 'shirt' on its own can refer to a specific type of clothing, but when looking around I've come across the expression "put on a shirt" and also the word 'shirtless' which seem to suggest that it is often used in a more generic way.

 

[Genesis]

I would call it upper wear. Top could probably also work for both men and women. But upper wear says it as it is - clothing for the upper part of the body.
https://www.heavytools.com/men/upper-wear
https://www.heavytools.com/women/upper-wear