#neckline

Different neckline styles can emphasize or deemphasize different parts of your body—from your shoulders to your collarbone.

Some Types of Necklines

Asymmetric neckline: This flattering neckline comes in a variety of designs. Asymmetrical necklines look different from one side to the other, usually incorporating a single sleeve while leaving one shoulder bare.

Bib neck: A bib neckline features a crew or collar with an extra piece of fabric that resembles a curved U (like a bib) sewn to the front.

Boat neck: A boatneck opening is wide and shallow, usually coming to a point near the top of each shoulder and skimming just below your neck. Also known as a bateau neck, this neckline draws attention away from the bust, emphasizing your neck.

Collar: A collared neckline refers to any neckline that features an extra flap of fabric, usually with buttons and a front opening. Popular collar necklines include button-ups, Peter Pan collars, and mandarin collars.

Cowl neck: A cowl neckline has extra fabric around the opening that drapes around the neck, resting near the collarbone. This neckline elongates your body.

Crew neck: A crew neckline sits close to the base of your neck and is the most common neckline for T-shirts. This round neckline shortens your neck and emphasizes your bust.

Halter neck: The halter top neckline draws in from the bust to center in a ring of fabric around your neck. This neckline emphasizes your bust and neck.

Halter strap: This neckline comes up from the bust and culminates in two straps that attach at the back of your neck, securing the dress in place. The halter strap neckline can draw attention away from broad shoulders, emphasizing the bust or neck.

High neck: A high neckline, also known as a mock neck, is a variation of a turtleneck that circles the neck, stopping halfway to the jawline. Mock necks rest higher than a crew neck but lower than a true turtleneck.

Jewel neck: A jewel neckline is similar to a crew but slightly more relaxed around your neck to allow room for a necklace.

Keyhole: A keyhole neckline has a small window beneath the top seam of the fabric, exposing a peek of skin.

Illusion: An illusion neckline is made of lightweight, sheer fabric like tulle to give the illusion of a strapless top or dress while offering coverage and garment stability.

Off-shoulder: An off-shoulder neckline comes straight across your bust to end around the sides of your shoulders, exposing your collarbone and the tops of your shoulders.

Paper bag neckline: A paper bag neckline has extra fabric that gathers around the neck, forming a look that resembles the gathered opening of a paper bag.

Plunging neckline: A plunging neckline forms a deep V along your bust, usually coming to a point between or below your chest. This neckline is sometimes called a deep V neckline.

Queen Anne: The Queen Anne neckline forms a heart shape just above your bust line and features a high collar in the back. This regal neckline is prominent in bridal wear.

Scalloped: A scalloped neckline has many curved cuts along the edge to add visual interest, rather than a straight, unbroken line for the hem.

Scoop neck: A scoop neckline is round and relaxed, usually coming down just above your bust and often with a loose fit. A scoop neck helps elongate your neckline and accentuates the collarbone.

Spaghetti strap: Spaghetti strap tops have two thin straps (usually narrower than the width of two fingers) to hold up the bodice. This neckline draws attention to your shoulders.

Square neck: A square neck comes down in two straight lines before cutting straight across your bust, forming a half-square. A square neck can help elongate your neck.

Strapless: A strapless neckline dips in the middle, fits snugly over your bust, and doesn’t feature straps or sleeves. This neckline emphasizes your collarbone, neck, and shoulders.

Sweetheart: A sweetheart neckline forms a heart shape just above your bust, drawing attention to your bust.

Turtleneck: A turtleneck comes high up along your neck, usually fitting tightly, and includes extra fabric that you can fold over at the top. Turtlenecks are especially flattering for people with long necks.

V-neck: A V neckline comes around your neck to form a point in the front and center. It draws the eyes inwards, deemphasizing shoulders and emphasizing your neck area.

Wrap/surplice neckline: A wrap neckline layers one side of the dress or top over the other to form a V shape, usually tucking into and drawing attention to the waist.