Necklines 101

Have no idea what I’m talking about when I refer to “sweetheart necklines” or “cowl necklines”?? Well then this post is just for you!

Sweetheart Neckline

A “Sweetheart Neckline”, not to be confused with a “V Neckline”, are almost always found on wedding dresses or other formal gowns. Occasionally they can be found on tank tops, casual dresses, and other shirts. This type of neckline has a curved bottom edge that is concave down and usually doubly scalloped to resemble the top half of a heart. The side edges often converge on the neck, similar to halter necklines. Sweetheart necklines are good for accentuating the bosom. That is why it is frequently seen on Wedding apparel.

V Neckline

V Necklines are formed by two diagonal lines from the shoulder that meet on the chest. These necklines can be demure or plunging, depending on the depth of the V. This type of neckline is one of the most common seen on tanks, halters, dresses, and even on casual button down shirts.

Scoop Neckline

Scoop or Round Necklines have a curved U shape, where the arms of the U pass over the shoulders. Scoop necklines can be demure or plunging, depending on the depth of the U. This is the most common type of necklines. It can be seen on regular t-shirts, tanks, camisoles, sweaters, dresses, nightgowns, and more.

Boat Neckline

Boat Necklines have a broad opening, but which pass nearly horizontally across the figure near the collarbones. Also called bateau necklines or Sabrina necklines. It offers full coverage on the chest, but shows shoulder and neck skin. It’s very flattering on petite women or women with smaller breasts. It is rarely seen on wedding gowns. Boat Necklines are usually seen on tank, camisoles, and other simple jersey or cotton tops.

Off-Shoulder Neckline

are similar to boat necklines in that they generally cut across the figure nearly horizontally, but significantly lower, below the shoulders and collar bone. Such neckline usually pass over the arms but, in the strapless neckline, may pass under the arms. These necklines accentuate the shoulders and neck of the wearer.

Halter Neckline

Halter Necklines feature a high neck with deep, raglan-type armholes or else two straps from the bodice that meet at the back of the neck. In both cases, they form diagonal lines that converge inwards to the neck from the sides. Although such necklines reveal a lot of shoulder, their convergence makes the shoulders seem smaller. Halter necklines can have a horizontal bottom edge, or their two side edges can meet in a V. You will often see halter necklines on bikini bathing suits, tank tops, cocktail gowns, and wedding dresses.

Square Neckline

Square Necklines are characterized by three linear edges, the bottom edge meeting the side edges at right angles. The bottom edge cuts across the figure horizontally and the side edges pass over the shoulders. A special case of this is the slot neckline, in which the side edges are very close (roughly the width of the collar-bone points), forming a narrow slot. This neckline is very flattering on one piece bathing suits.

Keyhole Neckline

Keyhole Necklines are akin to halter necklines, but the converging diagonal lines meet in front of the neck, forming a “keyhole”. More generally, a neckline that features a central hole, usually just below the collar bones. These necklines are seen infrequently. They are hard to find in most stores. If you have larger breasts, keyhole necklines will show a lot of cleavage.

Turtleneck or Polo Neck

A Turtleneck or Polo Neck top wraps around the neck itself and comes up to right under the chin. It is most commonly known as a turtleneck. Usually shirts of this nature with long sleeves, are worn under sweaters to prevent itchy materials such as wool from irritating the sensitive skin on the neck. Other time you can see tanks, dresses, and even some wedding gowns with turtlenecks. Another form of this style neckline of the mock neck. It’s a shorter version of the turtleneck, that only rises half way up the neck.

Cowl Neckline

A Cowl Neckline top is similar to a turtleneck. The main difference is the neckline has much more material making it hang in a scooping fashion on the chest. It is commonly seen on sweaters, camisoles, dresses, and even some wedding gowns. There is no set size for a cowl neckline. It can be quite small and just gather neatly right near your neck or it can have lots of extra material and hang quite low on the chest. Either way, it’s usually quite flattering.

Some information gathered from Wikipedia.org
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