Types of Necklines, The A to Z Illustrated Guide

Most types of necklines have always been an important feature of shopping, fashion design, and sewing patterns. They create beautiful wedding gowns and add style and design to a variety of fashion garments. Necklines show off beautiful shoulders and elegant necks and enhance the way necklaces are worn. There are numerous styles of necklines, and each adds value and individuality to the overall look of the garment.

Types of Necklines – A to Z

The following list gives a comprehensive look at the different types of necklines and names available. Starting with the trendy asymmetrical neck and moving all the way to the popular v-neck style. There are more necklines to choose from than you could imagine. You could even create your own combination after reading through this list of neckline names.

Asymmetrical (One Shoulder) Neckline

This look is created by having one shoulder bare and one strap running across the opposite shoulder to the underside of the armhole. It creates quite a fashion statement and is very effective in a plain color fabric showing off the design.

Boat Neck

This is one of the wider types of neckline. It is graceful and flattering to the neck area of the wearer. It is sometimes called the ‘Bateau’ neckline. Boat necklines draw the eye to the shoulders and lower neck of the wearer. It sits just below the collarbone and balances wider hips or narrow faces. This is a complimentary neckline that is open and very feminine. The boat neckline looks great with a simple necklace on top.

Cowl

Looking for something soft and draped?  The cowl neck has extra fabric in the cut to allow for drapes in the neck area. The cowl neck flatters all sorts of body shapes when made in a soft fabric. The drapes of fabric will fall according to the texture and weight of the fabric. This is a style for stretch fabrics and sweater knits.

Collared

The collared neck features a collar set into the neckline.  It is a neckline that suits many shapes and is a staple in most of our work wardrobes. 

The collar detracts and draws the eye away from the bust area. Collars can be pointed, rounded, or even asymmetrical and can start at various heights. Most have a buttoned front, but you can also attach a collar to a closed bodice.

Halter

The halter neck flatters wide shoulders and creates a balance between broad shoulders and well-toned arms. This neckline draws the eye away from the width of the shoulders to a more central spot of the design.

High Neck or Turtleneck

This high neckline is best suited to a person with a long neck.  It sits right up under the chin and wraps around the neckline area. Turtle necks often have excess fabric that can be folded down to your desired height. These types of necklines are great for keeping warm in Winter.

Keyhole

The keyhole neckline offers different opportunities to flatter the chest and adds a jewel-like opening close to the neck. Different shapes of keyholes can be created. This neckline does not really suit bigger busted figures unless you want lots of cleavage showing (which you may!)

Illusion Neckline

This is a very popular bridal fashion. A lacy or net type of material is used to create a see-through look from above the bust to the neckline. It is best worn with a strapless bra. 

Off the Shoulder

This neckline takes the eye of the beholder to a wider line of interest. The neckline is off the shoulder and is ideal for narrow shoulders. It is a dramatic, summery look and is best worn with a strapless bra.

Plunging Neck Names

The plunging neckline or deep V is dramatic and elongates the frame of the wearer. It is best suited to the confident woman and may need some kind of tape to keep it in place and avoid a wardrobe malfunction.

Queen Anne

This neckline is named after Queen Anne. It is fashioned in two parts – the sweetheart neckline in the front, which is upheld by sleeves or straps at the side to hold it in place. It is very popular as a wedding-style of neckline.

Round or Crew

The crew neck is also known as the round neck. A basic, simple neckline that suits many different body shapes and is one of the most common types of necklines. A crew neck minimizes the amount of chest showing, and this gives the idea of a shorter neck and fuller chest area.

The U-neck is a longer version of the round neckline.  It opens up the neck area, and the shape of the neckline is like a U.

Scoop

This is a deeper, wider neckline that flatters everyone. It lengthens the neckline and shows off the collarbone. 

Spaghetti Strap

Spaghetti strap necklines have thin straps holding up the garment. The neck may be round or v-shaped and is very open and cool. Read more about how to sew spaghetti straps.

Square Neckline

This retro neck style gives a lovely contrast to curves and helps to elongate a short neck and narrow shoulders.

Strapless Neck

A strapless top shows off the upper body area. Collar bones, necks and shoulders all get highlighted by the strapless neckline. Definitely a neckline for weddings and formal occasions.

Surplice Neckline

The extra fabric in the design of the garment crosses from one side of the bodice to the other side and fits into the waist. It gives a crossover effect and is a great way to define a waistline.

Sweetheart Neck

The sweetheart neckline is very flattering and a great way to show off natural curves and enhance the bust. It is just a sweetheart of a neckline!

V–Neck

This is a very universal complimentary neckline type.  It has the ability to lengthen a shorter neckline and balance broad shoulders. It draws the eye inwards and places less emphasis on a wide torso.

A variation of the v-neckline, the cut-out V, has slits cut out of the side of the V-neck and this adds to the variety and individuality of the neckline.

Another variation of the v neck is the criss-cross neckline which is made up of a series of straps or strings that cross over one another. They form a lattice effect. The number of strings and the size of the strings is left to individual taste.

How to Classify Necklines

Necklines are classified based on the shape and style of the opening at the neck of a garment. Here are common ways they are classified:

1. By Shape including round necklines, such as crew necks, v-necks or jewel necks.
2. By Height – Necklines may be low to high in height.
3. By Occasion – For example, casual necklines, such as crew necks or boat necks, are simple and easy to wear. In contrast, formal necklines are often reserved for evening wear or special occasions.
4. By Design Features such as off the shoulder, asymetrical or halter.

Conclusion

Necklines really enhance a garment and should be worn to flatter and suit your tastes. Choosing the right type of neckline can make all the difference to the style and the overall appearance of any outfit. 

More Articles On Types Of Fashion

• Types of Pockets
• Types of Skirts
• Types of Sleeves
• Types of Dresses
• Types of Collars
• Types of Pants
• Skirt Lengths
• Types of T-shirts
• Types of Bags
• Types of Jeans
• Types of Shorts
• Types of Belts
• Types of Tops