23 Types of Necklines by Name, Picture, and Description.

In this post, you will find the names, pictures, and definitions of the different types of necklines used in garments.

Necklines play a very important role in a garment’s shape and style. They can completely transform a top from modest to edgy or sexy. 

So, come with me and join me to learn all about neckline types.

If you are a designer or a seamstress, you know how important it is to recognize the different parts of a garment by name.

The name and definitions of all pieces can help you construct the ideal garment depending on your favorite style.

But this information is also essential for fashion enthusiasts. 

Knowing the names of the parts of the garment is easier to spot and learn about the styles that fit you the best.

For example, with the information in this post, you will be able to choose necklines for body types.

Every style has its features and works differently for a garment to suit a purpose.

What is a neckline?

According to the Oxford dictionary, a neckline is the edge of a garment that sits over or under the neck. The word neckline is used to make a reference to its high shape or style.

For example, you can say a top has a low off-the-shoulder neckline.

This will make a reference to one of the types of necklines that sits over the arms, leaving the shoulders uncovered.

Necklines come in many shapes, depths, and designs.

They are truly an essential element of design that can change the style of any garment, and they also play a great part in highlighting one’s best features. 

If you know how to dress according to your body shape, you can choose the type of neckline that looks best on you.

How many types of Necklines are there?

In fashion, there are about 23 to 25 common types of necklines.

However, one must consider that there is no such thing as a fixed quantity of styles, as fashion can have many variations of every element in a garment.

But we do know the most popular styles of necklines through the years, such as the “U,” “V,” Square, Sweetheart, and Boat necklines. 

These are the most repeated types of necklines in fashion, and you can find variations of these on all sorts of tops and garments. 

What’s the difference between a Neckline and a Collar?

A collar is a piece of garment attached to a neckline to make a different look to a garment.

As where the neckline is the edge and opening of the base of the neck of a garment from where our head will pass through. 

Another difference between a collar and a neckline is that collars can have different fabrics from the garment.

Whereas the neckline will be of the same fabric as it is a finishing rather than a separate piece.

There are many different types of collars that you can attach to a neckline. You might be most familiar with the dress shirts and collars on men’s and women’s garments. 

You can see collars in all types of garments, such as dresses, coats, shirts, sweaters, and more.

What Neckline is the Most Flattering?

The sweetheart neckline is one of the most flattering styles for almost every body shape.

It elongates the neck and shoulders and draws attention to the face.

This can be helpful for women with short necklines and broad shoulders.

It also looks great on curvy women as it accentuates de curves of the chest and creates the illusion of a smaller waist.

A sweetheart-style neckline can have many variations to fit your body type and your taste best.

For example, you can add off shoulders, sleeves, and spaghetti straps, or choose a smother line (with a less dramatic v-point on the center) and more options like these.

Another great neckline for almost everybody is a “V” neckline.

The sharp and lower point of this style neckline makes the neck longer in a clean, sharp way. It makes short women look taller and balances to a pear shape (narrow shoulders).

Different Types of Necklines

Asymmetrical Neckline: 

The asymmetric neckline starts over one shoulder and extends diagonally to under the opposite arm. 

This is also called an asymmetric neckline.

A one-shoulder neckline is perfect for curvy women as it highlights the curves of women.

Asymmetrical Neckline: 

The asymmetric neckline starts over one shoulder and extends diagonally to under the opposite arm. 

This is also called an asymmetric neckline.

A one-shoulder neckline is perfect for curvy women as it highlights the curves of women.

Boat Neckline

A boat neckline is a wide horizontal neckline that is high in the front and back.

This type of neckline is also called a bateau neckline. 

The boat neckline is used in tops, blouses, and dresses to make them elegant and classic.

Cowl Neckline

Draped neckline resulting from bias cut with excess fabric cut on the bias.

It forms soft folds in the front or the back of the neckline.

Cowl necklines look great on any size of the chest. But they are better for people with longer necks.

Decollete Neckline

A decollete neckline is any neckline cut very low in the front. 

This neckline is very similar to a “v” neckline but is slightly curved towards the point.

Florentine Neckline

A florentine neckline has a medium-low, very wide angular square neckline. 

This type of neckline extends straight from the shoulders to the front and the back.

The design dates from the year 1500, on which women would use a modesty chest scarf.

Funnel Neckline

High neckline cut in one with the garment by slanting or curving shoulder seams upward towards the neck. 

You can also find a funnel neckline with the name of the built-up neckline.

This neckline style is mostly used in sweaters and long-sleeve tops.

Halter Neckline

The halter neckline is a sleeveless garment held around the back of the neck by a band extending from the front.

The shape of a halter neckline creates a diagonal line from the armholes toward the center of the body. 

You can find this style with different finishings on the inner neckline, like a jewel, a v, and similar.

Horseshoe Neckline

A horseshoe neckline is a low-rounded and curved neckline. The name comes due to its resemblance to a horseshoe in the front.

Illusion Neckline

The illusion neckline is a very popular style in wedding and party dresses.

It features a lace or mesh panel on the chest and ends with a strapless neckline.

Designers make the sheer panels with different materials such as lace, mesh, organza, net, or tulle.

It can also have embellishments and embroidery on it.

Jewel Neckline

A jewel neckline is a high round neckline located at the base of the neck. It is usually plain.

This collar reaches just above the collar line.

The style is featured in several women’s and men’s tops, such as blouses or sweaters.

The name is jewel neckline because it can showcase jewelry like necklaces or brooches.

This type of neckline looks great on women with small breasts as it helps draw attention to the face.

For women with large breasts, the jewel neckline might feel constricting.

If you have a short neck, you might want to avoid this type of neckline, as the closed shape will make it feel shorter.

Keyhole Neckline

The keyhole is a high neckline with an opening cut out at the front. The opening space can be on the front or the back.

This type of neckline is great for people who want to show some skin but still want a modest option.

Off-the-shoulder Neckline

A low neckline extends around the arms’ upper part, baring the shoulders.

It shows women’s collarbones and shoulders, creating the illusion of a longer neck.

This is a great option for a person who wants to show their neck, but they are more secure covering the top part of their arms.

Plunging Neckline

This type of neckline has a low-cut neckline, usually with a “V” shape. 

The depth extends to the breast level and can even go as deep as the waist level. 

It is similar to a decollete but deeper.

Queen Anne Neckline

This neckline is named after the British Queen Anne. The Queen Anne Neckline is in two parts.

It features a high neck on the back that lowers from the edges of the neck into open “sleeves” towards the underarm.

The lower center front is a sweetheart neckline.

Sabrina Neckline

The Sabrina neckline is very similar to a boat neckline but is not as high.

In some styles, designers will put ties to fasten at the shoulders.

This neckline got its name in honor of the 1954 movie “Sabrina” starring Audrey Hepburn.

You can find this neckline on several types of tops and wedding dresses.

Scoop Neckline

The scoop neckline features a medium-low front line. It is similar to a “U” neckline, but the base is wider than the base of the neck.

A scoop neckline looks great on short people to make their necks look longer. It is also great for angular faces, making a balance of the curves.

Square Neckline

A square neckline has a moderately low-cut neckline that is square with sharp angles at the front.

You can see square necklines primarily in women’s tops.

This type of neckline helps to elongate the neck, making it look more stylized.

Strapless Neckline

A strapless neckline just above the bust. It can go straight, slightly curved upwards, or with a sweetheart style.

It is held in its place by darts, fitting boning, elastic, or shirring.

Surplice Neckline

A surplice neckline wraps on the front, forming a V neckline in the front or at the back.

Designers fix the central seam with a stay stitch so the neckline won’t open.

Sweetheart Neckline

A sweetheart neckline is lower in the front, and it has the shape of the top of a heart. 

This is a trendy style of neckline to wear with party dresses.

Turtle Neckline

A turtle neckline is a high neckline that extends up from the base of the neck and folds over itself.

This type of neckline is mostly made with knit fabric tops, as the fabric needs to widen for the head to pass through.

“U” Neckline

A “U” neckline is medium-low in the front, rounded, and the same width as the base of the neck.

This neckline resembles the letter U shape.

It is similar to a “V” neckline but has a rounded bottom.

“V” Neckline

This type of neckline has a cut-down sharp point, which can be at the front or the back of a garment.

This neckline resembles the V letter shape.

There are many variations of a V neckline. It can be short and elegant or as deep as the waist height.

If you choose the best variation of this neckline, it can look amazing on most people.

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