Types of necklines: V, boat, sweetheart and more
A neckline is the edge of a garment around the neck and shoulders. It changes most how the face, neck and shoulders look: a V lengthens the neck, a boat neck widens the shoulders, a high neck frames the face.
Below are the most common necklines on a simple top so they are easy to compare. Each page covers how to recognise it, where it comes from, who it suits and which jewellery works.
Crew neckA crew neck is a small round neckline that sits around the base of the neck, the most common neckline on T-shirts and sweaters.V-neckA V-neck is a neckline whose edges meet in a point at the centre front, like the letter V.Plunging necklineA plunging neckline is a very deep V that reaches the middle of the chest or below, often on evening dresses.Square necklineA square neckline has a straight horizontal front edge and two vertical sides, forming a square or rectangle.Sweetheart necklineA sweetheart neckline is an edge with two curves over the bust that meet in the middle, like the top of a heart.Boat neckA boat neck is a wide, shallow neckline running almost horizontally from shoulder to shoulder across the collarbones.Halter neckIn a halter neck the garment is held up by a strap or band around the neck, leaving the shoulders and often the back bare.Cowl neckA cowl neck is a neckline where soft folds of bias-cut fabric drape at the front.Off-the-shoulder necklineAn off-the-shoulder neckline runs horizontally across the upper arms below the shoulders, leaving the shoulders and collarbones bare.One-shoulder necklineA one-shoulder neckline is asymmetric: the garment rests on one shoulder and leaves the other bare.Strapless necklineA strapless neckline is a straight or slightly curved edge across the bust, with no straps or sleeves.High neckA high neck covers the neck: a folded turtleneck, a shorter unfolded mock neck or a widening funnel neck.
How to choose
- Round face: a V, plunge or square neckline.
- Narrow shoulders: a boat, off-the-shoulder or square neckline.
- Broad shoulders: a V, halter or one-shoulder neckline.
- Short neck: a V or a deeper round neck; avoid a high neck.
Related guides
- Types of dresses
- Types of skirts
- Types of pants and jeans
- Types of tops, shirts and sweaters
- Types of coats and jackets
- Types of shoes
- Types of sneakers
- Types of heels
- Types of bags
- Types of sleeves
- Types of collars
- Fabric guide: 40 fabrics, properties and care
- Dress codes: what to wear to an event
- Clothing sizes and measurements
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01What are the types of necklines?
Crew, V, plunge, square, sweetheart, boat, halter, cowl, off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, strapless and high neck.
02Which neckline suits most people?
The V-neck: it lengthens the neck and suits most face shapes.
03How do you match a necklace to a neckline?
A necklace should echo the neckline shape or end clearly above it.
04Which neckline is right for work?
A crew, V, boat or square neckline, not too deep.