Garment necklines come in numerous shapes, and when you’re shopping for a new dress or top, you need to keep the neckline types in mind to make sure you find the clothes you like best. Neckline shapes play a major role in the aesthetics of your clothes, so it’s important to know what your options are!
Apron
An apron neckline has a bib-like front that resembles an apron and often features straps that tie at the back of the neck.
Boat Neck
A boat neckline extends from one shoulder to the other, creating a wide opening that looks like the curved profile of a boat.
Collared
Collared necklines are defined by their collar! The lapels fold down, creating a neckline that appears like the kind you see on men’s dress shirts.
Convertible
A convertible neckline can be worn in multiple ways, depending on how it is styled ie; straight up, criss-cross, around the neck. Garments with this type of neckline often have straps that can help change the shape of the neckline.
Cowl
A cowl neckline is a draped neckline that creates a soft, folded look around the neck
Halter
A halter neckline is a style of neckline that features fabric that wraps around the back of the neck, leaving the shoulders and arms bare.
High-Neck
A high-neck neckline sits high on the neck, covering the collarbones and sometimes extending up to the chin. It does not fold like a turtleneck and is not as snug as a mock neckline.
Mock
Mock necklines are similar to turtlenecks, but mock necks don’t fold over, and they aren’t as high, sitting snugly around the base of the neck.
Off-the-Shoulder
An off-the-shoulder neckline is a style that sits below the shoulders, leaving them bare. It may have sleeves or straps that sit on the arms.
One-Shoulder
A one-shoulder neckline is a style that features one strap that goes over one shoulder and leaves the other shoulder bare.
Round-Neck
This is one of the most basic, typical shirt or dress neckline types that you’ll encounter in clothing. A round neckline is a simple, circular neckline that sits at the base of the neck.
Scoop
A scoop neckline is a U-shaped neckline that is lower than a round neckline. Scoop necklines can resemble square necklines but are rounder, and usually have thinner straps.
Square-Neck
A square neckline is a style that features a squared-off neck opening, often with wider straps that cover the tops of the shoulders.
Straight
A straight neckline is a simple, straight line that sits across the chest, often at or just below the collarbone.
Strapless
A strapless neckline is a style that sits above the bust, leaving the shoulders and arms bare. It can come in lots of different shapes and often features hidden no-slip strips.
Surplice
You’ve likely seen this word while shopping online and wondered “What is a surplice neckline?” Well, a surplice neckline is a style that features a draped or crossed front, creating a V-neckline. They may be a feature of convertible necklines as well.
Sweetheart
The sweetheart neckline is characterized by a curved, heart-shaped dip in the front. Sweetheart necklines are popular for their feminine and romantic appearance, and may or may not have straps.
Turtleneck
A turtleneck neckline is a style of neckline that covers the entire neck and extends upward to fold over. Turtleneck types of necklines are of course most popular on cold-weather clothes.
V-Neck
A V-neck neckline is a style of neckline that forms a V-shape in the front, with the point of the V coming down between the collarbones. V-necklines can vary in depth and width.
