Fashion Elements: Understanding Necklines

Necklines can be used to our advantage. We can make ourselves appear taller or frame our face. Lets go through a few common necklines.

V Neck

This one is fairly self explanatory. A "V" Shape is create framing the face.

A V neckline is flattering on almost all figures and accentuates a face very well.

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Missoni 2013 retrieved from NY Mag

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Sweetheart

Technically of strapless origin but dips down at the centre front of a garment. 

This is typically seen in bridal-wear

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Balenciaga 2013 retrieved from NY Mag

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Jewel

This necklines creates a cull circle around the neck, and tends to sit close to the neck base.

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Agnes B 2013 retrieved from NY Mag

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Square

Creates a square like shape. This tends not to be the most flattering neckline as it plunges deep and takes a viewers eye away from a face.

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D Squared 2013 retrieved from NY Mag

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Scoop

Similar to jewel neckline but does not sit as close to the neck base.

Maintains a circular appearance. Can be low and/or wide.

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Agnes B 2013 retrieved from NY Mag

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Bateau

Otherwise known as boat neckline.

If you where to take an aerial view of the model, it would create a boat shape with the head sitting in the boat.

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Alice & Olivia 2013 retrieved from NY Mag

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Funnel-Up

Can also be called a built-up neckline. The bodice and neckline are one continuous pattern piece.

There are no seams to create this neckline. This about a funnel that has been turned upside down.

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Alice & Olivia 2013 retrieved from NY Mag

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One-Shoulder

Giving off an asymmetrical look, the garment has been designed with one shoulder exposed on purpose.

Do not mistake this one for off-shoulder where the garment falls off one shoulder due to the over-sized nature of the garment. 

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Etro 2013 retrieved from NY Mag

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Strapless

This one is easy and one of the most common in evening wear and bridal wear. 

Shoulders and neck are bare.

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Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2013 retrieved from NY Mag

Hope you have enjoyed this lesson on common necklines. Now go check out your closet and see what neckline you prefer.

Happy Sewing!
Written by Sheila Wong