Different Types of Fashion Necklines and Its Features
Shubham Anil Jain
Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited
Bangalore, India
Email: shubhamajain125@gmail.com
Introduction:
Basically, the top edge of a garment that covers the neck, especially from the front view is known as necklines. Neckline is also called as overall line between all the layers of clothing and the neck and shoulders of a person, ignoring the unseen undergarments. It is seen that, for every garment worn above the waist, the neckline is primarily a style line and may be a boundary for further shaping of the upper edge of a garment with, for example, a collar, cowl, darts, or pleats. In that respect it is similar to the waistline and hemline also. In today’s fashionable era, the shape of a neckline can be modified in various ways and techniques, e.g., by adding a collar or scarf, overlaying it with a gauzy material or decorating the edges with scallops, picots or ruffles.
Different Types of Necklines for Dresses:
1. Asymmetrical Neckline:
Most of the time it is observed that, the asymmetrical neckline is one that goes from the top of one shoulder to under the arm of the other should. This is also called to as the “one shoulder”. Important point over here is, though, is that it is a type of neckline that is not mirrored on both sides. So if 2 sides of a neckline are different, it is termed as asymmetrical neckline.
2. Halter Neckline:
The halter neckline is a type of neckline where the straps of the top connect behind the neck leaving the shoulders bare. In this type it has low cut or open back. It typically drops down towards the bust and can create either a v-neck, sweetheart style or even a keyhole neckline. The straps can be sewn together or could also be tied together by the person wearing it.
3. Boat Neckline:
A boatneck, or bateau, neckline is one of the wide necklines and goes past the collarbone and rests on the shoulders. It is a high neckline which seeks the attention to shoulders and lower neck. The neckline is very simple and feminine and looks beautiful with a dainty necklace.
4. Cowl Neckline:
When there is extra fabric cut at the top of your shirt or dress that drapes or folds around the neckline is called as cowl neck. The fabric typically drapes just below or around the collarbone. This neckline is a very flattering neckline. It is very famous since from the 1930s but it’s been said they were inspired by the Ancient Greek.
5. Jewel Neckline:
A jewel neckline is a type of neckline that has a high, round neckline that sits close to the collarbone. It is called a jewel neckline because it is made to show off your necklaces along your collarbone. This style is often seen in business attire and formal wear.
6. Square Neckline:
The feature of this neckline is that, it has three linear edges, the bottom edge meeting the side edges at right angles. The bottom edge cuts across the figure horizontally and the side edges pass over the shoulders. A special case of this is the slot neckline, in which the side edges are very close (roughly the width of the collar-bone points), forming a narrow slot.
7. V-Neckline:
The feature of this neckline is that it has two diagonal cuts that form a “V” shape at the neckline. This style is flattering as well as versatile, as it can be dressed up or down. The V-neckline has varying degrees of how low the “V” shape goes, and this will directly impact the wearability of the garment. A plunging v-neckline for instance will be infinitely more “sexy” and more evening appropriate.
8. Sweetheart Neckline:
The characteristic of this neckline is that the side edges are linear, curved bottom edge concave down. These have a curved bottom edge that is concave down and usually doubly scalloped to resemble the top half of a heart. The side edges often converge on the neck, similar to halter necklines. Sweetheart necklines point up the bosom.
9. Collared Neckline:
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.
10. Keyhole Neckline:
The specialty of this neckline is that, it has a small hole at the center of the chest. This style is often seen on evening gowns and can be very sexy and unique. It is also seen commonly in blouses. Depending on the fabric used, it can create a boho vibe (soft fabric), or even a 60’s mod vibe (structured fabric).
11. Plunging Neckline:
The feature of plunging neckline or deep V is that it 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.
12. Strapless Neckline:
A strapless neckline is a neckline with no straps. It tends to have a straight appearance, hugging around the top of the bust. It can be made with stretchy fabrics or woven fabrics but woven fabrics will need more seam lines to keep it up.
13. Scoop Neckline:
It is a kind of rounded neckline that dips further than a jewel or crewneck. It has different variations but generally resembles a horseshoe shape. The feature of this neckline is that it highlights the collarbone and subtly shows off your bust. The small scoop neck typically does not highlight your cleavage, so it can also be a good option for casual affairs or the office.
14. Illusion Neckline:
An illusion neckline has a mesh or lace top that creates a see-through effect. It is very popular in bridal and eveningwear. As you can see in the photos below, depending on the fabric used for the “illusion” part, a different look is achieved. With the nude mesh, it appears as if it is not even there. Whereas the lace creates a nice textural element and peek of skin.
15. Turtle Neckline:
A turtleneck is also called a polo neckline, which is a piece of fabric that goes up and around your neck and fits snuggly around it. It can also sometimes have excess fabric that is then folded over itself. This type of neckline is very common on sweaters and knit tops.
Conclusion:
Necklines really highlight a garment and should be worn to flatter and suit the tastes. Choosing the right neckline can make all the difference to the style and the overall appearance of any of the garment. Necklines can be simple or stylish. Choose the one that suits ones garment and body shape. Neckline often decides the feature of the dress and its wearer. It helps to emphasize or de-emphasize different parts of the body – from shoulder to collarbone. Neckline is no less than a style statement because different necklines tend to convey something about the personality of the person wearing them.
References:
- Types of Necklines | Illustrated Guide, https://blog.treasurie.com/types-of-necklines/
- https://paisleyandsparrow.com/types-of-necklines/
- Definition of neckline”. Archived from the original on 2016-08-06. Retrieved 2016-09-02.
- https://gabriellearruda.com/types-of-necklines-ultimate-guide/
- Chilvers, Simon (2011-08-23). “Man-trend: Roll-necks | Fashion | guardian.co.uk”. Guardian. Archived from the original on 2020-02-17. Retrieved 2013-03-14.
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Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
Very good examples of necklaces. The best thing is to have many in the closet to be able to play with different styles and colors.