Types of Necklines in Women's Clothing Part 1

The neckline is the top edge of a garment that surrounds the neck, especially from the front view. Neckline also refers to the overall line between all the layers of clothing and the neck and shoulders of a person, ignoring the unseen undergarments.

Necklines can be grouped into categories according to their shape and where they cut across the body:

Polo or Turtle Neck

These are high, close-fitting collars that fold over and wrap around the neck itself. They are also called turtlenecks.They make the torso appear elongated, accentuate the bust and shorten the neck.They are most common for sweaters (also called jumpers) or jerseys. 

Polo neck shirt with collar.

Cowl Neckline

This is a loose fitting turnover collar (specially at the front) which hangs down.

Crew Neck or Jewel Neckline 

Its a round neckline that sits at the base of the neck and is also called the T-shirt neckline. This type of neckline is suggested for women with smaller chests.

Scoop Neckline

These have a curved U shape, with the arms of the U hanging on the shoulders. The depth of the U can vary, ranging from demure styles to plunging. This type of neckline works for most figures.

V-neckline

This is formed by two diagonal lines from the shoulders that meet on the chest creating a V shape. The depth of the V can vary, ranging from demure styles to plunging. This neckline lengthens the neck. A wide "V" makes shoulders look broader and a narrow "V" does the opposite. The surplice & portrait versions of this neckline  are alternatives. The V may also be truncated by a small bottom edge, forming a trapezoid.

Square Neckline

This is characterized by 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.

Deep or Plunging Neckline

This is a low necklines, in either V, U or square shape, that reveals various amounts of cleavage.

Boat Neckline (Bateau or Sabrina)

This neckline has a high, wide, slightly curved neckline that pass past the collarbones and hang on both shoulders. This neckline shows off the collar bones, makes the shoulders appear broader, accentuates the bust, gives roundness to the face, elongates the torso and shortens the appearance of the neck. It is also called Bateau neckline or Sabrina neckline. 

Portrait Neckline

It is a variation of the boat neck or off-the-shoulder.In this the fabric is folded in a shawl like manner, which frames the shoulders. It is suggested for short waisted women with well defined collar bones and fuller arms.

Off-the-shoulders

This is similar to boat neckline but is significantly lower, below the shoulders and collar bone. Usually these pass over the arms but, in the strapless neckline style, may pass under the arms. These necklines accentuate the shoulders and neck of the wearer. 

Strapless

As the name suggests, there are no straps. Here the fabric passes under the arms. This is suggested for women who are full figures, are petite or have an hourglass figure. Should be avoided bu women with smaller chests.

One-shoulder

This is an asymmetrical linear neckline that cuts across the torso diagonally, usually from one shoulder to under the other arm.

 

Halter Neckline

This is a sleeveless style which features a V-neck or scoop front neckline with straps which wrap around and connect at the nape of the neck and leaves the shoulders (and sometimes the back) bare. This is suggested for short waisted or broad shouldered women.

Sweetheart Neckline

This has a curved bottom edge over the bust line 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 neckline accentuates the bosom. 

Queen Anne Neckline

This type of neckline has a high standing collar in the back and high sides that curve down in a low, open sweetheart-like neckline.

Keyhole Neckline

This is similar to halter neckline, but the converging diagonal lines meet in front of the neck, forming a "keyhole". More generally, this features a central hole, usually just below the collar bones. This neckline is seen infrequently.

Surplice Neckline

This neckline is sometimes thought of as a "faux wrap" style which creates a deep "V". It is similar to how a bathrobe's neckline is formed by one side of the garment overlapping the other. For a dress, the lower layer is usually sewn to the top layer just under the bust.