14 Types of Necklines for Every Urban Women

Do you have that friend who swans around the stores citing all the ‘official’ terminology of the
clothes and you’re left standing there thinking…but it’s just a top.

Whilst it may feel like you were missed out when it came to the fashion directory school that everyone else apparently went to, this is not the case. It just needs a little self education now and again to keep you up to speed. So, that’s where we come in. YAY!

These days, a tee is never just a tee. Often over-described in magazines, the ‘top’ has copious different names which all allude to the style of the neckline first and foremost, and then sleeveline after. So we’ve curated the complete guide to all the necklines that you’ll ever need to know.

No need to thank us, we’re all about spreading the love.


1. Asymmetric


Asymmetric tops are bang on trend for S/S ‘17 which is great news for all us females as they suit all body shapes.
Asymmetric is as the name suggests - not identical on both sides. Usually in the shape of one shoulder strap but can be voiced in other ways too, such as colour split or different fabrics.
The asymmetric top allows you to be more experimental and playful with your style and adds instant individuality too.


2. Bardot


The Bardot top is named after the iconic French actress Brigitte Bardot, who owned the 1950’s with her iconic style and sex appeal. 
So it’s by no mistake that this top shows off both shoulders giving that sexy AND classy edge to any outfit. It's a timeless shape that will never go out of style (just like the starlet) and will always look pretty and feminine.
We love to team ours with some high-waisted skinny jeans, strappy sandals and an oversized clutch.


3. Off-Shoulder


Yes, you might get confused between this and the Bardot. We can totally understand why. The differences are subtle but they exist nonetheless.
The Bardot hemline goes straight across from the outer arm to the other outer arm. The arm cuffs are thick strapped too. The is off-shoulder top less rigid in its formula - the hemline can vary and the straps across the arm can be as thick or as thin as you wish. However, they both scream sexuality and femininity.


4. Boatneck


The boatneck is more reserved than the Bardot, but still opens up the neck and shoulder area.
You can recognize a boatneck top simply by observing the length of the neckline: it will run from the inner shoulder to the inner shoulder. This style offers a very sophisticated finish to your outfit.
The boatneck is fantastic for office attire when you just don't want to wear a blouse, as it comes across as formal and professional.


5. High Neck


As the name suggests (we do like it when things are kept simple) this style of top finishes high up on the neckline. Think rollneck and you’re already there. The sleeve length doesn’t hold any relevance here - as long as the top cups the lower half of your neck, it’s a ‘high neck’ style. I suggest, in our Manila weather, if you go for a high neck then perhaps make it short sleeved, to keep you stylish and cool (sweat patches are not the one).


6. Illusion


These tops will have, usually, a mesh panel or sheer fabric panel that contrasts to the rest of the top...offering you that enigmatic element to your outfit. The illusion panel means you don’t have to put too much effort into your outfit to make it interesting and unique.
The mesh panel also helps to hide any undesired flesh parts (for those of you who perhaps dislike their upper arms as an example) without resorting to just standard long-sleeved tops.


7. Straight Across


The straight across boob-tube style top is your standard hemline for most strapless tees.
A firm favourites for most modern day crop tops, the straight across is perfect for the effortless weekend style. With a decent elasticated hem, most straight across tops hold well and many have built-in support too, so no bra required. Now that's what our Saturdays are all about.


8. Sweetheart


This is a favourite for bridal wear - the hemline gives a fuller bust by dropping low into the cleavage. With the right support it is often captivating and hugely sexy too.
We women do know how to work our wily feminine charms! Whether you’re well endowed or lighter on top, this style of top will show off your two great assets *ahem*.
If you're looking to throw on something with your jeans to elevate the day outfit for cocktails, a sweetheart top is just the thing.


9. Semi-Sweetheart


As the name suggests, this is just a less severe version of the sweetheart neckline.
This works well for those who may not wish to reveal too much, but enjoy the idea of ‘suggestion’.
The line between sweetheart and semi-sweetheart is pretty blurred if we're honest, but the key is to look at the dip in the cleavage and see just how much is revealed.
Also, a more rounded hemline across the top of the breasts implies full sweetheart; a less rounded is a semi-sweetheart.


10. Square


The square neckline may come off as rather ‘military’ on paper, but the exact opposite is true in reality. It is a perfect choice for work (or date night) and allows you to expose your chest but in a softer way than ‘all on show’.
For a professional finish to your ensemble, a square neckline never fails to deliver.


11. Scoop


Oh this one is easy. The rounded low scoop hemline of the top means it belongs in this category.
Don’t confuse with a v neck or a square - the hemline HAS to be rounded and reasonably low to be a scoop, but can be either revealing or conservative...depending on your predilections.
Super easy to wear and oh so practical (it will go with anything), a scoop neck is a staple for any girl's wardrobe.


12. V-Neck


A great ‘office friendly’ neckline, the V-neck plunges from the shoulders straight down into the cleavage in a V formation. 
Can be as low or as reserved as you fancy, as long as it is a V shape it fits into this category.
This particular style can transcend from formal to casual and is thus a popular shape working women.


13. Halter


The halter is easy to recognize - any top in which the shoulders are exposed and the straps go around the neck.
The standard halter top will have the front of your chest above the breasts covered, which differentiates it from the halter strap top.
As the shoulders are usually our most flattering and feminine part of our upper body, this style of top showcases your ‘best’ bit and thus gives a beautifully feminine finish to any ensemble.


14. Halter-Strap


The halter strap is a notch up from the halter top - the shoulders AND chest area will be exposed and the straps stem from the breast line and will fasten behind your neck.
The halter strap reminds us of the Golden Era of Hollywood, complete with cinched in waists and large floaty skirts.
A popular choice for bikini tops and swimsuits, this style draws attention to your breasts *ahem* and oozes sexuality and feminine charm.


Share this awesome neckline guide to your besties!


xoxo, Blair


For more fashion tutorials, follow me on Facebook and Instagram

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83 comments :

  1. learn alot in this blog post! i wish to wear SEMI-SWEETHEART :D :D but i have only A cup ><

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    1. Hello La Jez, it doesn't matter! You'll be look like a runway model :D I have A-cup too!

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  2. My favorites are the sweetheart, halter strap and straight across! I am ready to go shopping now just reading this.

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    1. Thank you dear, and am happy to know that you've learned something. Share this post to your besties!

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  3. I love the halter strap and semi sweethearts...oh n of course the off-shoulders too! I used to wear them a lot..but nowadays very less..hahhaha

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    1. The good thing about our tropical weather is that we can wear any kind of clothes with these necklines :)

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  4. for men, all equal to pink shirt / dress only ^^ but girls always not agree with :P

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    1. LOL I know right! Well, we ladies knows the best :D

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  5. Informative posts and tips in pairing it! I never know the exact terms of each necklines. I only know that I love sweet heart necklines the most for evening wear. Whereas for casual wear, off shoulder & high neckline is preferred <3

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    1. Thank you for visiting Bee Lee and am happy that you've learned new terms about necklines. Am happy to help :D

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  6. I like high neck shirt. Suitable for my outlook.

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  7. Thank you for clearing out my biggest confusions. I always get baffled when I am dealing with necklines. And half the time I have no idea about the terminology as well. This post helped me a great deal.

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    1. Ohh am so happy that my post helped you Ana :) Keep on browsing my blog for more fashion tips.

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  8. I had no idea there were so many necklines! Awesome. I tend to wear a lot of scoop and v neck.

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    1. I also like V-neck coz it made me look slimmer (though am already slim) and somehow fake my boobs, LOL

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  9. Thanks for this list. It's definitely helpful. I had no idea what some are called. I referred to asymmetric as "caveman". HAHAHA

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  10. Boat necks and high necks are my all-time favorites. They're simply timeless. Great post!

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  11. Blair I love this post. If only you would add who looks good in what neckline it would be even better.

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    1. That's a great idea Valerie, thank you! I 'll do that next time :D

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  12. Such a great compilation. There's so much choice out there, sometimes its a little overwhelming to find out what works and what doesnt. Great descriptions for each neckline. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you for visiting and for liking my neckline guide :) Keep on exploring my blog :)

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  13. I love that you actually provided visuals. Boat necklines are my fav! (Square is my second favorite.)

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    1. Thank you Tasheena for visiting. You've got great choice!

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  14. It is fun reading your post regarding the necklines. Informative post .

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  15. This is such a great list of items to know about all of the different lines when it comes to fashion. I admit I am a newb but it will help as my daughter grows older to know about these things.

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    1. Thank you David for visiting. Am sure this guide will help your daughter in the near future :)

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  16. oh wow this is interesting read. I love off shoulder a lot! sexy yet not too sexy

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  17. I love this consolidation of the necklines! My favourites are those that can show off the shoulders!

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  18. I love these suggestions. Personally I like the V-neck. I love illusion as well. Though I haven't anything like that. I'll definitely look for it. Asymmetric always looks classy I think.

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    1. Glad that you've found something you like Carola! You should try the other types of necklines.

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  19. I've always loved the halter neck look. I don't know if it's because it reminds me of Marilyn Monroe, but I like it.

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  20. I never realised that there are so many....OMG and i wore all these types... Thanks for the info

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    1. You are always welcome. Keep on visiting my blog!

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  21. I love V neck coz it makes me look slimmer and taller.

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  22. this i really useful! helps with finding the right cut for your body shape

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  23. i don't have big boobs and i am Muslim, even if i am open minded... my hubby will kill me if i go out with anything less then a demure neckline... lol

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    1. Hahaha don't worry Miera, next time I'll make a post for our conservative sisters :)

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  24. V neck is my favpourite.Such a great post Blaire .I wish I could wear straigh accross.But not toned enoufgh1

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    1. Ohh of course you can! Thanks for visiting Amrita :)

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  25. Sweetheart and asymmetrical are my two favorite they are so flattering in my figure thank you ao much for sharing

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    1. You are welcome Kay and glad you've got your favorites! Keep on exploring my blog and share this post to your friends!

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  26. Wow! Love this sharing from you, Blair. I now know better about our neckline, gonna share this with my bestiessss ;) cheers, SiennyLovesDrawing

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  27. I'm loving the off-shoulder trend this season! Thanks Blair for sharing the comprehensive necklines guide!

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  28. Love this guide, it is so crystal clear the differing types. Might I suggest you include which body styles they flatter the most? For example, I cannot wear a boatneck neckline as I am very broad shouldered and it emphasizes this too much.

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    1. Thank you Robin, and that's a great idea! I will do it on my next post :)

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  29. This is a fun post! I'm a fan of the "off the shoulder" and "halter" looks myself :)

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  30. they all are good, glad to know and understand it better like this through your post.

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  31. Who knew there were so many necklines! I am partial to the sweetheart neckline myself

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    1. It is nice to know each type of necklines for our body type :)

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  32. This guide was so helpful! It's easy to forget there are so many great options out there.

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    1. I am so glad that my guide helps you a lot. Keep on exploring my page Krysti!

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  33. I have really narrow shoulders and I'm always trying to find a flattering neckline for my lack of shoulders. This is a great guide!

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    1. Thank you Chava! Am glad this guide is very helpful to you.

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  34. I like v-necks. They make me look taller :)

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  35. I love this blog post so much, it's really informative and I totally didn't realize how many types of necklines there were! My favourite is v-neck and square/boat neck.

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    1. Thank you Jasmine. V-neck is my favorite too, my Amore says it makes me look hotter :)

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  36. I must admit I am a strapless type of woman. They make my shoulders and arms look toned.

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  37. I love this post, I love trying different styles, but always go back to the same tshirt lol.

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    1. Well we all ladies have that t-shirt moment (mine most of the time is naked at home) but it doesn't matter.

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  38. I didn't know that there were so many options. Cool to see them all laid out.

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    1. Yeah and it is nice to know a couple of them, to avoid a little confusions :) What neckline is your favorite?

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  39. I like this tutorial you have set up to help women understand the different types of necklines there are in shirts! Great idea! Personally, I would choose the high neck or scoop and both of them would have to have sleeves. I have a modest style for religious reasons. But the great thing about fashion is you can adjust styles to fit your likes or needs!

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    1. I super agree with you Jennifer! Thank you for visiting and for liking my neckline post.

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  40. I have never really thought much about necklines. This post was quite helpful in giving me a better picture of the types and which ones would look best for me.

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  41. I didn't even know what all of those were called so cool info. My favorite is the scoop!

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    1. That's cool Casey. Scoop necklines suits you well :) Great choice!

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