How To Identify the Basic Neckline

Illustration by waiChing

It really doesn't matter if you are a dude or a dudette nor does it really matter which ever way you swing, by the age of 30 this should be part of your general knowledge. To be honest, we don't think that there are much of a rule on who should or should not wear anything at all. As long as you have the confidence to pull it off and you are comfortable with it, go ahead. Just as long as you are not breaking any rules. Anyhow, below are some notes on the basic neckline. 

Round neck

Named (we presume) after the round cut out for the head-hole, this cutting is generically used for most t-shirts in the market. There are a few modify versions, namely the crew neck and boat neck which we will discuss below but this somehow still seems to be a crowd favorite when it comes to manufacturing t-shirts.

Crew neck

In case you are wondering, this is not just for crews. If you are a boss, wearing this neckline does not automatically demote you. Apparently, it was originally designed to be used for undergarments for the American footballers. The neckline is easily confused with the round neck but it does have a distinct difference whereby the cutting sits at the base of the neck, making the head hole smaller.

Boat neck or Bateau neck

If you pay attention to the cutting, you will realise that it resembles the silhouette of the undercarriage of a boat or a 'sampan'. It normally has a wide and long eclipse cut out for the neckline that sits on the shoulder and tend to make the shoulder looks broader. 

V neck

V neck can be rather daring depending on how low the cutting goes. Some like it at the base of the collar bone while others won't mind showing some decolletage. Whichever way it goes, the V cut surely creates the illusion of a longer the neck. But don't worry, unless you have extremely long neck, you most probably won't end up looking like a giraffe. 

Sweatheart neck

This pretty neckline emphasizes the chest area. Well, chest is a more decent way to say boobs. This cutting is over used in prom and wedding dresses. But hey, if it works, why not. Of course, just to be diplomatic, if you are a male and decides to wear this, go ahead. No judgment. 

Square neck

The square neckline is never really a square. Most probably a rectangle but we think rectangle is too long a word to use in the past. This neckline is rather generous with the amount of skin shown. If you are into thick chunky necklace, this is probably your pick. 

But do keep in mind that these are the names used by the general public. You may come across some other names for the same cutting or slightly altered neckline. There is no hard, fast rule in fashion. If you feel it, go for it.