The Ultimate Guide to Necklines: Every Style Explained, What Suits Your Body Shape, and the Best Brands to Buy (UK & USA)

Necklines do more than frame your face—they can elongate your neck, highlight your collarbone, create balance across your shoulders, and transform your overall silhouette. Whether you’re shopping high street or designer, in the UK or USA, understanding necklines is essential for both style and fit. This guide breaks down every major neckline style, how to choose the most flattering one for your body shape, and where to shop the best pieces for each.

We'll also introduce Tellar.co.uk—the UK’s leading sizing tool that helps you find the right size across 1,500+ brands based on your real body measurements. No more guesswork, no more returns—just perfect fit, every time.

👗 Every Neckline Style Explained

1. Crew Neck

A round neckline that sits close to the base of the neck.

Best for: Small to medium busts, narrow shoulders.
Avoid if: You have a very full bust—it can make your chest appear larger.
Styling tip: Great for layering under jackets.

2. V-Neck

Forms a “V” shape, elongating the neckline.

Best for: Larger busts, shorter necks, broad shoulders—it creates vertical balance.
Avoid if: You have a very long neck or want to minimise cleavage.
Styling tip: Works well for all body shapes when the plunge is adjusted to your comfort.

3. Scoop Neck

A deeper, wider version of the crew neck.

Best for: Pear-shaped figures or those with narrower shoulders.
Avoid if: You want to minimise your chest or prefer a more structured neckline.
Styling tip: Adds softness and curve.

4. Square Neck

A structured neckline with sharp corners.

Best for: Hourglass shapes and square shoulders.
Avoid if: You have a rounder or fuller face—can emphasise width.
Styling tip: Pairs beautifully with structured dresses and bodices.

5. Sweetheart Neckline

Heart-shaped at the bust, it creates a romantic curve.

Best for: Full busts, creating definition and lift.
Avoid if: You want a more modest look or have a very small bust.
Styling tip: Elevates evening and bridal wear.

6. Halter Neck

Wraps around the neck, leaving shoulders bare.

Best for: Toned arms and shoulders, athletic body types.
Avoid if: You want to hide broad shoulders or need bra support.
Styling tip: Best worn with strapless or halter bras.

7. Off-the-Shoulder / Bardot

Sits across the collarbone, exposing the shoulders.

Best for: Hourglass, pear, and rectangle shapes.
Avoid if: You need strong bust support or have narrow shoulders.
Styling tip: Great for summer dresses and evening looks.

8. High Neck / Turtleneck

Extends upward to cover all or part of the neck.

Best for: Smaller busts, long necks, and slim frames.
Avoid if: You have a short neck or fuller bust.
Styling tip: Great in knits and layering pieces in winter.

9. Cowl Neck

A draped, loose neckline often found in knits or silky fabrics.

Best for: Smaller busts or those looking to add volume.
Avoid if: You want a clean, minimal silhouette.
Styling tip: Adds softness and movement.

10. Boat Neck

A wide neckline that follows the collarbone from shoulder to shoulder.

Best for: Narrow shoulders or pear shapes—it creates horizontal balance.
Avoid if: You have a broad shoulder line.
Styling tip: Classic and elegant—especially in tops or shift dresses.

👥 Matching Necklines to Your Body Shape

Body Shape	Recommended Necklines
Pear	Boat, Scoop, Off-the-Shoulder
Apple	V-Neck, Sweetheart, Scoop
Hourglass	Sweetheart, Square, V-Neck
Rectangle	Halter, Off-the-Shoulder, Cowl
Inverted Triangle	Scoop, Sweetheart, Soft V-Neck

🔗 For more guidance:

Finding Your Clothes Size: The Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide Instruction on Posts

Where to Shop: High Street & Designer Neckline Looks

UK High Street Picks:

Whistles – Elegant boat neck and bardot styles.
M&S – Great for square necklines and high-neck classics.
Reiss – Sharp V-necks, halters, and sweetheart cuts.
Next – Scoop and wrap necks, with plus-size and petite ranges.

🔗 Check out:

What Size Am I in Next? The Ultimate Guide to Next Clothing Sizing Instruction on Posts

Reiss Size Chart & Fit Tips Instruction on Posts

Whistles Size Guide & Fit Advice Instruction on Posts

US High Street & Designer:

Aritzia – Known for high necks and halter-style minimalism.
J.Crew – Sweetheart, square, and boat necks.
Anthropologie – Romantic cowl, sweetheart, and bardot pieces.
Diane von Furstenberg – Stunning wrap necklines and V-necks.

🧵 Why Neckline Fit is Crucial

A neckline that gaps, digs in, or sits incorrectly can ruin an otherwise beautiful outfit. For tailored necklines—square, V, sweetheart—you need precision sizing to avoid wardrobe malfunctions or distortion.

🔍 Enter: Tellar.co.uk

Tellar is the UK’s leading free sizing tool, matching your exact measurements to over 1,500 global brands. No more guessing, no more wrong necklines—just confidence in every fit.

✔️ How It Works:

Measure once: bust, waist, hips (or use a known brand size).
Visit the Store Size Lookup Tool to find your perfect size in any brand.
Get real-time sizing advice for styles like halters, sweetheart dresses, or bardot blouses.
Receive size advice tailored to your body—not just a chart.

Always free. In-browser. No downloads.

💡 Access Tellar’s Free Fashion Hub

Tellar’s Fashion Hub includes thousands of free posts on:

Sizing by brand
Body shape styling
Material guides (e.g. silk, cotton, viscose)
Occasionwear advice
Outfit building tips

All honest, unbiased, and independent.

📚 Related Tellar Posts You’ll Love

📲 Follow Tellar for Styling Science & Fit Fixes

Stay updated with neckline advice, fashion tips, and new season styling every day:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @Tellar100
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarUK Instruction on Posts

Final Word

From sharp Vs to soft cowls, understanding necklines is one of the easiest ways to improve your wardrobe. It’s not just about aesthetics—necklines frame the face, guide the eye, and balance proportions. Choose wisely based on your body shape, and most importantly, get the fit right.

With Tellar.co.uk, you’ll always know your exact size—for every brand, every neckline, and every look. Plus, with thousands of style guides in the Fashion Hub, it’s your go-to destination for smart, confident shopping.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.