The Necks Have it All!

Think of a neckline as architecture. It frames the face, shifts proportions, and can set the tone before color or silhouette even registers. A small change at the collar can turn the same fabric into something polished, relaxed, or a little bit undone. We’re always awash in a variety of necklines, we can get enough of the range in details. And there are so many to choose from.

Do you know your Bateau from your Bardot? Scoop to Turtle? If not? We got the breakdown for you!

Crew Neck

The classic. Close to the base of the neck, clean and uncomplicated. It reads grounded, easy, and a bit athletic in the best way. A crew neck holds its own—no styling tricks required. Think: The Classic James Dean on a motorcycle Tee

Round Neck

A softer cousin to the crew. Slightly lower, a little more open, with a gentler curve. It feels approachable and easygoing, often landing in that sweet spot between casual and considered. Think: A fine gauge knit shell worn under a blazer

Boat Neck (Bateau)

Wide and horizontal, grazing the collarbones. It draws the eye outward, creating a sense of openness and balance. There’s something quietly elegant here—think less effort, more intention. Think: A French marinière (fisherman’s top). Also common in Breton-striped shirts.

Turtleneck

Fully turned up, fully committed. The turtleneck frames the face with confidence and brings a certain focus—no necklace needed. It can feel intellectual, cozy, or striking depending on the knit and fit. Think: Jackie O in a sleek black jersey turtleneck—equal parts practical and iconic.

Mock Neck

A turtleneck’s more relaxed counterpart. Shorter, less fold, easier to wear. It gives that same sense of framing without the full enclosure—polished, but unfussy. Think: J Crew circa 1988 or Matthew Perry’s Chandler on Friends.

V-Neck

A perennial for a reason. The V opens the neckline, elongates, and adds a touch of ease. It can skew casual or refined depending on depth and fabric, but it always feels like it’s doing you a favor. Think: Princess Diana off-duty in relaxed knits

High V

Subtle and sharp. A higher-cut V gives just a hint of opening while keeping things tailored. It’s a nice in-between—structured, but not severe. Think: Prada’s intellectual take on sporty refinement.

Low V

More dramatic, more directional. A deeper V draws the eye down and adds movement. It can feel a little daring, but in knits and jerseys, it often lands as effortless rather than overt. Think: Jane Birkin, 1970s Parisian effortless chic

Henley

Part neckline, part attitude. A round or shallow V with a button placket, it carries a utilitarian history that still reads today. Wear it buttoned up for structure, open for ease. Think: Workwear-adjacent ease adopted by preppy college boys

Scoop Neck

A relaxed jersey tank or tee—think lived-in, slightly sun-faded basics.
Think: Jennifer Aniston in the early 2000s—easy, sun-kissed minimalism.

Cowl Neck

A draped jersey top or soft knit sweater where the neckline folds over itself.
Think: Halston—fluid, Studio 54-era glamour.

Off-the-Shoulder (Bardot)

A slouchy knit that falls just below the shoulders, or a fitted ribbed top designed to sit off-shoulder. Think: Brigitte Bardot—the namesake, equal parts ease and allure.