The neckline is one of the most overlooked parts of clothing style. Yet it greatly affects how flattering a top or dress will be, regardless of accessories.
There are dozens of different necklines that change the way your bust, neck and face look.
Women who have a wide neck wouldn’t want to wear something that will make the neck look thicker. Nor would a woman with a small face want to create a disproportioned look from top to bottom. Meanwhile some women need to know the best neckline for a large bust.
There are 5 key areas that should be considered when choosing a neckline for tops and dresses. To get started, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is my body shape? (Apple, Pear, Hourglass…)
- What size is my bust? (Small, Average, Large…)
- What shape is my face? (Square, Round, Oval…)
- What kind of neck do I have? (Long, Short, Wide…)
- What kind of shoulders do I have? (Wide, Round, Square…)
Once you have figured out the type of upper body you have, it will be easier to choose the most flattering necklines to make you look great!
Warning: This is a long post, with a LOT of example images (where clicking on the image or title will take you to where you can get it).
Use the table of contents below to jump to the neckline you are interested in. You can use the arrow in the bottom right corner to then jump back up to the top of this page and be able to easily select a different section in the table of contents.
Or, make sure you have stocked up on your favorite beverage and be prepared to spend some time scrolling!
Please note the images contain affiliate links – we get a small commission if you purchase a product. It helps pay the bills!
Contents
Asymmetrical
Trendy and stylish, an asymmetrical neckline helps draw the eyes up to the bustline and away from a heavier tummy or hip area. It also helps create the illusion of narrow shoulders.
Some styles will only have one shoulder (strap or sleeve), and others will have both straps/sleeves, but the neckline will be off to one side. An asymmetrical neckline generally does not affect the shape of the face, but it is not recommended for women with a short neck.
SheIn Women's Cold Shoulder Rib Knit T-Shirt
Floerns Women's Plus Size Asymmetrical Long Sleeve Knitted Bodysuit
Women's Plus SizeOff Shoulder Asymmetrical Dress
Women's Sexy Cold Shoulder Asymmetrical Ruffle Blouse
No products found.
Romwe Women's Striped One Shoulder Peplum Ruffle Top
Agmibrelr Women's Plus Size Cold Shoulder Blouse
PESION Off The Shoulder Top for Women
Plus Size 2 Piece Outfit for Women
IyMoo Women's Sexy Plus Size One Shoulder Sleeveless Bodycon Dress
Boat Neck
A boat neckline (also known as bateau) is a beautiful modern look that really shows off a slim neck and shoulders. If you have a shorter or thicker neck, this style will only make it look wider. This neckline is also a good choice for women with a larger tummy or bust because it draws the eye up to the neck. Great for pear, hourglass and rectangle body shapes.
VERTTEE Women's Boat Neck Short Sleeve Plus Size Dress
Romwe Women's Plus Size 3/4 Overlap Sleeve Boat Neck Chiffon Blouse Top
BRIANNA Women's Boat Neck Dress Embellished with Soutache
Maggy London Women's Boat Neck Long Sleeve Midi Dress
SheIn Women's Plus Size Short Sleeve Boat Neck Striped Top
KOH KOH Women's Split Sleeve Elegant Long Dress
GRACE KARIN Women's Loose Chiffon Dress
GXLU Women's Plus Size Short Sleeve Striped T Shirt
Karen Scott Women's Plus Boat-Neck Tunic Top
Milumia Women's Plus Size Lantern Sleeve Bodycon Belted Dress
Bardot Neck
The bardot neckline is similar to the boat neck, but this style will generally sit just off the shoulders. Since it’s a much more open style, women with a wider neck can easily wear this, and it looks great to accentuate smaller shoulders. This style can work well for women with a larger and smaller bust, and it draws the eye away from the hips and tummy, making it a favorite for pear shapes. Many hourglass women also love this neckline.
Floerns Women's Boho Floral Print Off Shoulder Split Long A Line Dress
Romwe Women's Plus Size Sexy Off Shoulder Bardot Dress
Daci Women's Off Shoulder Plus Size One Piece Swimsuit
No products found.
Women's Off Shoulder High Split Long Evening Gown
Floerns Women's Plus Size Off The Shoulder Belted Peplum Blouse
Romwe Women 's Plus Size 3/4 Sleeve Off Shoulder Peplum Blouse
Romwe Women's Plus Size Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Tunic
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size Long Sleeve Off Shoulder Blouse
LARACE Off Shoulder Women's Plus Size Tunic
Cowl Neck (Draped Neck)
A cowl neck drapes down to the bust and adds some shape and volume to the bustline. Women with a smaller bust and wider hips will benefit from this style. Apple, hourglass and pear body shapes will even out their bodies from top to bottom, while rectangle shapes will add shape to their bust.
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size Sexy Spaghetti Strap Cowl Neck Velvet Mini Bodycon Dress
WDIRARA Women's Plus Size Satin Cowl Neck Cami Top
Calvin Klein Women's Plus Size Pleat Neck Cami
Alex Evenings women's Plus Size Cowl Neck A-line Dress
No products found.
Floerns Women's Plus Size Satin Spaghetti Strap Cowl Neck Cami Dress
MakeMeChic Women's Plus Size Spaghetti Strap Cowl Neck Glitter Tank Top
No products found.
Crew Neck
A crew neck is round and closer up to the neck. They are the most flattering for women with a smaller bust and slender neck. This neckline works well for hourglass, pear, rectangle and some apple body shapes.
Champion Women's Plus Size Crewneck
Amazon Essentials Women's Plus Size Fleece Blouson Sleeve Crewneck Dress
LANREMON Women's Plus Size Crewneck Short Sleeve Top
Plus Size Crewneck Sweatshirt for Women
The Drop Women's Loose Long Sleeve Crewneck Drop Shoulder Sweatshirt
Amazon Essentials Women's Plus Size Long-Sleeve Lightweight Crewneck Sweater
Plus Size Long Sleeve Crew neck Sweatshirt
JollieLovin Crewneck Lightweight Sweatshirt for Women
Reebok Women's Crewneck Sweatshirt
Summer Women's Plus Size Short Sleeve Crewneck Blouse
Crossover
The crossover neckline adds great visual interest and texture to the chest, making it a favorite for women with a smaller bust. There are two main crossover styles that work with different body details. A crossover v-neck style is great for most body shapes, but low v-neck styles look best on women with a fuller bust and work well to minimize a thicker neck. A crossover halter neckline is best suited for a smaller bust, slender neck and narrower shoulders.
Rekucci Curvy Fit Plus Size Women's Slimming 3/4 Sleeve Tummy Control Dress
Miraclesuit Women's Plus Size Illusionist Crossover Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit
Verdusa Women's Plus Size Bishop Sleeve Plunging V Neck Belted Bodycon Dress
Milumia Plus Size Women's Empire Waist Asymmetrical High Low Bohemian Maxi Dress
No products found.
CUPSHE Women's Floral Crisscross Wrap Plus One Piece Swimsuit
Romwe Women's Plus Size Waffle Knit Long Sleeve Top
SHIJIALI Women's Plus Size Casual Crossover Blouse
SheIn Women's Crossover Wrap Top
IN'VOLAND Womens Plus Size Wrap Short Sleeve Blouse
Halter Neck
A halter style is a favorite for many women because it suits almost all body shapes. They are ideal for women with a larger bust or narrow shoulders and draw the eye away from large waistlines.
Floerns Women's Plus Size Sleeveless Halter Neck Dress
Plus Size Hi Low Halter Neck Maxi Dress
Women's Sexy Plus Size Halter Neck Floral Print Beach Dress
Daci Women's Plus Size Two Piece Bikini Halter Swimsuit with High Waisted Ruched Bottom
S.L. Fashions Women's Plus-Size Embellished Halter Neck Tier Dress
CUPSHE Women's Plus Size One Piece Swimsuit Halter Neck Shirring Tummy Control Bathing Suit
Aqua Eve Plus Size Two Piece Swim Dress Halter Tankini Top Tummy Control Bathing Suit with Shorts
Hanna Nikole Women's Halter Swim Dress Two Piece Tankini
Yonique Women's Two Piece Plus Size Halter-Neck Swimsuit With Tummy Control
Jewel Neck
A jewel neckline is similar to a round neck, but it tends to be wider and lower, making it a great style for women with a slender neck and nicely defined collar. It is also a great style for any body shape, especially for women with a larger bust.
Kasper Women's Jewel Neck Fly Away Jacket with Embroidered Detail
Pastel by Vivienne Women's A-Line Trapeze Midi Dress Plus Size - Made In USA
CARCOS Plus Size Summer Top for Women's Graphic Short Sleeve Tshirt
Kasper Women's Sheer Stripes Jewel Neck Open Front Jacket
Kancystore Women's Short Sleeve Plus Size Maxi Dress with Pockets
LARACE Women's Lace Tunic Short Sleeve Top
JUST MY SIZE Women's Plus Size Long Sleeve Tee
Le Suit Women's Plus Size 4 Button Jewel Neck Seamed Jacquard Slim Skirt Suit
London Times Women's Jewel Neck Smocked Waist Fit and Flare
Milumia Women's Plus Size Jewel Neck Short Sleeve Pleated Lace Blouse
Notch Neck
A notch neckline looks like a combination of a round and v-neck. It adds visual interest to clothing and helps draw the eyes up and away from problem areas like the tummy or hips. This is a good style for a smaller bust and for both narrow and wide necks.
LALAGEN Women's Plus Size Off Shoulder Long Formal Evening Gown
Milumia Women's Plus Size Notch Neck Blouse
No products found.
Roaman's Women's Plus Size Shirred Notch-Neck Ultra Femme Tunic
Women's Raglan Short Sleeve Notch Neck Striped Baseball Tee
London Times Women's Notch Neck Crinkle Satin Elastic Waist Shirtdress
Romwe Women's Plus Size Long Sleeve Notch Neck Curved Hem Blouse
ellos Women's Plus Size Notch Neck Crinkle Tunic
JUST MY SIZE Women's Plus Size Split Neck Tunic
No products found.
Off Shoulder
Off the shoulder necklines are very wide and can sit anywhere from just at, or well below the shoulders. This style works well for hourglass, pear, apple and rectangle body shapes. This neckline beautifully shows off a nice collar and shoulder area, and it also flatters women with a wider neck.
Floerns Women's Plus Size Off Shoulder Sheer Short Sleeve Blouse
Women's Plus Size Off Shoulder Maxi Slit Dress with Pockets
Floerns Women's Plus Size Off Shoulder Belted Peplum Blouse
ROSIANNA Women's Off Shoulder Strapless Ruffle Plus Size Swing Dress
Romwe Women's Plus Size Off Shoulder Short Sleeve Shirred Mesh Ruffle Peplum Top
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size Striped Off Shoulder Short Sleeve Asymmetrical Belted Dress
Romwe Women's Plus Size Off The Shoulder Short Sleeve A Line Flared Party Mini Dress
Baonmy Women's Casual Solid Color Wide Leg Plus Size Jumpsuits with Pocket
No products found.
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size Long Sleeve Off Shoulder Frill Trim Blouse
One Shoulder
Just like an asymmetrical neckline, a one-shoulder style is a trendy look that flatters women of most body shapes. They show off lovely shoulders and necks, making them a good choice for hourglass, pear and rectangle body shapes. This neckline also offers good support for a larger bust, but just make sure there is little detail to avoid making the area look larger. This will create imbalance in the body.
Womens Plus Size One Shoulder Long Sleeve High Low Asymmetric Ruffle Hem Tunic Top
Anna-Kaci Women's Plus Size Sequin One Shoulder Short Sleeve Party Top
MakeMeChic Women's Plus Size One Shoulder Belted Wrap High Waist Midi Dress
IyMoo Womens Sexy Plus Size One Shoulder Long Sleeve Ruched Elegant High Low Maxi Dress
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size One Shoulder Long Sleeve Bodycon Short Dress
IyMoo Women's Plus Size Wide Leg One Shoulder Belted Jumpsuit
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size One Shoulder Long Sleeve Top
Verdusa Women's Plus One Shoulder Sleeveless Midi Bodycon Pencil Dress
Floerns Women's Plus Size One Shoulder Ruched Asymmetrical Dress
Ever-Pretty Women's Plus Size One Shoulder Ruched Chiffon Dress
Plunging
A plunging neckline is one of the most daring and are most popular with club tops and dresses. This neckline style works best with a smaller bust and narrower shoulders, otherwise, a large bust may cause too many “wardrobe malfunctions”. This style will normally dip just below the ribs, but there are also others that drop to the navel.
Daci Plus Size One Piece Plunging Swimsuit
Romwe Women's Plus Size Mesh Short Sleeve Criss-Cross Plunging Neck Blouse
ALLEGRACE Women's Casual Plunging Plus Size Summer Top
Plus Size Peek-a-Boo Mesh Panel Cocktail Plunge Dress
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size Floral Lace Scalloped Trim Bralette
CUPSHE Women's One Piece Plus Size Plunging Neck Ruffle Mesh Bathing Suit
Annbon Women's Plus Size One Piece Sexy Plunge V Neck Backless Bathing Suit
IN'VOLAND Women's Plus Size Tank Top with Plunging Neck
Women's Black Sexy Plus Size One Piece Swimsuit with Plunge Neckline
Queen Anne
The Queen Anne neckline is a beautiful choice for gowns and rich blouses. It has a high stand collar at the back of the neck and then dips down into a v-neck. Since this style hugs the neck so closely, it is not recommended for anyone with a thick neck or broad shoulders, as it will give your body an imbalanced look.
Ever-Pretty Women's Sweetheart Floral Evening Dress
X by Xscape Women's Plus Cowl Neck Velvet Evening Dress
Nemidor Women's Queen Anne Sleeveless Plus Dress
Ever-Pretty Women's Plus Size Queen Anne Neck Empire Waist Gown
Zeagoo Women's Cross-Front Ruched Cap Sleeve Blouse
Nihsatin Women's Audrey Hepburn Vintage Style Swing Dress
Hanpceirs Women's Retro Cocktail Dress with Pocket
GRACE KARIN Women's Vintage Pencil Dress
Scoop Neck (Round Neck)
A round neckline is a common style that is found on tops, sweaters, cardigans, dresses and even some jackets. Similar to a crew or jewel neckline, it’s lovely for any body shape, because it’s an open style that shows off an attractive neck and collar area.
No products found.
Women's Plus Size 2 Piece Midi Dress
MANER Women's Plus Size Short Sleeve Blouse
Women's Plus Size Formal Dress
Alex Evenings Women's Plus Size Tea-Length Lace Mock Dress
No products found.
Beauty-Emily Women's Floral Lace 2/3 Sleeve Maxi Dress
Modern Kiwi Women's Plus Size Short Sleeve Flowy A-Line Pocket Midi Maxi Dress
Eternatastic Women's Floral Lace Long Sleeve Plus Size Lace Dress Black
Ever-Pretty Women's Plus Size Sleeves Chiffon Formal Evening Dress
Square Neck
A square neckline falls straight down and cuts right across the bust. It’s a great style for women with a large or small bust, but since it does create a wider look to the upper body, it’s only recommended for women with narrow shoulder. Ideal for pear body shapes. This style should be avoided if you have a square face, since it will give you a harsh masculine look.
No products found.
MakeMeChic Women's Plus Size Velvet Square Neck Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress
Floerns Women's Plus Size Galaxy Print Square Neck Bishop Sleeve A Line Dress
MakeMeChic Women's Plus Size Ruched Shirred Puff Sleeve Peplum Blouse
Jessica Simpson Women's Sherrie Square Neck Top
Floerns Women's Plus Size Puff Short Sleeve Square Neck Milkmaid Tee Shirt
Floerns Women's Plus Size Sheer Mesh Long Sleeve Square Neck Blouse
Floerns Women's Plus Size Square Neck Long Sleeve Asymmetrical Hem T Shirt
WDIRARA Women's Plus Size Square Neck Puff Short Sleeve Ribbed Knit Top
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size Square Neck Long Sleeve Ribbed Knit Top
Strapless
A strapless neckline is a great way to show off beautiful shoulders and neck. Strapless styles cut right across the bust like a square neck, so women with broad shoulders should avoid them. They also offer less support at the bust, making it a tough style to wear for women with a larger bust.
Women's Strapless Pleated Stretch Casual Large Size Tube Top
Women's Plus Size Smocked Bandeau Tankini Top
Romwe Women's Plus Size Strapless Bandeau Ruched Ruffle Trim Tube Top
Ekaliy Women’s Sexy Strapless One Piece Wide Leg Pant Jumpsuit
LEEBE Women and Plus Size Studded Blouson Tube Top
Smocked Chest Strapless Long Cover-up Dress
Agmibrelr Women's Sexy Bodycon Strapless Dress
LEEBE Women and Plus Size Tube Top
Yii Ouneey Women's Plus Size Bikini Two Piece High Cut Bandeau
Womens Plus Size 2 Piece Outfit Summer Polka Dot Beach Crop and Side Slit Skirt
Sweetheart Neck
A sweetheart neckline is a lovely feminine look that any woman can easily wear. It’s a flattering style for women with a large or small bust, making it a great choice for any body shape. The gently curves of this v-neck variation create the illusion of curves on women with an inverted triangle or rectangle body shape and it also highlights natural curves for other body shapes like hourglass, apple and pear.
Nihsatin Women's Sweetheart Plus Size Ribbed Top
Women's Plus Size Sweetheart Neck Underwire Swimdress
No products found.
Romwe Women's Plus Size Off Shoulder Sweetheart Pleated Bardot Dress
Romwe Women's Plus Size Long Sleeve Mesh Blouse
Yonique Women's One Piece Swimsuit with Tummy Control
WDIRARA Women's Plus Size Peplum Top
Alex Evenings Women's Plus Size Long Sleeve Sweetheart Neckline Dress
Agnes Orinda Women's Plus Size Sweetheart Neck Belted Floral Dress
Profile by Gottex Women's Plus-Size Sweetheart Tankini Top Swimsuit
Turtle Neck
A turtle neck is a very popular choice for cool weather clothing, but not everyone can wear them. It’s a high style that hugs the neck, which is generally unflattering for women with a shorter or wider neck. This is a lovely style for anyone with a slim long neck and narrower shoulders. Great for pear, rectangle and apple body shapes.
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size Turtleneck Long Sleeve Sheer Mesh Top
Hanna Nikole Women's Turtleneck Oversized Knit Sweater
Woman Within Women's Plus Size Turtleneck Cable Long Sleeve Sweater
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size Turtleneck Long Sleeve Crop Top
Women's Plus Size Warm Long Sleeve Turtleneck Top
LARACE Women's Turtleneck Knit Sweater Plus Size
TWLZYBP Women's Turtleneck Bodycon Long Sleeve Dress
Women's Plus Size Long Sleeve Mock Neck Top
Agnes Orinda Women's Plus Size Turtleneck Side Slit Long Sleeve Mock Sweater
Women's Sexy Jumpsuit with Pockets
V-neck
The v-neck is another very popular neckline that suits every woman. There are different variations of v-neck where the “v” sits higher or lower on the body, so this is the only thing that should be considered when purchasing tops. A higher v-neck is suitable for women with a smaller bust and narrower neck, the deeper v-neck is ideal for women with a larger bust and thicker neck.
No products found.
LARACE Plus Size Top With Pockets
Funfash Plus Size Women's Open Angel Sleeve Cold Shoulder Blouse
Roaman's Women's Plus Size Tunic Hoodie
Woman Within Women's Plus Size Washed Thermal Waffle V-Neck Tee Shirt
IN'VOLAND Women's Plus Size V Neck Wrap Blouse
No products found.
Blooming Jelly Women's Plus Size Plaid Shirts V Neck Long Sleeve
Agnes Orinda Women's Plus Size Stripe Boho 3/4 Sleeve V Neck Knit Blouse
No products found.
I’d love to wear the one shoulder look, and you say it is great for those of us with larger busts because it offers good support. A strapless bra is out for me (the girls need a bit more uplift). Are there one-shoulder bras out there? How do you pull this off? Thanks for any guidance, and for the great pics!
There are lots of different convertible bra styles that you can try out. You can wear them with two straps, one strap or even strapless. For women with a larger bust, look for a convertible bra with a wide band, 4+ hook-and-eye closures and wide straps for added support and comfort.
I had no idea that necklines could change your look so drastically! Typically for dresses I would just wear a sweetheart neck just because I thought it was the prettiest, but I think I’ll start branching out thanks to this. Any tips for elongating the neck?
Great to hear! I love trying on different styles to see what works and what doesn’t.
If you would like to elongate your neck, you have to wear lower necklines that are at or below your collar bones. Avoid crew necks and turtlenecks since they make your neck look short.
Thank you so much for this very informative list of neck lines and which one is best for my shake. Is there three or four websites you could recommend to shop for asymmetrical and deep V necklines?
Hi Patricia
We recommend Jessica London, Torrid, Nordstrom Rack, or even Amazon has some great selections. Please note these links are affiliate links, but we recommend them because they are good companies that actually stock plus size outfits.
Good luck!