When someone says the word ”t-shirt”, most people think of a crew neck t-shirt or a v-neck t-shirt.
However, the realm of t-shirt necklines includes so much more than these two styles. In fact, both plain t-shirts and printed ones come in various necklines.
Since t-shirts are staple wear and are compatible with a variety of looks, having a collection of t-shirts with varied necklines can help you pull out a stylish look for every occasion. What’s more, you can shift from casual to formal look or vice versa by changing the neckline of your outfit.
All in all, there is so much more to necklines than the v-neck and crew neck. In this article, we will discuss other necklines you can use to flaunt your look. But first, let us discuss the history and evolution of t-shirts, leading to varied neckline inventions.
History of t-shirts
The t-shirt earned its name due to its ”T” shape. Back in the day, t-shirts had a round neckline (crew neck) and short sleeves. During the 19th and mid-20th centuries, they were used as undergarments. However, since then, they have entered the spotlight and evolved into casual and everyday clothes.
Eventually, v-neck t-shirts were created and, subsequently, replaced with crew neck t-shirts. Since crew neck t-shirts could be seen beneath the dress shirt, v-neck t-shirts were given preference, since they could be worn as an undergarment that was not easily visible.
With time, different types of printed and blank t-shirt necklines emerged and crept into the fashion world. So, let us discuss them in detail.
Types of t-shirt necklines
1. Crew neck t-shirt
Crew neck is the classic t-shirt style everyone knows and loves. It has a circular neckline snugly positioned around the neck. Popularised by the Australian Navy, its name refers to the ship’s crew.
The crew neck t-shirt is highly versatile – it is simple, elegant, subtle, and fashionable at the same time, not to mention comfortable.
What’s more, wearing a crew neck t-shirt draws attention to your shoulders and face. Hence, it looks best on people with longer necks and wider shoulders.
You can pair it with jeans for a casual look or with a blazer for an evening party.
2. V-neck t-shirt
This is the second most prevalent style of t-shirt necklines, which has been around since the 1960s. Moreover, there are several styles of the V-neck, ranging from deep to shallow. For example, a moderately deep V-neck is more suitable for offices, while deeper necklines can create a more elegant evening look.
Typically, V-neck t-shirts look best on people with broad shoulders. What’s more, you can take advantage of wholesale t-shirt offers to update your wardrobe and purchase multiple V-neck t-shirts. You can wear it with a pair of jeans, with an unbuttoned shirt, or for layering under a crew neck sweatshirt.
3. Henley Y-neck style
The name of this style is based on the town of Henley in England, where the Royal Regatta was hosted. Here, rowers wore collarless shirts with buttons, which we now know as the Henley Y-neck style.
Henley t-shirts are a perfect blend of the crew and V-neck t-shirt, with a buttoning placket in the centre forming a straight line. What’s more, this addition of buttons gives this style its aesthetic appeal.
There is a variety of short- and long-sleeve Henley t-shirts available, making this style versatile for all seasons.
4. Boat neck
A boat neckline is quite similar to the crew neck, but is wider. It extends to each shoulder and rests just beneath the collarbone.
Typically, a boat neck t-shirt is more elegant than a crew neck one. In addition, it provides a more modest look than a V-neck t-shirt. Hence, a t-shirt with a boat neck is the perfect attire for nearly every occasion.
Boat necks can look very stylish on women, drawing attention to the shoulders and balancing the mid area. Hence, it is a highly suitable style for both men and women.
5. Polo
A polo t-shirt is the best option if you’re looking to wear a shirt with a collar, but without buttons. This type of t-shirt originated in the 19th century and made its way to ‘business casual closets’ in the 1990s.
Polo t-shirts are highly versatile, and you can pair them with khakis, a pair of jeans, or trousers. Plus, they can come with short or long sleeves. This type of neckline looks best with the top button left undone.
6. Scoop neck
Crew neck and scoop neck t-shirts sometimes get confused for each other because of their similar collar shapes. Additionally, there is a misconception that scoop neck t-shirts are women’s crew neck t-shirts.
In fact, scoop necklines are deeper and broader than crew necklines. Shirts with scoop necklines can be worn in a variety of contexts and are universally flattering, especially when correctly paired with accessories.
For a style that is ideal for the office, we recommend pairing a scoop neck t-shirt with dress pants and a jacket. Conversely, for a more relaxed summer style, you can opt for a scoop neck tank top paired with your favourite flowing shirt, shorts, and a pair of sandals.
Conclusion
Plain t-shirts are among some of the most adaptable clothing options. You can layer them or wear them alone under blazers. Moreover, the availability of various designs and necklines makes them highly versatile.
The nice thing about various t-shirt styles is that they can be altered in countless ways to produce numerous designs while remaining one of the most popular items of clothing for everyone.