Boat Neck: Flattering Or Not For Broad Shoulders?

A boat neckline is a wide but shallow line across the shoulders, resembling the bottom of a boat. While it can be a great choice for those with small or narrow shoulders, it tends to accentuate and widen the appearance of broader shoulders. This is because the horizontal line of the boat neck draws the eye outward, making the shoulders seem wider than they are. For those looking to minimise the appearance of broad shoulders, a V-neck or U-neck is a more flattering choice as these create a vertical line down the chest, elongating the body and softening the shoulders.

Boat necks are unflattering on wide shoulders

To make broad shoulders seem narrower, you want to create a vertical line down the chest to elongate the body. A V-neck is ideal for this, as it is universally flattering and draws the eye inward. A U-neck is another good option, as it is deeper than it is wide, and pulls the eye towards the centre of the chest.

The crew neck is another neckline that should be avoided if you have wide shoulders and want to make them appear less broad. This is because it adds volume and emphasis to the shoulder and bust area. Spaghetti straps should also be avoided, as they are too thin to balance out the width of the shoulders.

If you want to make your broad shoulders seem narrower, it's also important to consider the cut of the sleeves. Raglan sleeves, for example, can help to minimise the appearance of broad shoulders as they run up to the collar, extending the line of the arm and fooling the eye.

V-necks are universally flattering

V-necks are also great for women with a larger bust as they will visually diminish it and make it less apparent. The V-neck also works well when you have a shorter neck as the open space creates visual elongation.

If you have wide shoulders, then go for narrower, deeper V shapes. If you want to balance out your hips, go for wider V-necklines. Shorter Vs work for those with higher first balance points and longer necks, while deeper Vs are great for shorter necks. A wider V shape is great to draw the eye upwards and outwards, which can also help narrow a thicker torso.

V-necks are ideal for diamond and heart-shaped faces as they have a naturally pointed jaw shape. If you have a more curved face shape, look for softer V shapes rather than sharp ones. You can also put a cami under your top to soften the V-neck and make it more flattering for your face.

V-necks are not just for tops and dresses. You can also style with Vs at your waistline, your wrists and your ankles. A V-notch in your sleeve or a V in a bracelet will slenderize your wrists. And shoes with a V in the vamp will slenderize your ankle and potentially elongate your legs.

Crew necks can be worn by those with broad shoulders, but need to be styled correctly

Crew necks, also known as round necks, are a classic style that accentuates the face and shoulders. While they are generally considered to be more flattering for those with small to medium busts, they can also be worn by people with broad shoulders if styled correctly. Here are some tips to help you rock a crew neck with broad shoulders:

Fit is Key:

The fit of the crew neck is crucial to ensure it looks good on you. Make sure the neck isn't too wide, and that it fits snugly where the neck meets the body without feeling restrictive. The seam should sit right on top of your shoulders, and the overall fit should be close to the body without being skin-tight. Sleeves should be snug around the arms with no baggy material, and the length of the sleeves and the sweater itself are important considerations too—you don't want them to be too long or too short.

Layering:

Layering a crew neck over another piece, such as a collared shirt, can be a great way to style it. When layering, ensure the crew neck is well-fitted so that the shirt underneath doesn't pop out along the collar or waist. For a more professional look, pair the crew neck with a button-down shirt, with the collar neatly folded and coming out on top. You can play with patterns and colours when layering, but be careful not to mix patterns that clash.

Accessories:

When it comes to accessories, keep it simple. Small earrings or a top with embellished details pair well with a crew neck without competing for attention.

Hair and Makeup:

Consider styling your hair and makeup to complement the crew neck. For example, you could try a sleek updo or a side part to elongate your neck and balance out your shoulders. A bold lip or statement earring can also help to draw attention to your face.

Other Necklines to Try:

While crew necks can be styled to suit your body, you may also want to experiment with other necklines that are typically recommended for broad shoulders. These include V-necks, scoop necks, square necks, and halter necks.

Spaghetti straps are inadvisable for those with broad shoulders

While there are differing opinions on which styles are best for those with broad shoulders, spaghetti straps are generally inadvisable for those with this body type.

Spaghetti straps are thin shoulder straps on an outfit, often on bikinis, camisoles, and crop tops. They are considered attractive and sexy, but they are banned in many schools and offices. Spaghetti straps can also be considered inappropriate for work as they reveal too much of the body and can be distracting.

For those with broad shoulders, the general advice is to pick tops with wider bands as thin straps might make the shoulders look wider. However, some people with broad shoulders feel fine in spaghetti straps and think they are decidedly feminine. It is important to consider your own comfort and what makes you feel confident.

If you want to balance out broad shoulders, there are several necklines that can help. V-necks are universally flattering and are especially helpful for those with broad shoulders as they expose more of the décolletage, drawing the eye upwards towards the face. A boat neck can also add horizontal balance and draw attention to the collarbones, but it is less flattering on wide shoulders. Other recommended necklines for broad shoulders include the crew neck, square neck, and sweetheart neckline.

U-necks are preferable to scoop necks for those with broad shoulders

When it comes to choosing the right neckline, it's important to consider both your face shape and body type. While some people can pull off any neckline, for others, the wrong choice can throw off their proportions and highlight areas they'd rather not emphasise. For those with broad shoulders, in particular, U-necks are preferable to scoop necks for several reasons.

Firstly, let's understand the difference between the two. A scoop neckline is a rounded, skin-baring style that is lower in the front than in the back, often with a non-functional collar or decorative trim. It usually resembles a horseshoe shape, highlighting the collarbone and subtly showing off the bust. On the other hand, a U-neck is a sharper variation of the scoop, with straight lines that form the shape of the letter "U". This style is typically seen in stretchier fabrics and is considered very flattering.

Now, why might a U-neck be a better choice for those with broad shoulders? Well, for one, the sharper lines of a U-neck can create a more structured look, which may help to visually balance out broader shoulders. Additionally, the U-neck's straight lines can provide a lengthening effect, which is often desirable for those with broader shoulders. In contrast, the rounded shape of a scoop neck may emphasise the width of the shoulders, which is typically something that people with broader shoulders try to avoid.

That being said, it's important to remember that everyone's body is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to fashion. While U-necks may be a good starting point for those with broad shoulders, ultimately, the most important thing is to wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!

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