Boat Necks: Flattering For All Body Types?

A boat neck, also known as a bateau or wide neckline, is a graceful, wider neckline that runs parallel to the collarbone and extends towards the shoulders. It is said to be a good choice for those with a small to medium bust and can balance a fuller midsection by drawing the eye out to the shoulders. It is also a good choice for those with a rectangle or apple body shape as it can add width to the shoulders, creating the illusion of an hourglass figure. However, it is less flattering on those with wide shoulders.

Boat necks are good for those with a small to medium bust

A boat neck is a wider neckline that passes just below the collarbone. It can balance a fuller midsection by drawing the eye out towards the shoulders.

Boat necks are best suited for those with a small to medium bust. This is because the neckline sits higher, emphasising the bust and making it appear larger. It is also a good option for those with a smaller face as it balances these features.

Boat necks are also great for those with narrow shoulders as the horizontal line across the shoulder bone draws attention to the shoulders. If you have narrow shoulders, you can add a stripe to the boat neck to further emphasise this feature.

Boat necks are a good choice for those with a square jaw or chin as the flatter shape of the neckline harmonises with the flatter planes of these jawlines. This neckline is also good for those with a rectangle or apple body shape as it can add width to the shoulders, creating the illusion of an hourglass figure.

If you have a small to medium bust, you can style a boat neck with long, layered necklaces or an oversized pendant to create a little interest.

They can balance a fuller midsection

A boat neckline is a wider neckline that passes just below the collarbone and can balance a fuller midsection by drawing the eye out towards the shoulders. This neckline is ideal for those with a small to medium bust. It is also suitable for people with a rectangle or apple body shape as it can add width to the shoulders, creating the illusion of an hourglass figure.

Boat necks are a great way to showcase your collarbones and balance a fuller midsection. If you want to create a little interest, you can pair it with long, layered necklaces or an oversized pendant.

The boat neckline is a versatile and elegant choice that can be dressed up or down, making it a great addition to any wardrobe. It is a timeless piece that can be styled in various ways to suit your unique body shape and personal style.

• Layering: Add a blazer, jacket, or cardigan over your boat neck top to create a polished look.
• Accessories: Experiment with different necklaces, such as long, layered necklaces or a statement pendant, to add a touch of glamour.
• Bottoms: Pair your boat neck top with a variety of bottoms, such as skirts, trousers, or jeans, depending on the occasion and your personal style.
• Sleeves: Opt for a sleeveless or short-sleeved boat neck top if you want to showcase your shoulders and arms. For a more modest look, choose a three-quarter or long-sleeved option.
• Fabrics and colours: Play with different fabrics and colours to create a range of looks, from casual to dressy.

Remember, the key to finding the most flattering neckline is understanding your body shape and unique features. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your wardrobe choices!

They can add width to your shoulders

Boat necks are wider necklines that pass just below the collarbone. They can balance out a fuller midsection by drawing the eye outwards towards the shoulders, adding width.

Boat necks are ideal for those with a small to medium bust, as they offer a lot of coverage. They can be accessorised with long, layered necklaces or an oversized pendant.

However, they are not the best option for those with broad shoulders, as they can emphasise and lengthen the width of the shoulders. They are also not the most flattering for those with a long face, as they draw the eye horizontally.

If you want to balance out a wider midsection, a boat neck is a great option. However, if you have broad shoulders, you may want to opt for a v-neck or scoop neck instead, as these will draw the eye inwards, making broad shoulders appear less prominent.

They are less flattering on wide shoulders

Boat necks, also known as bateau or wide necklines, are elegant and balancing. They run parallel to the collarbone and extend toward the shoulders, drawing the eye outwards and creating the illusion of width at the shoulders.

While boat necks can be a great choice for many, they are less flattering on people with wide shoulders. This is because the boat neck's horizontal line can emphasise the width of the shoulders, rather than creating a balancing effect. For those with wide shoulders, a V-neck or a square neck can be a better option, as these necklines create a lengthening effect. For those wanting to soften a very square shoulder line, a style with narrower, deeper V shapes is recommended.

If you have wide shoulders and your heart is set on a boat neck, there are ways to make this style work for you. For instance, you could try pairing your boat-neck top with long, layered necklaces or an oversized pendant to create a lengthening effect.

They are good for those with a rectangle or apple body shape

Boat necks are a great choice for those with a rectangle or apple body shape. This elegant, wide neckline runs parallel to the collarbone and extends toward the shoulders, adding width to the shoulders and creating the illusion of an hourglass figure.

For those with a rectangle body shape, a boat neck can help to create curves by emphasising the shoulders. The rectangle body shape is characterised by equal bust, waist, and hip measurements, with little to no waist definition, and a straight silhouette. To balance out this shape, the goal is often to add volume and curves to the upper and lower body while defining the waist. A boat neck can help to create the illusion of curves by drawing attention to the shoulders.

When it comes to apple body shapes, the goal is often to balance out the top half of the body, which tends to be fuller, with the lower half. A boat neck can help to achieve this balance by drawing attention to the shoulders, thus creating a visual separation between the bust and the tummy. This can help to elongate the body and break up the chest, taking attention away from the fuller midsection.

In addition to the boat neck, there are other necklines that can complement the rectangle or apple body shape. Rectangle body shapes can benefit from round necklines, such as scoop or jewel necklines, to create curves, or narrow necklines, such as turtlenecks or crew necks, to accentuate a slender silhouette. Apple body shapes, on the other hand, can opt for plunging or deep V-necklines, which help to elongate the body and shrink the waistline, or strapless necklines, as long as they are well-supported.

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