All neck rings

Wedding dress necklines – what suits your bust and shoulders?

Choosing the right neckline can be crucial to ensuring your wedding dress looks its best on you. If, for example, a halterneck doesn’t suit you in everyday life, that neckline isn’t a good choice for your wedding day. Below, we’ve highlighted a few different styles.

Portrait/Off-the-shoulder

A wide, low-cut neckline set well back from the face with extra fabric. It flows in a soft line between the shoulders. The name comes from the style of dress most women used to choose when sitting for portraits. The ‘off-the-shoulder’ cut is similar but without the extra fabric.
Good for: Strong arms and prominent collarbones.
Not good for: Invisible collarbones.

Sweetheart/Décolletage

A neckline shaped like the upper half of a heart. Emphasises the bust.
Suitable for: A full bust.
Not suitable for: A flat bust. In such cases, bra pads are required.

Bateau

The boat neckline is high and straight-cut with a slight curve at the front. Follows the line of the collarbones. It is sexy and feminine as it emphasises the shoulders and collarbones. Flattering on most body shapes. With or without sleeves.
Good for: Large bust and pear-shaped body.
Not good for: Broad shoulders and sturdy arms.

Sabrina

The Sabrina is similar to the ‘bateau’, but has a narrower neckline that starts about 5 cm from the shoulders. Named after Audrey Hepburn’s character in the film ‘Sabrina’.
Suitable for: Small busts.
Not suitable for: Large busts.

Halter neck

This neckline is tied or fastened at the nape of the neck. Very flattering for the bust line and taller women.
Suitable for: Broad shoulders.
Not suitable for: Narrow shoulders.

Jewel Sheer

A high neckline where the area above the bust and up towards the neck is made of lace. Often sleeveless.
Suitable for: Small busts.
Not suitable for: Large busts.

V-Neck

A V-shaped neckline that plunges deep towards the bust.
Suitable for: A normal bust and slender arms. Strapless
A neckline without shoulder straps. This is the most popular style and comes in an endless variety of designs.
Suitable for: Shaped shoulders and prominent collarbones.
Not suitable for: Small busts.

Scoop

This classic U-shaped neckline falls deeply at the front and often continues round to the back. Available with short sleeves, long sleeves or straps.
Suitable for: Most body types. Queen Anne
A heart-shaped neckline that rises high at the back of the neck.
Suitable for: Strong arms and prominent collarbones. Also a large bust.
Not suitable for: Invisible collarbones.

Square/Carré

A neckline shaped like a half-square.
Suitable for: Broad shoulders.
Not suitable for: Narrow shoulders.