Crew Neck vs. V-Neck – Which Suits You?

Short answer: A crew neck is the most versatile and suits most people, while a V neck lengthens the neck and disappears best under an open shirt collar. The choice depends on whether the T-shirt is mostly worn alone or as a layer, and on how much neck you want to show.

The crew neck is the standard

The crew neck is the classic for a T-shirt worn alone. It is neutral, suits most people and calls for no thought. The edge should sit a couple of centimetres below the collarbone, neither higher nor lower. See the range under bamboo T-shirts for men with both necklines.

The V neck under a shirt

The V neck wins when the T-shirt goes under a shirt, because the neckline does not show in the open collar. If nothing at all should be visible, a bamboo vest for men with a V neck is better still, because the fabric is thinner and adds no bulk.

The depth decides the effect

A shallow V looks almost like a crew neck and is the safest for everyday. A deep V lengthens the neck and reads more relaxed, but quickly becomes too much if it goes further down than a hand's width below the collarbone. Under a shirt, the medium depth is best.

Neck and face shape

A V neck lengthens the neck and can therefore flatter a short neck or a round face. A crew neck does the opposite and works better on a long neck. It is a rule of thumb, not a law, and it matters less than whether the edge sits correctly.

The edge has to keep its shape

A V neck has a weak point at the tip where two edges meet. Sewn without reinforcement, the tip goes slack after a few months. A crew neck spreads the pull evenly and therefore lasts longer. Look for a double stitched tip if the choice falls on a V.

For the women's wardrobe

On the women's side both necklines are worn alone and as layers. A V neck leaves room for a chain, and a crew neck is the most neutral under a blazer. See the models under bamboo T-shirts for women, and try the neckline with the bra you wear daily.

If you only want to own one

Choose the crew neck. It can be worn alone, under a jumper and under a shirt with a closed collar, where the V neck only solves one of those well. Most people end up with both, though, because they cost the same and each covers a situation.

Washing and the neckline

Whatever the neckline, it is the first place to look worn. Wash at 30 degrees, avoid the tumble dryer, and do not leave the T-shirt on a hanger for weeks, because the weight pulls at exactly that edge. Fold the garments on a shelf instead. See also washing guide for bamboo clothing and size guide for bamboo clothing.