How to tighten a slack neckline

Short answer: Sew a thin elastic into the edge from the inside, or make two small pleats at the back of the neck. Both methods take two to three centimetres off the circumference, so the neckline sits closer to the body again. Elastic is the neatest fix, the pleat is the quickest.

Why the neckline goes loose

A neckline goes loose when the knit has been pulled out of shape over time. It happens most when a garment is taken off by tugging at the neck, or hung on a thin hanger so the weight pulls downwards. The edge turns wavy. It can often be fixed at home if only a few centimetres are missing.

The elastic method: measure first

Cut a thin elastic that is three centimetres shorter than the neckline circumference. Three centimetres is what it takes for the edge to draw in evenly, without the neck becoming too tight to pull over your head. Hold the elastic against the edge before you cut and sew, to check it looks right.

Sew the elastic in from the inside

Turn the garment inside out and sew the elastic to the edge while stretching it lightly. Use small stitches and an even pace. When you let go, the edge draws in all the way round. Join the ends of the elastic with a small overlap so they cannot open. See our bamboo nightgowns for women.

Thread and stitches for the elastic

Use a thread in the same colour as the garment and small, close stitches, so the seam cannot be seen from outside. Choose a thin, covered elastic of three to five millimetres, which lies flat. Sew slowly and check the front now and then to see that the edge lies evenly.

The pleat method

Make two small pleats at the back of the neck, one on each side of the centre, and sew them down. It is quicker than elastic and needs no extra material. The catch is that it shows if the neckline is open.

Which method to choose

If you want an invisible fix, choose the elastic. It sits on the inside, so the garment looks as before. If you are in a hurry or have no elastic, the pleat is enough. Neither method rescues a neckline that is several centimetres too big. See our bamboo long sleeve t-shirt for men.

Dampen and reshape a slightly wavy edge

If the edge is only slightly wavy, you can dampen it, ease it gently back into shape and let it dry flat. It does not work on an edge that has grown several centimetres too big, but it is worth trying first because it costs nothing. Lay it on a towel and shape the neckline with your fingers.

How to avoid it next time

Never pull the garment off by the neckline. Take hold of the body or the sleeves instead and pull it up over your head. Dry it flat or on a wide hanger and keep it out of the tumble dryer. On a thin hanger the weight can drag the edge out of shape. See our bamboo sweatpants for women.

Dry and store it properly

Lay knitted garments flat in the drawer or fold them over a wide hanger, so the neckline is not pulled downwards. Avoid stuffing them into a drawer with heavy things on top that can press the edge flat. With a little care the neckline keeps its shape longer.

Frequently asked questions

Can you dampen and reshape the edge instead

Yes, it works on a slightly wavy edge, but not on one that has grown several centimetres too big. Let the garment dry flat so the edge is not pulled out again.

Which elastic should you use

A thin, covered elastic of three to five millimetres. It lies flat in the edge and can be sewn in with small stitches from the inside. Measure it three centimetres shorter than the neckline before you cut.