Different Types of Sweater Necklines
Posted by Aran Sweater Market on 9th Jan 2026

We carry all the different types of sweater necklines here at Aran Sweater Market, from the V-neck vs crew neck sweater to turtlenecks and more. Here’s a quick look at the most popular:
|
Neckline |
What It Looks Like |
How It Fits / Feels |
Styling Tips |
|
Crew Neck |
Classic round opening at the base of the neck. |
Neat, close fit with good coverage. |
Works with almost anything; easy under jackets and coats. |
|
Turtleneck |
High neck that folds or extends up the neck. |
Snug and very warm around the throat. |
Great with tailored trousers or skirts in colder weather. |
|
Cowl Neck |
Loose, draped fabric around the neckline. |
Soft, relaxed, a bit dressier than a crew. |
Balance with slim jeans, leggings, or a straight skirt. |
|
V-Neck |
V-shaped opening dipping toward the chest. |
Opens the neckline; suits many body shapes. |
Layer over shirts or vests; choose depth to suit your comfort. |
|
Square Neck |
Straight neckline with right-angle corners. |
More open across the chest; structured line. |
Pairs well with high-waisted jeans or skirts. |
|
Boat Neck |
Wide, shallow line from shoulder to shoulder. |
Sits high but shows collarbone. |
Looks tidy with slim trousers or pencil skirts. |
|
Scoop Neck |
Deeper, rounded neckline under a crew height. |
Airy around the neck; lighter feel. |
Good over vests or camis; softens chunkier knits. |
|
Mock Neck |
Short stand-up neck, doesn’t fold over. |
Warmer than crew, lighter than turtleneck. |
Ideal under blazers or coats where you want a clean line. |
|
Off-the-Shoulder |
Wide opening that rests on or below shoulders. |
Very open and relaxed on top. |
Best with strapless or thin-strap layers and fitted bottoms. |
|
Shawl Neck |
Curved collar that wraps from neck to chest. |
Cosy, slightly heavier around the neck. |
Strong on cardigans; wear over tees or shirts for depth. |
Choosing among the different sweater necklines isn’t always easy.
Which will look most flattering on you?
Will a V-neck sweater still keep you warm?
How do you style each of these necklines?
We’ll answer all these questions and many more you might have. Shop the best selection of Irish wool sweaters online at Aran Sweater Market today and discover your new favourite style!
“So far, I own 5 sweaters. One is so comfortable, I wear it everyday around the house. I’ve got two for teaching, one for partying, and one amazing turtleneck for special occasions. The authenticity of the product is apparent by the look and feel…truly superior!” - Terrence
“We ordered the shawl neck men’s sweater & received it within a week, which I thought was great! Thank you & Happy Holidays!” - Mary
“Excellent and fast shipping. Sweater was just as described in the website. My favorite sweater I bought was the Chunky Cable Cowl Neck by Aran. I received tons of compliments when I wear it and it keeps me warm in 32-degree weather with a jacket.” - Malinda
Why the Sweater Neckline Matters
The neckline sets the tone for how a sweater looks and feels on your body. It changes how the fabric sits, how warm the piece feels, and how easily it pairs with the rest of your wardrobe.
For instance, higher necklines bring warmth, and wider cuts shift the whole outfit into a softer or more elegant style. There are so many different types of sweater necklines out there, and understanding the style of each makes it easier to put together the perfect outfits.
What Are the Different Types of Sweater Necklines?
Aran Sweater Market carries all the different sweater necklines. All our garments are expertly crafted using ancient techniques passed down from generations.
You can also count on our customer service team for one-on-one support in picking the perfect neckline. In the meantime, here’s what makes each one special.
Crew Neck
A round neckline that sits close to the base of the neck. The most classic choice. It has a clean, tidy shape that works well with just about any outfit you can imagine. It’s great for layering under coats and jackets without bunching. You can never go wrong with this neckline.
Turtleneck
A high neckline that folds or extends up the neck. It traps warmth well and creates a sleek, pulled-together look that works wonderfully for winter or windy weather. Looks sharp with jeans, skirts, or tailored pants.
We have the best selection of turtleneck knit sweaters for women and men’s knit turtleneck sweater here at Aran Sweater Market! You can explore the different types of turtleneck sweaters if you want to go down that rabbit hole and learn about more types of sweater necklines.
Cowl Neck
A loose neckline with soft draping around the collarbone. It’s kind of like a turtleneck but it doesn’t cling to the neck the same way - it feels more relaxed and comfortable. The folds create a softer look that works well with thicker knits. A good choice when you want something warm without the tight, constricted feel of a turtleneck.
V-Neck
As the name suggests, these sweaters have a V-shaped opening that dips toward the chest. It exposes more of the neckline, which works well over shirts, vests, or camis.
Lighter Vs feel casual, deeper ones feel dressier. You can find the perfect style here at Aran Sweater Market, be it a V-neck knit sweater for women or a V-neck knit sweater for men.
Square Neck
A straight, angular neckline that opens across the chest. It creates a more structured look than a scoop or crew. Works well with fitted trousers or skirts. The square shape sits flat against the chest and doesn’t add bulk the way a collar would.
Boat Neck
A boat neck runs wide from shoulder to shoulder with a shallow curve. It sits high on the chest but exposes more of the collarbone than a crew. The horizontal shape makes the sweater feel more open across the top without lowering the neckline. We love these types of sweater necklines with lighter jackets and simple jewellery.
Scoop Neck
A scoop neck dips lower than a crew in a smooth, rounded shape. It leaves more open space around the chest and feels less close to the neck. That’s why it works so well on thicker knits, where a higher neckline might feel heavy or tight. You also get more room for a vest or camisole underneath if you want to layer.
Mock Neck
This neckline stands partway up the neck without folding over. It sits higher than a crew but shorter than a turtleneck - the perfect middle ground for extra coverage without the bulk. It doesn’t fold, so it keeps a clean line under coats and jackets. It offers warmth at the neckline without a full roll.
Off-the-Shoulder Neck
This neckline sits wide and low so the sweater rests on or just below the shoulders. It exposes the upper chest and collarbone much more than other cuts, as you can probably tell from the name alone. The shape creates a relaxed fit on top, as the fabric isn’t anchored high on the neck. Works best with a thin-strap or strapless layer underneath.
Shawl Neck
Last but not least on our list of the different types of sweater necklines, we have the shawl neck. It has a curved, folded collar that wraps from the back of the neck toward the chest. The extra fabric adds warmth without hugging the throat.
This neckline is common on cardigans and heavier jumpers because the fold gives the sweater more structure around the neck. It works well over T-shirts and lightweight tops.
Shop All Our Different Types of Necklines on Sweaters and See Which Catches Your Eye!
Aran Sweater Market has all the different sweater necklines you could be interested in adding to your wardrobe. You’ll gain access to Irish knitwear made with real craft behind it. Every sweater is handmade in Ireland with natural wool and stitches with real meaning behind them.
In addition to all the different types of sweater necklines, you’ll gain access to a wide range of colours, fits, and wool types. It’s easy to pick the piece that perfectly fits your wardrobe.
Customers come to us because our sweaters feel substantial, well-made, and grounded in real tradition. Whether you want a lighter merino layer or a heavier fisherman knit, you’ll find the cut and texture that suits you. Take a look around and see what keeps people returning for more!
Parting Thoughts on the Different Sweater Necklines
We hope you feel confident in all the different types of sweater necklines, including what makes them unique and how to style them. Each neckline sits differently on the body. Choosing the right one can change how a sweater looks and how often you wear it.
You can learn more about the crochet vs knit sweater in our blog if you’d like. Otherwise, all that’s left to do now is explore the different sweater necklines in store for you at Aran Sweater Market.
With over 50,000 reviews on Trustpilot and a 4.6/5 star rating, you can rest assured you’re getting the stunning, comfortable quality you deserve. Shop today!

STORES
Euro
US Dollar
Pound Sterling
Australian Dollar
Canadian Dollar
Japanese Yen
