A boatneck is a type of neckline in both men and women’s wear. Initially, the boatneck, also called the bateau neck, was designed for sailors. The wide slit made it easy to change a shirt quickly, since it slips easily over the head. This can be advantageous when clothing gets wet and needs to be changed in a hurry.

The modern boatneck is a popular design especially in women’s clothing. It is a neckline that is cut out from shoulder to shoulder. This presents a straight horizontal neckline, which usually covers the chest to just below the neck. The front and back of the boat neck are of the same design. Frequently the boatneck simply means a wide slit across the top of a garment which forms the neckline. It does cover from the middle to most of the shoulders, though some are cut lower on the shoulders.

The boatneck can be featured on a variety of women’s tops. Knit tops, sweaters, and blouses can all feature a boatneck design. Some dresses, even formal ones have the boatneck style too. Many men’s sweaters and knit shirts also come in boatneck styles. They’re easy to slip on, comfortable to wear, and considered a flattering neckline for many.

The one main problem women may cite with a boatneck style top is the degree of width from shoulder to shoulder. The neckline may be too wide causing bra straps to show. To avoid this issue you can look for a boatneck that doesn’t have a very wide cut. As long as the slit doesn’t extend onto the shoulders you can still capture the look without having to show off your undergarments.

A pretty and popular style in dancewear is the boatneck leotard. Unlike the traditional boatneck style, the back of the leotard dips down to showcase the upper portion of the back. It is still a nice look, and actually an interesting modern interpretation of the boatneck. You may also see boatneck fronts with dropped backs in evening dresses.

You might be familiar with boatneck tops, as they are the traditional wear for French mimes. The black and white striped boat neck tends to be the popular choice when you are dressed in full mime regalia. You can also find striped tops like this, particularly in women’s styles, but you may be evoking mime clothing styles when you wear one. At the least, they allude to the nautical origins of the boatneck.