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Keyhole Necklines are akin to halter necklines, but the converging diagonal lines meet in front of the neck, forming a “keyhole”. More generally, a neckline that features a central hole, usually just below the collar bones.

Fashion designers are always looking for a new way to make a neckline in a top or dress, and one way they can do this with the keyhole neckline. A keyhole neckline may be fashioned in a couple of different ways.

First, the keyhole neckline may be a simple slit in the neck of a blouse or dress. The split is usually, although not always, secured at its top with a hook and eye or loop and button. This kind of keyhole neckline is easy to make when sewing a garment, since the sewer only needs to finish the edges of the slit and secure it at the top. Most easy sewing patterns that include a “keyhole neckline” refer to this style.

The second, more complicated keyhole neckline looks more like its name. It is a circle or oval shape cut out of the neckline of a dress or top and secured, usually with a button and loop at the top. A circle or oval is difficult to cut properly, and the material must be well-marked for the keyhole neckline to look right.

The keyhole neckline has been around for some time, but was most popular in the 1940s. It has been used on swimsuits, evening wear and a host of other garments. The keyhole neckline must be well-placed in the garment so it will be attractive. When the opening is placed too low, or is opened too wide, a woman may show more of her décolletage than she intends. It is mostly meant to be a different neckline, not a revealing one. Of course, if revealing is what the wearer wants, a large, low keyhole neckline will serve the purpose. The keyhole neckline was popular in the disco era of the 1970s and was meant to reveal cleavage and a lot of it.

A keyhole neckline can add interest to an otherwise routine jewel neckline. It is flattering on most women and is usually an attractive feature of a top or dress.

Filed under: Fashion Library, necklines