Round neck, U-neck or scoop: what is the difference?

The four, from highest to lowest

Depth here is measured straight down from the point where the neck meets the shoulder to the lowest point of the curve at the centre front. The figures are rough guides to how the names are commonly used, not fixed standards.

• Jewel neck: sits at the base of the throat, where a short necklace would rest. Roughly 6 to 8 centimetres deep and hardly wider than the neck itself. It normally needs an opening at the back to go over the head.
• Round neck: the everyday version. Roughly 9 to 13 centimetres deep and a little wider, showing the hollow of the throat and the inner ends of the collarbones.
• U-neck: deep, often 14 to 20 centimetres, but it stays narrow. The sides drop almost straight down before curving, like the letter. The collarbones stay mostly covered.
• Scoop neck: as deep as a U or deeper, and much wider, opening out towards the shoulders so the collarbones show.

Depth and width: how to state the one you mean

The quickest method is to measure a garment whose neckline you like. Lay it flat with the front facing up, take the three measurements below and write them down in centimetres or inches. “Round neck, 11 deep and 17 wide” leaves no room for doubt, whatever anyone chooses to call it. Our round neck guide covers finishes and fabric for the whole family of shapes.

• Width: measure straight across the neck opening, from the point where it meets one shoulder seam to the same point on the other side.
• Front depth: imagine a straight line between those two points, and measure from the middle of that line down to the lowest point of the curve.
• Back depth: turn the garment over and do the same, since the back is cut separately.

Which one to choose

If you are deciding between a curve and a point instead, see our comparison of V-necks and round necks.

• For cover, or under a hijab or high dupatta: a jewel or high round neck. Both lie flat and need no adjusting.
• For a shorter neck or rounder face: a U-neck. The depth adds length, and the narrow width avoids adding breadth.
• For narrow shoulders or a long face: a scoop. The wide opening adds a horizontal line.
• To keep bra straps hidden: a U over a scoop. A wide neckline moves the edge out towards where the straps sit.
• For bending and lifting: the higher and narrower the neckline, the less it gapes. Wide scoops in soft fabric gape the most.
• For an embroidered edge or lace: a round or U-neck gives the trim a clear, even curve to follow.

On our quote form

The form has a single “Round” option under neckline, and it covers all four of these. Choose it, then put the depth and width in your notes, or tell us which of the names you mean and add a photo. If a high neckline needs an opening to go over your head, that is agreed with you as well, and the design approval guide explains how details like this are settled in writing. To order, read how custom stitching works and start a quote.