Henley neckline

A round collarless neck with a short button placket—the henley neckline on knit shirts without separate collar leaves.

How to recognize it

Henley neckline shows round neck with two-to-five button placket.

Crew has no placket. Johnny collar is a small knit collar.

Origin and history

Henley shirt articles define the collarless round neck with button placket on knit tops.[1] Commons henley photography shows placket detail on cotton knits.[2] Knitting adds placket bands to henley pullovers.[3]

Henley rowing heritage gave the shirt its name.[1] Henley differs from polo collar knit fold.[2] Contrast with grandad woven band.[3]

Today henley neckline appears on base layers, casual knits, and menswear in cotton and wool.[1][2] Long-sleeve henley reads rugged casual.[3] When round neck has button placket—henley neckline applies.[2]

Where it is used

Base layers, casual menswear, rugged weekend dress, and knit layering.[1]

What is worn now

Editorial styling suggestions from MsDressly—not strict rules.

Henley neckline under flannel reads American workwear.[1] Fine-gauge henley replaces tee under blazer.[3]

How it differs

Crew has no placket. Johnny has small collar. Grandad is woven band.[1]

Expression and impression

Henley neckline reads rugged, casual, and knit-classic. Grey henley base layer reads workwear.

Common questions

Henley neckline vs crew? Crew has no buttons; henley has placket.[1]

Henley neckline vs polo? Polo has knit collar; henley is collarless with placket.[2]

Henley neckline vs grandad? Grandad is woven band; henley is knit placket.[3]

Sources

  1. Henley shirt . Wikipedia Knit shirt with button placket and collarless henley neckline.
  2. Henley shirt . Wikipedia Collarless knit top with button placket at the henley neckline.
  3. Knitting . Wikipedia Knit construction on split-sleeve tops and jersey tees.

September 19, 2026