Split neckline

A neckline where front panels part at center without a full placket—the split opening on knits, henley cousins, and wrap-style tops.

How to recognize it

Split neckline shows center-front panels parting without continuous placket.

Henley adds button placket. V-neckline is a single cut V edge.

Origin and history

Henley shirt articles contrast button placket from split neck openings on knits.[1] Commons henley photography shows placket detail for comparison with split cuts.[2] Neckline lists split and parted front neck finishes.[3] Knitting shapes split neck bands on pullover tops.[4]

Split neck allows modest V without full henley buttons.[1] Split differs from envelope overlapping flap.[2] Contrast with crew round rib.[3]

Today split neckline appears on knit tops, casual pullovers, and wrap-style blouses in cotton and jersey.[1][4] Split knit top reads casual layered.[3] When front panels part at center without placket—split neckline applies.[2]

Where it is used

Knit tops, casual pullovers, weekend layering, and wrap-style blouses.[1]

What is worn now

Editorial styling suggestions from MsDressly—not strict rules.

Split neckline under cardigan shows a modest V without bulk.[4] Fine-gauge split knit reads elevated casual.[3]

How it differs

Henley has button placket. V-neckline is cut V. Wrap ties at waist.[1]

Expression and impression

Split neckline reads casual, knit-easy, and modest-V. Split henley cousin knit reads weekend layered.

Common questions

Split neckline vs henley? Henley has buttons; split parts without placket.[1]

Split neckline vs V-neck? V is cut edge; split is parting panels.[3]

Split neckline knit? Yes on pullovers and jersey tops.[4]

Sources

  1. Henley shirt . Wikipedia Collarless knit top with button placket at the henley neckline.
  2. File:Sawyer Henley shirt.jpg . Wikimedia Commons Henley shirt with button placket at the neckline; CC BY-SA 3.0.
  3. Neckline . Wikipedia Off-shoulder, scoop, square, portrait, and plunging neckline vocabulary.
  4. Knitting . Wikipedia Knit construction on split-sleeve tops and jersey tees.

September 19, 2026