Easy Ways to Fix a Gaping Neckline: 8 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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1Quick Fixes

2Sewing a New Neckline

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Co-authored byElle Monusand Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: August 1, 2022References

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A gaping neckline can be super frustrating, but it’s a fixable problem. Your neckline is likely gaping because the top of your garment is too large for you, your bust is fuller, or the garment is designed with an oversized neckline. You might be able to temporarily fix your neckline quickly using a pin, fashion tape, or an undershirt. However, you’ll need to sew the garment to fix the neckline permanently.[1]

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Quick Fixes

  1. 1

    Pin the neckline with a safety pin if you’re wearing a wrap top. Wrap tops are very stylish but often hang open or pull apart, which could expose part of your chest. Fortunately, it’s easy to fix this in a pinch with a safety pin. Hold the gap together where you want to secure it, then use your free hand to insert the safety pin on the inside of your top. Thread the pin back through the front of your top and secure it on the inside of your neckline.[2]

    • The safety pin shouldn’t be visible from the outside. If it is, take the safety pin back out and try again.
    • Wrap tops have a front closure that's formed when the 2 sides cross over your chest. It might be secured by a tie, button, or stitching if it's a faux wrap.
    • This fix only works for wrap tops and will be too noticeable on other styles.
  2. 2

    Pair the gaping top with a camisole or tank top for a quick cover-up. Layering a top or dress with a gaping neckline over another top makes the gap look like a style choice. Pick a v-neck cami if you’re wearing a wrap top where the 2 sides cross over your chest so the necklines match. For a t-shirt, blouse, button-up shirt, or dress, try a lace or silk camisole for a feminine touch or a rounded collar for a neutral look.[3]

    • For solid colored tops, pick a cami or tank top that’s a neutral or complementary color.
    • For a printed top, wear a solid-colored cami or tank top that matches one of the colors in the pattern.

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  3. 3

    Wear the top as an off-the-shoulder top if it’s too wide. A wide neckline can be really annoying because it will keep falling off your shoulders. However, this can be a cute look if you don’t mind exposing your shoulders. Shift the top to 1 side to expose 1 shoulder or pull it down off of both shoulders to go for a cold-shoulder look.[4]

    • If you’re wearing a bra and don’t want exposed straps, wear a camisole or tank top under the top to cover your straps.
  4. 4

    Use fashion tape to attach the neckline to your bra if you wear one. Fashion tape is strong double-stick tape that can stick to fabric. Cut 2 strips of fashion tape that are 3 to 4in (7.6 to 10.2cm) long. Stick 1 side of each piece of tape to the top of your bra strap. Then, adjust your neckline to where you want it to sit and press the fabric down onto the fashion tape.[5]

    • Fashion tape works best for wide necklines or low necklines.

    Variation: You might also use fashion tape to adhere the neckline to your chest to keep it from gaping open. Cut a piece of tape that’s 3 to 4in (7.6 to 10.2cm) long. Stick 1 side of the tape to your chest where you want your neckline to sit, then press the top of your neckline onto the tape.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Sewing a New Neckline

  1. 1

    Sew darts along the neckline to tighten it. Put on your top and pinch the fabric together where it gapes on the inside of the shirt. Pin the gaps and take off your shirt so you can lay it out. Adjust the pins on both sides of the neckline so they’re symmetrical on each side, then flip the garment inside out. Use a hand-sewing needle and thread or a sewing machine to sew the pinned parts of the fabric together from the neckline in a 3in (7.6cm) line to create a dart.[6]

    • A dart is a fold that you sew into a garment to shape it to your figure. In this case, the darts will pull the neckline together for a better fit.
    • Darts are great for fixing a neckline that’s too wide or too low. Additionally, you can add darts to fix a sweetheart neckline.
  2. 2

    Add a cord to the neckline to pull it shut. Use a measuring tape to find the circumference of your neckline, then cut a cord that's about 6in (15cm) longer than the neckline. Turn your garment inside out, then lay the cord along your neckline. Fold the neckline down around the cord, then pin the fabric into place. Use a hand-sewing needle and thread or a sewing machine to sew along the area where you pinned the fabric in place to create a new neckline around the cord. Leave the edges of the new neckline open so you can adjust the cord as needed.[7]

    • When you're ready to wear the shirt, pull the ends of the cord to tighten your neckline, then tie them to secure the neckline in place.
    • This fix works best for a neckline that’s too wide or too loose.
  3. 3

    Sew elastic into the neckline to scrunch it together. Cut a length of elastic that's the length of your desired neckline circumference. Turn your garment inside out and lay the elastic along the neckline. Fold the neckline down around the elastic and pin the neckline into place so you know where to sew the new stitching. Remove the elastic, then use a hand-sewing needle and thread or a sewing machine to sew the new neckline. Re-insert the elastic into the new neckline and scrunch the fabric around it. Line up the edges of the elastic and the open holes on either side of the new neckline, then sew them together with the seam on the inside of the neckline.[8]

    • If you're not sure how wide you want your new neckline to be, put on your top and pinch the fabric together to eliminate the gap. Pin the fabric in place, then take off the garment and use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of the pinned neckline.
    • You'll be able to expand the neckline to put on the shirt, if necessary, since you used elastic.
    • Elastic is a good fix for a wide or loose neckline.
  4. 4

    Sew a piece of fabric along the inside of a neckline that's too low. Choose a piece of fabric in a color that matches or complements the top. Cut a strip that’s about 2 to 3in (5.1 to 7.6cm) wide and 3 to 6in (7.6 to 15.2cm) long, depending on how much of the neckline you want to cover. Slide the fabric or lace down into your neckline and adjust it until you’re happy with its placement. Then, pin the fabric or lace in place and turn the garment inside out. Sew the fabric or lace in place at the neckline, following the top’s natural seam.[9]

    • For instance, you might add black lace to a red top.
    • This fix works great for a neckline that dips too low, as well as a sweetheart neckline.
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      Things You’ll Need

      Quick Fixes

      • Safety pin (optional)
      • Fashion tape (optional)
      • Cami or tank top (optional)

      Sewing a New Neckline

      • Pins
      • Fabric scissors
      • Needle and thread or sewing machine
      • Elastic or string (optional)
      • Piece of fabric or lace (optional)

      About This Article

      Easy Ways to Fix a Gaping Neckline: 8 Steps (with Pictures) (25)

      Co-authored by:

      Image Consultant

      This article was co-authored by Elle Monus and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked. This article has been viewed 81,805 times.

      22 votes - 68%

      Co-authors: 6

      Updated: August 1, 2022

      Views:81,805

      Categories: Fashion Styles

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      Easy Ways to Fix a Gaping Neckline: 8 Steps (with Pictures) (26)

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      Easy Ways to Fix a Gaping Neckline: 8 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

      FAQs

      How do I fix my gaping neckline? ›

      If you find it's gaping once you've already sewn it, try steam pressing it first as often this can fix the problem. But if it's still too loose, unpick it, shorten the neckband by 1-2.5cm (3/8-1in) by sewing the ends together a bit further in, and attach it to the neckline again.

      How do you fix a gaping neckline without sewing? ›

      Cut 2 strips of fashion tape that are 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) long. Stick 1 side of each piece of tape to the top of your bra strap. Then, adjust your neckline to where you want it to sit and press the fabric down onto the fashion tape. Fashion tape works best for wide necklines or low necklines.

      How can I make my wide neck look thinner? ›

      Chin Exercises That Slim and Firm Your Neck
      1. Neck Rotation or Neck Rolls. This exercise helps reduce neck fat while also improving blood circulation in the shoulders. ...
      2. Fish Lips. ...
      3. Chin towards the Ceiling. ...
      4. Stick Your Tongue Out. ...
      5. Mouthwash Exercise. ...
      6. Ball Exercise. ...
      7. Whistle to the Sky. ...
      8. Chewing Gum.
      Apr 8, 2021

      How do you hide cleavage in a deep neck dress? ›

      Wear a camisole, high-neck bra, or bandeau bra made from a nice material, like lace or silk, underneath your dress. If you choose a color and fabric that complements your dress, it should blend in seamlessly. Alternatively, buy a removable dress panel that will clip or snap onto your bra straps and cover your cleavage.

      How can I make my top look tighter? ›

      Wash the shirt in hot water.

      If you bought a new shirt and want to shrink it before wearing, washing the shirt on hot will tighten the fibers and reduce its size slightly.

      How can I make my top tight again? ›

      Hold the coin against the outside of your top or dress. With your other hand, open the elastic with your fingers. Reach under your top or dress, grab the coin with your elastic (over fabric). Tie it twice or three times so that it's tight enough to stay.

      How do you secure a gaping dress? ›

      Adding snaps, buttons or a hook fastener at the front stops the dress from gaping while walking or in any unexpected gusts of wind. These can be inserted at the join, although this can pop open, pull, or tear if there's a lot of pressure from physical activity.

      What kind of bra do you wear under a deep neck top? ›

      Plunge bras are an awesome solution to all your fashion woes. Whether you want to show off your cleavage or cover it up. Go for this solution to wear underneath deep v-neck or plunging necklines.

      Which bra to wear under deep neck tops? ›

      Plunge bra:

      For such outfits, plunge bras are the thing as they come with a very low neckline, making it perfect for all those sexy low cut tops. If you want an additional contour too, pick push-up plunge bras that give sexy cleavage.

      What are the three methods of finishing neckline? ›

      Most necklines are finished in one of three ways-with facings, bindings or with a collar.

      Does losing weight reduce neck size? ›

      Removing Excess Calories

      As you reduce the overall calories that you intake, you will notice the fat around your chin and neck begin to diminish.

      How do you discreetly show cleavage? ›

      Instead, select a bra that separates and supports your breasts, and don't be afraid to wear a top that shows off your décolletage. A sheer or lacy camisole adds a sexy detail that also camouflages less than perfect skin. But skip the plunging, belly-button baring neckline. And don't even think about going braless.

      How do you make cleavage look classy? ›

      Wear V-necks, button-up blouses with the top button undone, or tops with eye-catching designs to draw attention to your cleavage. Wear well-fitting or push-up bras to make your cleavage more pronounced, or consider silicone inserts for an extra boost.

      What tops make you look slimmer? ›

      Choose Tops with a V-neck

      Other elements of this outfit promote the idea of a slender body: the long V-neck attracts the eyes vertically, making the silhouette seem longer (and not wider). The long sleeves also give the illusion of a slimmer figure.

      What style top makes you look slimmer? ›

      10 Tops That Make You Look Thinner
      • V-Neck Tops. Tops or T-shirts with a V neckline help create an elongated appearance. ...
      • Geometric Prints. ...
      • Crop Tops. ...
      • Black Tops. ...
      • Vertical Stripes. ...
      • Color-Blocked Tops. ...
      • Jacket. ...
      • Top With Slim Belts.
      Oct 25, 2017

      Why does dress gape? ›

      That can happen for a number of reasons: for instance, you might have a lower bust than the pattern is designed for, or the angle of your shoulder to bust is slightly different. But not to worry: fixing a gaping neckline is actually pretty easy.

      What neckline is most attractive? ›

      Sweetheart necklines are arguably the most universally flattering neckline. For those with curves, it accentuates those curves gorgeously by balancing out the hips and hugging your chest. For those with smaller busts, it gives the illusion of curves without feeling overdone.

      How do you cover your neck with clothes? ›

      Turtlenecks, mock turtlenecks, cowl necks, and higher necklines will also hide your aging neck and decolletage. If you are looking for a stylish and chic look to hide your aging neck, always remember the timeless popped (upturned) collar as another way to look classy.

      What do you wear under a wide neck top? ›

      A balconette is a padded or non-padded bra with half-cup coverage. Its wide set straps are perfect for wearing underneath low or wide necklines. It's available in a number of styles and suitable for shallow, average and fuller busts. The balconette is sometimes referred to as a demi bra.

      What is the best bra shape for breasts fuller at the bottom? ›

      “A balconette-shaped bra is best, as the top band sits above the nipple and will not cut into tissue since teardrop breasts are fuller on bottom,” she explains.

      Which type of bra is used for sagging? ›

      Underwired Bra

      The underwired bras are your best bet as far as supportive features go. An underwired bra provides plenty of support to the bra to lift the sagging breasts.

      Where should the bottom of a bra sit? ›

      But in a well-made bra of the right size, you won't have any of these problems! The underwire should not sit above or below your breast, and it definitely should not rest on top of your chest. Instead, the underwire should rest on the rib cage right below the breast crease.

      What does push up bra mean? ›

      Meaning of push-up bra in English

      push-up bra. noun [ C ] / ˌpʊʃ.ʌp ˈbrɑː/ us/ ˌpʊʃ.ʌp ˈbrɑː/ a piece of underwear for women that pushes the breasts up and together so that they look bigger or more noticeable. Underwear.

      What causes gaping neckline? ›

      Your neckline is likely gaping because the top of your garment is too large for you, your bust is fuller, or the garment is designed with an oversized neckline.

      Can a tailor fix a gaping neckline? ›

      They Can Rework a Neckline

      If you're worried about showing a little too much décolletage, or not enough, a tailor can help adjust a neckline by adding fabric, removing collars or turning a basic V-neck into a plunge worth carrying around a roll of double-sided tape for.

      What causes stretched neckline? ›

      “Stretch marks on the neck are generally caused by too much weight loss, not enough weight gain, or other factors like hormonal imbalances or thyroid problems,” Coleman says. That's why, if you're concerned [or develop them suddenly], it is a good idea to call your doctor just to be safe.

      How do you fix a gaping V neckline on a wrap dress? ›

      Wrap dress neckline fixes

      You can add a snap or hook where the dress crosses at the waist, by the tie. This pulls the neckline tighter and minimises loose fabric. If that doesn't resolve the situation, the snaps or hooks can be inserted at the cross-over point at the mid-line of the body.

      Can a tailor fix collar gap? ›

      There are ways that a skilled tailor can fix a collar gap: If the gap is not too bad, a tailor can consider several things including how the shoulders are cut or how the chest fits to determine if the collar can be fixed. In an extreme case, a collar can be removed and recut.

      What is it called when you stretch your neck? ›

      Neck Retraction

      This can be performed in a seated or standing position. Start by looking straight ahead and allowing yourself to relax. Keep your chin tucked down slightly and move your head slowly backward until it is pulled back as far as you can without straining or feeling any pain.

      What neckline elongates the neck? ›

      Scoop necks are a friend to almost all body types! This deeper, wider neckline style will draw the eye downward, lengthening your neck and accentuating your collarbone. Très bon!

      How do you pin a gaping dress? ›

      Find those annoying little ribbons that sit inside the garment and cut them out. "Then what you can do is carefully melt the edges so that they don't fray, mark on the top where you want it to close, and then hand-stitch - or with a machine - the ribbons onto the inside, for a permanent solution to a gaping neckline".

      How do I keep my V neck dress closed? ›

      Safety pins — you can pin the top of the dress closed; we've also placed a safety pin around the mid-thigh mark of the wrap. Double-sided tape — we've found it's better used to secure the safety-pinned edge so it lays flat rather than relying on double-sided tape to keep your dress shut.

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