Crew neck for almost everything. The V-neck — both t-shirt and sweater variants — has aged badly. V-neck t-shirts peaked in 2012 and now read as a remnant of the Affliction era; V-neck sweaters with a tie are still defensible in conservative offices but most men under 40 look better in a crewneck merino over a t-shirt. Buy crew neck cotton tees in white and navy (Sunspel, Uniqlo Supima, ~$15–$95) and crewneck merino sweaters in navy, charcoal, and oatmeal (Uniqlo Extra Fine, John Smedley, ~$50–$300). The only V-neck worth owning is a fine-gauge merino V (Smedley, Sunspel) for traditional business-with-tie wear.
Crew Neck vs V-Neck — at a glance
| Attribute | Crew Neck | V-Neck |
|---|---|---|
| Neckline Shape | Round, sits at collarbone | V-shaped, dips below collarbone |
| Primary Purpose | Standalone wear + basic layering | Layering over collared shirts and ties |
| Visual Effect | Frames the face, neutral proportions | Elongates neck and slims torso |
| Best For | Solo wear, under jackets, universal | Over dress shirts, ties, collared layers |
| Face Shape | Flatters most shapes (safe choice) | Best for round, square, or wide faces |
| Body Type | Universal — works on all builds | Elongates shorter torsos, slims wider builds |
| Formality | Casual → smart casual | Smart casual → business casual (sweaters) |
| Versatility | Higher — works in more contexts solo | Higher for layering — designed for it |
| Trend Status | Timeless and always appropriate | Timeless for sweaters; V-neck t-shirts feel dated |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a crew neck or V-neck more flattering?It depends on your build. Crew necks are universally flattering and the safer choice. V-necks are more flattering for men with round or wide faces, shorter necks, or broader builds because the V-shape creates a slimming, elongating effect.
Are V-neck t-shirts still in style?V-neck sweaters are timeless and always appropriate. However, V-neck t-shirts — especially deep V-necks — peaked in popularity around 2010-2013 and have since fallen out of mainstream fashion. For t-shirts, crew neck is the current default.
Should you show chest hair with a V-neck?A small amount of chest hair showing through a moderate V-neck is natural and fine. Avoid deep V-necks that expose significant chest area. If you're uncomfortable, simply choose a crew neck or a V-neck with a shallower opening.
Which is better for layering, crew or V-neck?V-neck sweaters are specifically designed for layering over collared shirts — the V-opening frames the collar and tie perfectly. Crew neck sweaters also layer well over collared shirts (with the collar tips showing), but they can't accommodate a tie.
Can you wear a crew neck sweater with a suit?Yes, but it's unconventional. A fine-gauge crew neck sweater under a suit jacket (without a tie) creates a modern, relaxed business look. For traditional business settings with a tie, a V-neck sweater is the correct choice.
What crew neck sweater color is most versatile?Navy and charcoal. Both work over white or light blue shirts, under blazers, with jeans or chinos, and transition seamlessly from office to weekend. Gray (heather) is a strong third option.