Product of the week: The V-neck sweater

What is it:

After the crew neck jumper has dominated menswear in recent years, the classic V-neck is making a comeback and featured prominently in the men’s collections on the SS23 runway. Typically, the V-neck sweater, which is often knitted from wool or cotton, is characterized by what the name suggests is a V-shaped neckline. It often appears in connection with preppy fashion trends. This is particularly evident in diamond or cable knit patterns and cricket-style hem finishes, as well as college-inspired patches and embellishments.

Photo: Rafaella

Why you should order it:

The sweater with a V-neck is made of a thin material in many cases and is therefore suitable for every season. Worn alone, as an evening complement or as part of a layered look, it’s extremely versatile. The piece is often gender-neutral and can be worn by both men and women. It also fits in with current fashion trends favored by the younger generation looking for garments reminiscent of designs from the ’00s or earlier.

Image: United Colors of Benetton
Photo: United Colors of Benetton

Where we saw him:

In the men’s collections of the spring/summer 23 season, the V-neckline was often shown in dramatically low cuts, particularly noticeable in Dries van Noten’s line, which closely followed preppy sportswear style. Dolce & Gabbana also echoed the plunging V-neckline, but used it on a printed t-shirt that added a touch of glam rock to the runway look. Paul Smith and Ami, on the other hand, went for more vintage-inspired styles, with the former offering striped slipovers and the latter incorporating a diamond pattern into the design. The V-neck jumper made a number of appearances in womenswear as well, most notably at the show by Miu Miu, another brand focused on preppy fashion. Teamed with the label’s now-iconic mini skirt, the V-neckline has been paired with sheer turtlenecks, skinny scarves and oversized coats.

Image: Jack and Jones
Photo: Jack and Jones

How to style it:

You can either style the V-neck sweater very simply or combine it in different layering looks. As a single piece, it goes well with different styles of pants, especially tailored, loose-fitting pants that make for an effortless, understated outfit. For easy combinations, choose a color blocked t-shirt underneath the garment so it shows around the neckline and add jewelry to complete the look. Additional layers can be unbutton shirts, contrasting turtlenecks or silk scarves, each bringing a very different look to the design.

Image: Stella McCartney
Photo: Stella McCartney

The V-neck has surged in popularity in recent years and now competes directly with the crew neck for the pinnacle of sweater fashion. Its prominent position in the current trends gives it new relevance with the younger generation, while at the same time it offers more mature consumers a classic, sophisticated look that doesn’t take long to explain.

Image: Babista
Photo: Babista

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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ

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