How to Position a Cowl Neck

How to Position a Cowl Neck
Written By
Celia Balmer
Celia Balmer
Published: Apr 17, 2014
Updated: Dec 13, 2021
2 minute read

A cowl neck drapes below the collarbone like an overgrown turtleneck. The extra folds of fabric mean that it can be worn in a variety of ways. Let the cowl neck hang naturally in front. Easy and chic. If there's enough fabric, wear the cowl neck over the head like a hood. Or, pull the cowl neck taut over your shoulders to create a cute off-the-shoulder look.

Let the cowl neck find its own position. This is a popular choice of how to wear the cowl neck and means that no adjusting needs to be done. The natural position of a cowl neck tends to be all hanging in front.

Wear the cowl neck over the head like a hood. This can only be done when there is enough fabric available to do so. This can look fantastic, especially when the cowl neck is situated on a sweater or other piece of knitwear.

Pull the cowl neck taught over your shoulders. This creates an off the shoulder look which can be extremely flattering for your shape. This works best on evening garments as the off the shoulder look is most appropriate for evening wear.

Transform the look of a cowl neck by pulling it into a boat neckline. This can be achieved by lifting the fabric over the collarbone towards the shoulders. The end result is a cowl neck with as many folds of fabric behind the neck as in front.

Cowl neck dresses and tunics are great for maternity wear as they can provide extra room as the bump grows.

It is not always possible to keep a cowl neck in place so be prepared to readjust every now and again.

Celia Balmer

Celia Balmer is a freelance copywriter who started writing professionally in 2007. She has written extensively for the UK's largest natural health supplier, G. Baldwin and Co., and for one of Europe's leading fitness center chains, David…

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