A V neck sweater has a sporty lineage, and a V&A record dates Mary Quant's exaggerated V-neck jumper for John Laing to 1963, drawn from men's cricket whites. The V&A says the buyer Stella Kateb recalled it flying off the shelves at London's 21 Shop. Here is how to choose a V neck sweater that flatters and lasts.
V Neck Sweater: Mary Quant's 1963 Cricket Jumper
A cricket idea in a miniskirt decade
The V&A traces sweaters to fishermen's guernseys and ganseys, and says they gained wider appeal toward the end of the 19th century as golf, boating, tennis and cycling grew popular. A V&A record dates Mary Quant's exaggerated V-neck jumper, made for John Laing, to 1963. It drew on men's cricket whites, and the buyer Stella Kateb remembered it flying off the shelves at London's 21 Shop. A V neck sweater has a sporty past that still looks smart.
Depth of the V
A shallow V is conservative and sits neatly under a jacket. A deep V is dramatic and needs a camisole or a shirt underneath. A V that matches the line of your collarbone looks balanced. Try the sweater in a mirror from the side. A rib at the neckline holds the shape, and a flat edge can roll.
Fiber and fit
Merino and cashmere are soft and warm, cotton is lighter and good in spring. A fine gauge looks sleek. A chunky one is cozy. Picture her in a camel V neck over a white shirt with the collar out, jeans and loafers, on a cold gray morning. A boxy fit looks modern and a fitted one looks classic.
Layering well
A V neck sweater is made to be layered over a collared shirt, a tank or a turtleneck. Tuck the front into trousers for polish. Wear a long necklace over a deep V, and a short one under a shallow V. Fold the sweater to store it.
What I would skip
I would skip a V that gapes at the sides and a knit that bubbles at the neckline. A V neck sweater should sit flat and look neat even without anything under it.
