Let's rewind to the 2000s when deep V-neck tees and jumpers were the go-to essentials for the likes of style icons like David Beckham, Ryan Gosling, Chris Hemsworth, Adam Levine and Harry Styles among others. These pin-up sensations waxed their chests and worked majorly on their incline bench presses to pull off the pec-baring piece with elan.
However, soon this style went out of fashion with most men going back to their trusted covered-up crewnecks. In fact, anyone spotted sporting the V-neck was actually frowned upon with fashion police taking their case on style blogs.
But cut to the present and the tide is shifting in favour of the V-neck.
It's in for a major revival as it’s been seen on everyone from Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter to Vicky Kaushal and Demna's latest Gucci look books.
A few weeks ago, Shahid was seen looking ripped in a white deep V-neck tee styled with a pair of dress pants and patent leather Chelsea boots. Ishaan layered a double-breasted suit over a maroon V-neck jumper in LA for a Homebound (2025) promotional event. Singing sensation AP Dhillon wore a North Carolina V-neck jersey with patchworked denims.
According to the market metrics by Heuritech (a fashion technology company that offers predictive analytics on trends), the V-neck style for jumpers is projected to increase by 3 per cent among men during Fall 2026. The trend is favoured by the 16-25 and +45 age groups. It's going to be interesting to see how Indian men embrace this trend in the coming months.
Though it's worth analysing how did the V-neck mania start? The most famous proponent of the look was John Travolta, who cut a dash in a low-cut shirt and waistcoat in Saturday Night Fever (1977). Machismo, swagger and a hint of erotica packed into one. Also worth mentioning is police detective Nick Curran in Basic Instinct (1992), played by Michael Douglas, who dons a green V-neck sweater as he falls for Catherine Tramell (played by Sharon Stone). Later on, Chuck Bass (essayed by Ed Westwick) in Gossip Girl (2007) donned deep V-necks during his summer breaks in the series.
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Back home, Bollywood films of the early aughts are full of cinematic references where actors flaunted their worked out, sculpted pecs in deep triangular shaped necklines. A case in point being Sidharth Malhotra in Student of the Year (2012), who layers his white V-neck with sporty parkas. Tiger Shroff and Varun Dhawan are the other two names which instantly come to mind.
For Summer 2026, the V-neck is returning because menswear is moving towards subtle confidence rather than overt statement-making. It offers a way to shape the silhouette and open up the neckline without relying on logos or excess detail. As men embrace more relaxed, fluid dressing, the V-neck, particularly deeper cuts, feels intentional, modern, and well considered rather than decorative. Harshad Panchal, Lead Designer, XYXX suggests that the key to styling a V-neck today is balance. "Opt for clean fits and premium fabrics so the look feels refined, not retro. A classic V-neck works well layered under an open shirt, light jacket, or knit- perfect for a polished, off-duty look. Deep V-necks should be styled minimally: think tailored trousers, relaxed denim, or even lounge silhouettes, letting the neckline be the statement. The idea is effortless confidence and when styled right, the V-neck feels intentional, elevated, and quietly bold," says Harshad.
Besides the tees and T-shirts, V-neck jumpers and cardigan knits have been extremely popular. Recently Timothee Chalamet was spotted in a Versace buttoned up cardigan at an event. With menswear softening and becoming less rigid, irreplaceable pieces like solid V-neck sweaters are on celebrity radar again. Prernaa Lohiya, Designer and Founder Something Sustainable (SOS label) suggests that V-necks are best styled through layering. "A solid V-neck sweater over a crew-neck tee, paired with relaxed trousers and sneakers or mules feels effortless and modern. Shallow V-necks also layer well with cardigans/jackets allowing room to play with proportion while keeping the look comfortable and unfussy," she says.
Here are our fav V-Neck T-Shirt selections:
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Gucci
Style this white V-neck tee with a denim jacket and channel your inner James Dean.
Sandro
Go tone on tone with this relaxed-fit collared tee and style with a beige linen trousers or cargo shorts.
Calvin Klein
This brushed alpaca sweater is what you need for a hot date in town. Style it with leather pants and Chelsea boots.
Salt Murphy
This silk V-neck top is a gamechanger and can complement just about any evening look under the sun. Flaunt that chiselled chest in this haute piece.
