The V-Neck Tee Is Back In Style

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.

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:

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.