A keyhole neckline is a neckline — usually round or high — with a small opening cut out just below it at the centre front (occasionally the centre back), shaped like a teardrop, oval, or round keyhole and often fastened above the opening with a single button, loop, or tie. The garment covers the chest while the little window of skin provides the detail — a controlled glimpse rather than a deep opening.
How the Keyhole Is Constructed
The opening is not simply cut and hemmed: at this small scale the edge is finished with a facing shaped to the opening, a narrow binding, or — on formal dresses — a bound slash with the two sides meeting at a button above. The fastening matters structurally: unfastened, a front keyhole pulls open; the button or tie at the top of the opening holds the neckline closed and lets the teardrop hang in its intended shape.
Keyholes scale from a demure inch-long slit on a blouse to a bold, elongated cut-out on an evening gown, and the shape varies — round, teardrop, diamond, or a simple vertical slit.
Where Keyholes Appear
- Blouses and day dresses — a small keyhole under a round or band neckline, often with a button-and-loop closing.
- Evening and cocktail dresses — larger keyholes as the focal detail of an otherwise covered bodice.
- Back keyholes — the opening moved to the back, closing with a button at the nape.
FAQs
- Is a keyhole neckline the same as a peekaboo neckline?
- Peekaboo is a retail synonym for the same small cut-out — the terms are used interchangeably for keyhole openings.
- Does a keyhole neckline need a special bra?
- Small front keyholes sit high on the chest and work with standard bras; very deep or wide keyholes may need a plunge or adhesive style.
- What fastens a keyhole neckline?
- Most commonly a button and loop, a small hook, or fabric ties at the top of the opening — the fastening keeps the neckline closed and the opening in shape.
Detailed Guides: see Keyhole Neckline in the glossary A–Z listing of the Apparel Search fashion glossary for related terms.