Decolletage vs. Cleavage — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
Decolletage refers to a low neckline on a woman's dress or top, exposing the neck and upper chest, while cleavage specifically highlights the space or indentation between a woman's chest.
Difference Between Decolletage and Cleavage
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Decolletage is a fashion term referring to the upper part of a woman's torso, comprising the neck, shoulders, back, and upper chest that is exposed by the neckline of her clothing, whereas cleavage specifically refers to the visual space between a woman's chest that is visible in a low-cut garment.
While decolletage can be showcased in various types of necklines such as square, scoop, or V-neck, cleavage is specifically enhanced and becomes more noticeable with certain styles of clothing that press the chest together or have a deep V-neck.
Decolletage is a broad term that can include the look of the entire upper chest area, often adorned with jewelry or detailed fashion elements. Conversely, cleavage might not require any adornment to be emphasized and can stand out on its own due to the natural or tailored fit of the clothing.
In fashion design, creating a garment with a decolletage involves considering the cut of the entire top portion of the dress or blouse, which affects the fabric drape and fit. Meanwhile, designing for cleavage might involve specific techniques like padding, underwire, or strategic seaming to enhance the visual appeal between the chest.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The neckline and upper torso exposed by a garment.
The space between a woman’s chest shown by a garment.
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Focus Area
Neck, shoulders, upper chest, and back.
Specifically the area between the chest.
Associated With
Elegance, formal wear.
Sensuality, provocative styles.
Fashion Considerations
Overall neckline design and complementing accessories.
Enhancing or highlighting the chest area.
Compare with Definitions
Decolletage
Often highlighted in evening wear.
The decolletage of her dress was tastefully designed for the formal event.
Cleavage
Can be subtly or overtly displayed.
She opted for a hint of cleavage with her daytime outfit.
Decolletage
Associated with fashion and style.
Fashion designers often focus on the decolletage when creating haute couture dresses.
Cleavage
A focal point in many fashion designs.
That designer is known for his daring cleavage-centric evening gowns.
Decolletage
Refers to the area of skin showing between the neck and bust.
The actress’s decolletage was adorned with a stunning diamond necklace.
Cleavage
Often emphasized with specific types of bras or dresses.
She chose a push-up bra to accentuate her cleavage for the outfit.
Decolletage
Can be both front and back of the upper torso.
The dress featured a decolletage that extended to the lower back.
Cleavage
Considered a symbol of femininity and sensuality.
The pop star’s cleavage was prominently displayed in her music video.
Decolletage
A low neckline on clothing exposing the upper torso.
Her gown featured an elegant decolletage that drew attention at the gala.
Cleavage
The act of splitting or cleaving.
Decolletage
A low neckline on a woman's dress or top.
Cleavage
The state of being split or cleft; a fissure or division.
Decolletage
A low neckline on a woman's garment, especially a dress.
Cleavage
(Mineralogy) The splitting or tendency to split of a crystallized substance along definite crystalline planes, yielding smooth surfaces.
Decolletage
A dress with a low neckline in front.
Cleavage
The series of mitotic cell divisions that produces a blastula from a fertilized ovum. It is the basis of the multicellularity of complex organisms. Also called segmentation.
Decolletage
The area of a woman's body that is exposed when a garment with a low neckline is worn.
Cleavage
Any single cell division in such a series.
Decolletage
Alternative spelling of décolletage
Cleavage
(Chemistry) The splitting of a complex molecule, such as a polysaccharide, into simpler molecules.
Decolletage
The upper border or part of a low-cut (i.e., décolleté) dress.
Cleavage
The act of cleaving or the state of being cleft.
Decolletage
A low-cut neckline on a woman's dress
Cleavage
(by extension) Any similar separation between two body parts, such as the buttocks or toes.
Cleavage
(biology) The repeated division of a cell into daughter cells after mitosis.
Cleavage
(chemistry) The splitting of a large molecule into smaller ones.
Cleavage
(mineralogy) The tendency of a crystal to split along specific planes.
Cleavage
(politics) The division of voters into voting blocs.
Cleavage
The act of cleaving or splitting.
Cleavage
The quality possessed by many crystallized substances of splitting readily in one or more definite directions, in which the cohesive attraction is a minimum, affording more or less smooth surfaces; the direction of the dividing plane; a fragment obtained by cleaving, as of a diamond. See Parting.
Cleavage
Division into laminæ, like slate, with the lamination not necessarily parallel to the plane of deposition; - usually produced by pressure.
Cleavage
The state of being split or cleft
Cleavage
The breaking of a chemical bond in a molecule resulting in smaller molecules
Cleavage
(embryology) the repeated division of a fertilised ovum
Cleavage
The act of cleaving or splitting
Common Curiosities
Can men have decolletage?
Technically yes, if wearing garments with a deep neckline, though it's less commonly referred to as such.
What is decolletage?
Decolletage refers to the upper part of a woman’s torso exposed by the neckline of her clothing.
Does decolletage have to show cleavage?
No, decolletage does not necessarily include cleavage, as it encompasses a broader area.
How do different cultures view cleavage?
Cultural views on cleavage range from conservative to liberal, influencing how it is displayed in public.
Is cleavage only visible in certain clothes?
Yes, cleavage visibility depends on the design of the clothing, such as deep necklines or fitted tops.
Is it appropriate to show cleavage in all settings?
Social norms about cleavage vary by culture and setting; it's often seen as inappropriate in professional environments.
How can one enhance decolletage?
Through strategic clothing choices and accessories like necklaces that draw attention to the area.
Can decolletage include the back?
Yes, decolletage can refer to both the front and the back upper torso when exposed by the garment’s cut.
What is considered excessive cleavage?
Perceptions of excessive cleavage can vary widely based on cultural and individual standards.
Is there a way to modestly show decolletage?
Yes, choosing garments with a slight dip in the neckline can show decolletage modestly.
Why is decolletage important in fashion?
Decolletage can enhance the elegance and aesthetic appeal of an outfit, especially in formal wear.
What types of clothes enhance cleavage?
Clothes with low, tight, plunging, or V-necklines can enhance cleavage.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
