The question
All around me, young guys are wearing deep-V-neck T-shirts, but they aren't always the most flattering item on every body type. How long do you think they're going to be fashionable?
The answer
I wish they would all disappear. I have never been a fan of the V-neck, either in T-shirts or sweaters. They look feminine. Furthermore, the bony crevice between the male pectoral muscles is perhaps the least sexy part of the chest to display – particularly if you are not muscular.
If you are well-developed, you can pull off a V-neck if it is tight, but even then you are going to look like a showoff. You might as well have the name of your gym emblazoned on it. For some reason, though, the vast majority of males in revealing decolletage are not body-builders but skinny bearded types. Sometimes they want to show off their pretentious tattoos; sometimes, it seems, they are just proud of their sagging pecs and little bellies. If a guy wants something a little more sensual than a crew neck, he should try wearing a very wide crew– or boat-neck shirt. One other useful word: Trapezius. Traps are very valuable assets.
Russell Smith is a novelist. His recent memoir, Blindsided , is available as a Kobo e-book. Have a fashion question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.