Halterneck is a style ofwomen's clothing strap that runs from the front of the garment around the back of the neck, generally leaving the upper back uncovered.[1] The name comes from livestockhalters.[2] The word "halter" is of Germanic origin and means "holder" or "that which holds".[3]
The halter style is used withswimsuits, to maximizesun tan exposure on the back and minimizetan lines. It is also used withdresses orshirts, to create abackless dress[4] or top. The neckstrap can itself be covered by the wearer'shair, leaving the impression from behind that nothing is holding the dress or shirt up.
If abra is worn with a halter top, it is generally either strapless or of halterneck construction itself, to avoid exposing the back straps of a typical bra.Ahalter top is a type ofsleeveless shirt similar to atank top (by theAmerican English definition) but with the straps being tied behind the neck. In another style of the halter top, there is only a narrow strap behind the neck and a narrow strap behind the middle of the back, so that it is mostly backless. This design resembles manybikini tops, although it covers the chest more and may cover some, all or even none of theabdomen at the front.
It has been suggested that the neckline's appeal stems from the fact that "it eliminated the need for spoiling the back detail with straps, leaving an uninterrupted area of skin to expose to the sun by day and display by night."[5]
