How to Pin a Dress Neckline for More Coverage

Put on the dress, stand in front of a mirror, and gently bring the two sides of the neckline together until you reach the coverage you want. Mark that spot with your fingers, then take the dress off and fasten a small safety pin through the inner edges or seam allowances, keeping the pin and clasp away from your skin.

Use the smallest pin that holds the fabric securely without pulling or puckering it. Once you put the dress back on, sit down and raise your arms to make sure the neckline stays in place without feeling tight.

A safety pin works best when there are two edges you can bring together without distorting the dress. On delicate or lightweight fabric, place the pin through a folded inner edge or seam allowance when possible, rather than through a visible area where holes could show.

If the neckline has no overlapping edges, a pin may create an awkward gather instead of better coverage. In that situation, our team would choose a camisole or other layer underneath, or have a tailor add a small stitch or modesty panel for a more permanent change.

If the neckline gaps because the dress is loose at the bust or shoulder, pinning the front may not solve the underlying fit issue. Try adjusting any available straps or choosing a better-fitting size before adding a pin, and avoid pulling the fabric so tightly that it changes how the dress hangs.

This is especially worth considering with an asymmetrical style such as our Women’s Summer Backless One Shoulder Mini Dress – Sexy Cami Party Look: changing one point of the neckline can affect the drape elsewhere. For more ideas on wearing that silhouette, see our guide to styling a backless one-shoulder dress.

Before laundering the dress, take out the safety pin so it cannot snag the fabric or catch on other clothes. If you plan to wear the dress the same way often, a few removable hand stitches or a tailor’s alteration may give you a neater result than repeatedly pinning the same spot.