Décolletage (or
décolleté, its adjectival form, in current
French) is the upper part of a woman's
torso, comprising her neck, shoulders, back and chest, that is exposed by the neckline of her clothing. However, the term is most commonly applied to a
neckline that reveals or emphasizes
cleavage. Low-cut necklines are a feature of
ball gowns,
evening gowns,
leotards,
lingerie and
swimsuits, among other fashions. Although décolletage does not itself prescribe the extent of exposure of a woman's upper chest, the design of a décolleté garment takes into account current fashions, aesthetics, social norms and the occasion when a garment will be worn.