1840s: Necklines were either wide and horizontal or narrow and very deep with a sheer white chemisette. The late 1840s saw the introduction of the cadet style bodice and the Jenny Lind collar.

1850s: Collars of whitework, lace, crochet, or tatting were wider than in the 1840s, reflecting the more open neckline. They were laid flat and did not meet at the throat. The Jenny Lind collar remained popular.

1860s: The 1860s collar was smaller than those of the previous decade.