The collar of a shirt is often considered one of its most crucial elements, as it frames how the face is perceived and sets the tone for the shirt. Today, we would be delighted to help you navigate the world of shirt collars and their perfect occasions. Each collar style has its own charm and purpose, and choosing the right one can really enhance your look. Here’s an introduction to some popular styles.

1. Point Collar

The point collar, also known as the straight-point or classic collar, is a classic favorite for its traditional and versatile style. It features a narrow gap between the collar points, 1.5 - 3.5 inches, allowing your tie to fit securely. The elongated, pointed tips offer a slimming effect, making it especially flattering for wider faces and shorter necks. There’s also a more relaxed version called the casual-point or unlined point collar. This version has less interlining, giving it a softer and more casual look.

*Point collar in courtesy of https://www.deoveritas.com/shirt-collar-styles/point-collar*

Overall, the point collar is a fantastic choice that works beautifully for both formal and casual occasions. Its narrow spacing and pointed tips make it suitable for a variety of ties and suit styles. It’s a timeless option that complements most face shapes and sizes.

2. Mid-Spread Collar

The mid-spread collar features a moderate spread of around 4 inches between the points, striking a balance between the point collar and the spread collar. It offers a refined, elegant appearance that’s less bold than the traditional spread collar but still maintains a sophisticated edge.

This style is versatile, accommodating various tie knots while preserving a balanced look. It works well for both formal and casual settings, making it suitable for business meetings, weddings, and smart-casual occasions. Generally flattering for most face shapes, the mid-spread collar provides a harmonious appearance without being overly wide or narrow.

3. Spread Collar

The spread collar, with its wider points and broader opening of around 5 inches, adds a touch of flair to any outfit. This collar style is ideal for a modern look and works beautifully with wide tie knots like the Windsor. Universally flattering, the spread collar complements most face shapes by drawing attention outward, creating a balanced appearance.

It’s versatile enough for various occasions, from business meetings to weddings and even casual outings. Overall, the spread collar is an excellent choice for those seeking a formal yet flexible style that pairs well with a range of tie materials and knots.

4. Button-Down Collar

The button-down collar has become a staple of American style, celebrated for its relaxed, unlined comfort and distinctive roll. The button-down collar is secured with small buttons at the tips, giving it a sporty yet stylish look.

It can be worn both with the buttons fastened or undone, offering versatility for smart-casual outfits. When worn unbuttoned, it achieves a casual, elegant look and is particularly well-suited for pairing with a sports coat. Although originally designed for casual wear, the button-down collar adapts well to more formal settings when worn with a tie.

*Hidden button-down in courtesy of https://www.deoveritas.com/shirt-collar-styles/hidden-button-down-collar*

For those who prefer a cleaner appearance, the hidden button-down version features buttons concealed beneath the collar, maintaining the collar's roll while reducing visible casual elements. The button-down collar, with its soft and stylish profile, remains a beloved choice offering a blend of casual ease and refined elegance.

5. Club Collar

*Club collar in courtesy of https://www.deoveritas.com/blog/mens-club-collar/*

The club collar is distinguished by its rounded edges, offering a vintage-inspired and charming aesthetic. Originally popular among Victorian gentlemen’s clubs in London, this collar gives shirts a distinctive, vintage vibe. It's suited for semi-formal events like fancy nights out or cocktail parties. While the club collar has seen various periods of popularity, it’s considered somewhat dated today. However, it can be integrated into both traditional and contemporary wardrobes for added versatility.

6. Band Collar

*Band collar in courtesy of https://www.etonshirts.com/ch/en/collar/band*

The band collar, a remnant from the era of detachable collars, features no traditional collar, just a short band around the neck where a detachable collar was once attached. This style emerged from the practicality of avoiding stiff, starched collars, giving it a relaxed, rustic appeal that remains popular today. This makes it ideal for special occasions or casual wear, typically worn without a tie.

7. One-Piece Collar

The one-piece collar, also known as the Hollywood or Cooper collar, is known for its tall, impressive collar roll, achieved without interlining or a separate collar band. Unlike traditional collars, which are separate from the shirt, the one-piece collar is cut from the same piece of fabric as the shirt placket, providing a unique structure and allowing the collar to stand upright.

*One-piece collar in courtesy of https://www.deoveritas.com/shirt-collar-styles/one-piece-collar*

It offers a distinctive, casual look that works well without a tie. However, if worn with the top button open, the collar points may float up or escape from under a sport coat's lapels. At The Feather House, we have hidden buttons to anchor the points of the collar.

Constructing a one-piece collar requires skilled tailoring due to its precise pattern cutting and curvature, making it a rare feature in ready-to-wear shirts.

8. Camp Collars

The camp collar, also known as the Cuban collar, harks back to the 1950s and is often seen on classic camp shirts, Hawaiian shirts, and bowling shirts. This collar style features a relaxed, flat design that sits comfortably against the skin, contributing to a casual, laid-back look.

*Camp collar in courtesy of https://propercloth.com/reference/the-camp-shirt-history-fit/*

Camp collars are typically worn without a tie. While traditionally seen on short-sleeved shirts for warm weather, the camp collar has recently appeared on long-sleeved shirts and tailored outfits, offering a modern twist.

9. Wingtip Collar

*Wingtip collar in courtesy of https://propercloth.com/collar-styles/wing-tip-collar*

The wingtip collar, also known as the wing collar, is a highly formal style reserved for white-tie and semi-formal black-tie events. Initially designed to offer comfort by alleviating the discomfort of high Victorian collars, its downturned tips now stand up horizontally, resembling bird wings. It should only be paired with a bow tie.

We hope this guide helps you discover new favorites and inspires you to experiment with other options. There are other collars out there for exploration, such as the tab, cutaway, and mandarin collars, but the ones mentioned are the most popular with our clients at The Feather House. Feel free to reach out if you want to know more about other collars, and we will be more than happy to share them with you. Hope this helps!

Cheers~

The Feather House

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