Do You Know How to Choose Your Shirt Collar Style?

Section: Essential Men's Business Shirts - Blog

click to view

Your shirt collar frames your face, but you probably knew that. However, did you know that regardless of what you wear, your shirt collar is a focal point and a key element of your overall appearance?

You can play it safe with traditional collars or add panache by experimenting with different styles. When you invest in custom made shirts, the choice is always yours.

Whether you are purchasing ready-made or custom made business shirts, the shirt collar is a key element of how the shirt enhances or detracts from your appearance. Here's how to make the best choice to suit your personality and style, so you'll always look damn good - no matter what the occasion or circumstance.

Turndown Collars

A staple collar for business shirts, these give you the best opportunity to cater to your individual tastes. They turn down, forming a triangle whose angles vary according to the specific look you want. Turndown collars usually come in two categories: the point collar and the cutaway collar.

Point Collars

Here, the collar is cut so the points are close together; in fact, they almost hide the tie's top portion.

Longer points set more closely together draw the eye down towards the tie. Moderate cuts frame the tie and form an "arrow" effect.

Cutaway or Spread Collars

These collars have the points cut away or spread, thereby revealing more of the upper shirt, while leaving additional room for tying larger knots like the Windsor.

Extreme versions of cutaway collars are almost horizontal, while moderate ones resemble slightly flared point collars. Wide spreads tend to accentuate wider figures, whilst creating a fully proportioned look on thin men.

Button Down Collars

A look typically seen on casual shirts, these collars feature small buttonholes at the tip of each point. This corresponds to a small button on either side of the shirtfront.

Although it is the least formal collar, it can be worn with a tie. The collar buttons must always be fastened; wearing your shirt with undone collar buttons is a fashion faux pas.

Pin and Tab Collars

Pin collars have small holes in each point, allowing you to insert a decorative pin or bar behind the tie knot, which thrusts the tie knot forward and up, thus embellishing the collar itself.

The tab collar has a small tab extending from the middle of each point, which is fixed together behind the tie. This is usually done with a hook-and-loop closure. This forces the tie forward and up, thereby creating the “standing” look of more elaborate knots. Never wear pin or tab collars without a tie as they look untidy.

Wing Collars

These consist of a short shirt collar with no turndown and two small wings at the front, which are tucked behind the bow tie. Typically worn with tuxedos, these are reserved for formal wear such as men's suits.

As we mentioned earlier, a benefit of buying men's custom made business shirts is the option to experiment with various collar styles. Fortunately, you don't have to embark on this fashion experiment by yourself. Ourexpert tailors are only too happy to share their expertise with you and help you choose the right collar styles to flatter your appearance and make you look damn good.

Image Credit © Apolobay | Dreamstime.com© Afroto | Dreamstime.com © Shutterman99 | Dreamstime.com © Thelightwriter | Dreamstime.com © Liquidphoto | Dreamstime.com