DRESS SHIRT COLLAR STYLES
Choosing a collar style can be difficult if you’re not aware of your options. In this post we break down all of the collar styles you might encounter on a dress shirt and discuss the appeal of each one.
Classic Collar
This is the quintessential collar for dress shirts. The most commonly found on most dress shirts – a timeless option. It is one of the most versatile collar styles and is suitable for both wide and narrow ties.
Spread Collar (Semi Cutaway Collar)
The Spread Collar, also known as the Semi Cutaway Collar, is equally popular compared to the Classic Collar. It the same point length as the Classic Collar (around 2 3/4 inches), but with a slightly more downward point. This collar flatters all face shapes.
Cutaway Collar
The cutaway collar has seen a big resurgence in menswear over the last few years and is generally a bold dress shirt collar style. It accommodates large tie knots easily and looks very sharp, but may not be suitable for corporate settings.
Rounded Collar (Club Collar)
The rounded club collar became popular after The Eton School in England instituted it in their wardrobe in the 19th century. It has a distinctly vintage feel, and works very nicely for those who want a unique look for a tailored wardrobe.
Pointed Collar
The pointed collar has a narrower gap between the 2 leaf and accommodates a smaller tie knot – giving it a more sophisticated look. This collar can have a visually slimmer effect for those with round face shapes.
Eyelet Collar
The eyelet collar was made popular by the James Bond franchise when Daniel Craig was spotted wearing this collar style frequently. The eyelets allows a tie collar pin to be fastened under the tie, thus accentuating the tie knot. It is definitely a sharp and stylish way to dress up your shirt. Suitable for longer necks.
Button Down Collar
Originally invented by Brooks Bothers in 1896, this collar features buttons that can fasten the collar points, which can be worn with or without a tie. This option is a more casual option compared to the Spread, Pointed or Cutaway collar.
Hidden Button Down Collar
A less commonly seen collar, the hidden button makes the collar appear to be a pointed collar, but gives the points support so that they stand up consistently.
Band Collar
Band collars are simply dress shirt with no collar. This style of shirts originated with the invention of detachable collars in the 1830s. While detachable collars are no longer done, band collar shirts are definitely a fashionable style today! It is suitable for both formal and casual styles.
Mandarin Collar
Mandarin collars (also sometimes referred to as Mao collars) originated in China and were worn by Qing-era bureaucrats. These are short, stand-up collars and feature either a rounded or square tip at the collar point.
Wing Tip Collar
The most formal collar option found on tuxedo dress shirts – primarily worn with a bowtie. It got its name from the fold-out collar points, which look like wings.
Hawaiian Collar (Camp Collar)
The Camp Collar is essentially a Hawaiian collar with a higher top button.
