- Home
- Style
- Style Guide
- Our guide to men’s dress shirt collars
Our guide to men’s dress shirt collars
Choosing a shirt isn’t just about the fabric, the cut, and the colour, the collar has a significant impact on the look as well. Here are the five most common styles in menswear.
1. Spread collar
A contemporary collar, this one is seen in both casual and classic shirts. There’s a wide spread between the collar point leaves, which means there’s more room for large, maybe more elaborate, tie knots like the Windsor. This type of collar can be worn with or without a tie, as it’s quite versatile. It’s a good option for those with large necks and those who like to wear wide neckties.
Photograph: Club Room Estate, Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole
2. Button-down collar
This collar has small buttonholes at the end of each collar point that line up with buttons on either side of the shirtfront. Most Oxford shirts have button-down collars. Wearing a tie with one isn’t such a great idea, as one would detract from the other. Make sure you always fasten the buttons, no matter the setting. Button-down collars pair well with V-neck sweaters, and are a great option when you don’t want to wear a tie but still look sharp.
Photographs courtesy: ASOS, Club Room Estate, Merona
3. Club collar
This is a unique collar style that stands out because of its rounded collar points. It looks great when paired with a collar pin, creating a look that’s sure to get noticed. The club collar isn’t a good option for men with rounded faces or those who are overweight, as it tends to accentuate round features.
Photographs courtesy: Hugh & Crye, Ralph Lauren, Club Monaco
4. Cutaway collar
A collar with the widest spread, it’s name such because it looks like as if someone actually cutaway a part of it. If you’re going for a more stylish made-to-measure or tailored look, this collar is the one for you as it’s usually worn more on red carpets than in boardrooms. This collar looks best on tall men with narrow faces, as it tends to have a shortening effect.
Photographs courtesy: Alfani, Kenneth Cole, Thomas Pink, Charles Tyrwhitt
5. Forward Point collar
A timeless classic, this is the most traditional collar of the lot. There’s lesser distance between the collar points and a smaller space for the tie knot. When worn with a jacket, the jacket lapels usually don’t cover the collar points. This type of collar looks good with a bow tie, and is ideal for men with round faces and those looking to sport narrow ties. Can also be worn without a tie.
Photographs courtesy: Geoffrey Beene, Brooks Brothers, Nordstrom
Categories: Style, Style Guide