There are many different types of collars for both men and women. While some may be more suitable for certain occasions than others, it really comes down to personal preference as to which is right for you. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular types of collars.
What are the Different Types of Collars for Men’s Shirts?
1. Straight Collar
A shirt with a straight collar is a versatile and timeless piece that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. Whether you’re dressing up for work or going out for a night on the town, a shirt with a straight collar will always offer a polished look. Straight collars are also easy to care for and require little upkeep, making them a low-maintenance option for your wardrobe.
2. Club Collar
Club collar shirts are a style of shirt that have collars that stand up and away from the neck. They are also known as “pin collar” or “pilgrim collar” shirts. Club collar shirts were originally designed for wear by Victorian gentlemen, but they have since become popular among stylish men of all ages.
Club collar shirts are typically made from cotton or linen, although other fabrics may be used as well. They typically have a button-down collar and full-button front, although some styles may have a partial button front or no buttons at all. The sleeves may be long or short, and the shirt may be worn with or without a tie.
Club collar shirts are a versatile addition to any man’s wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. For a more formal look, pair a club collar shirt with dress slacks and a blazer. For a more casual look, wear it with jeans or khakis.
Whether you’re dressing for work or play, a club collar shirt is a great choice. With their timeless style, they’ll help you look your best no matter where you’re going.
3. Button Down Collar
A button-down shirt is a shirt with buttons running down the front. The button-down shirt was first introduced in the late 19th century as sportswear for men. It has since become a staple in both men’s and women’s wardrobes.
Button-down shirts are typically made from cotton or linen and come in a variety of colors and patterns. They can be worn for both casual and formal occasions.
Today, the button-down shirt is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. It can be worn with jeans and sneakers for a casual look, or paired with dress pants and heels for a more polished outfit.
Whether you’re looking for a classic white button-down or a more daring printed style, there’s a button-down shirt to suit every taste.
4. Cutaway Collar
A cutaway collar shirt is a shirt that features a wide opening at the neck, which allows for more ventilation and makes it easier to put on and take off. The shirt gets its name from the way the collar is cut away from the body of the shirt. Cutaway collar shirts are often worn by men who work in hot climates or who have to wear a shirt and tie but want to stay cool.
Cutaway collar shirts are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, linen, and polyester. They usually have long sleeves, but short-sleeved options are also available. The shirt’s neckline can be buttoned or left open.
When choosing a cutaway collar shirt, it’s important to consider the climate you’ll be wearing it in. If you live in a hot climate, look for a shirt made from light-weight materials that will help keep you cool. If you’ll be wearing the shirt in a cooler climate, choose a material that will help keep you warm. It’s also important to consider the occasion you’ll be wearing the shirt for. If you need to dress up for a formal occasion, look for a shirt with a more traditional collar. For a casual look, choose a shirt with a wider opening at the neck.
5. Tab Collar
A tab collar shirt is a shirt with a small strip of fabric that stands up and goes around the neck, similar to a collar. This type of shirt is typically worn by men and is considered to be more formal than a regular collared shirt. Tab collars were once very popular, but they have largely been replaced by button-down collars in recent years.
While tab collars are not as common as they once were, they can still be found in some department stores and men’s clothing stores. If you’re interested in wearing a tab collar shirt, be sure to try on a few different styles to find one that fits you well. You may also want to have a tailor alter a regular collared shirt to add a tab collar, if you can’t find one that’s already made.
6. Spread Collar
A spread collar shirt is a shirt with a collar that has two points that point away from the wearer’s neck, giving the impression of a “spread”. This type of shirt is typically worn with a tie and is considered more formal than a regular collared shirt. Spread collar shirts are also sometimes called “point collar” shirts.
7. Pinned Collar
There are many different types of collars, but the most common type is the pinned collar. This type of collar is usually seen on dress shirts and is made up of two parts: the band and the pin. The band is the part of the collar that goes around the neck, and the pin is the part that goes through the band and attaches to the shirt.
The most important thing to remember when wearing a pinned collar shirt is to make sure that the pin is in the correct position. The pin should be in the middle of the band, and it should be pointing downwards. If the pin is not in the correct position, it will cause the shirt to look crooked and unprofessional.
Another thing to keep in mind when wearing a pinned collar shirt is that you should always button the top button. This will help to keep the collar in place and prevent it from moving around.
8. Tuxedo Collar Shirt
A tuxedo collar is a type of shirt collar that is typically worn with a tuxedo or formal dress shirt. The tuxedo collar is characterized by its pointed tips and lack of a fold-over flap, which gives it a clean and sleek appearance. It is considered to be one of the most formal types of shirt collars and is often seen in black tie events or other formal occasions.
The tuxedo collar is a classic choice for those who want a sharp and sophisticated look. It is important to note that the tuxedo collar is not meant to be worn with a casual shirt; instead, it should be paired with a shirt that has a formal cut and style. The tuxedo collar can also be worn with a button-down shirt, but it is important to make sure that the shirt is tucked in and the collar is fastened properly.
If you are wearing a tuxedo collar with a button-down shirt, it is also important to pay attention to the fit of the shirt. The shirt should not be too loose or too tight; instead, it should fit snugly around the neck and shoulders. The tuxedo collar should also be worn with a tie that complements the shirt and suit.
9. Mandarin Collar
A Mandarin collar is a type of shirt or blouse collar that stands up and encircles the neck, similar to a band collar. The defining characteristic of this style of collar is that it does not overlap at the front like traditional shirt collars.
Mandarin collars first became popular in East Asia and were typically seen on traditional Chinese clothing. In recent years, they have also become popular in Western fashion. Mandarin collars can be found on shirts, blouses, dresses, and jackets.
One advantage of Mandarin collars is that they can make the neck look longer and more slender. They are also considered to be more comfortable than traditional shirt collars, as they do not require a collar stay. Mandarin collars are often seen on tailored clothing, such as suits and jackets.
How to wear a Mandarin collar:
- Pair a Mandarin collar shirt or blouse with pants or a skirt.
- For a more casual look, pair a Mandarin collar shirt with jeans.
- For a more formal look, pair a Mandarin collar shirt with a suit jacket or a skirt.
- Mandarin collars can also be worn open, without a shirt or blouse underneath.
10. Hidden Button Collar
A hidden button collar is a type of shirt collar that does not have any visible buttons. The shirt is designed so that the buttons are hidden underneath the fabric, giving the shirt a clean and streamlined look. Hidden button collars are often seen on dress shirts and formal wear, but they can also be found on casual shirts as well.
One advantage of a hidden button collar is that it can give a shirt a more polished and put-together look. This can be particularly helpful if you need to wear a shirt for business or other formal occasions. Hidden button collars can also help to keep your shirt looking neat and tidy, as there are no buttons that can come undone or become misaligned.
If you’re looking for a shirt with a hidden button collar, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure that you choose a shirt that has enough fabric around the neckline to conceal the buttons. Secondly, look for shirts that have reinforced buttonholes, as this will make it easier to fasten the shirt and prevent the buttons from coming undone. Finally, remember that hidden button collars can be more difficult to clean than shirts with visible buttons, so be sure to follow the care instructions carefully.
11. Band Collar
A band collar is a type of shirt collar that does not have lapels. The band collar is fastened around the neck with a small strip of fabric or band, similar to a necktie. Band collars are often seen on dress shirts and tuxedo shirts. They can also be found on casual shirts, such as polo shirts.
The band collar was first seen in the 1800s. It was a popular choice for casual shirts and work shirts. The band collar became less popular in the early 1900s, but made a comeback in the 1970s. Today, the band collar is once again a popular choice for both casual and formal shirts.
If you are looking for a collar that is both unique and stylish, then a band collar is a great option. Whether you are dressing up for a special occasion or just want to add a touch of style to your everyday look, a band collar shirt is a great choice.
12. Long Point Collar
A shirt collar that points down long and narrow is known as a “point collar.” This style of collar was first introduced in the 1920s and has been a popular choice for dress shirts ever since. Point collars can be worn with or without a tie, and they are available in a variety of fabrics and colors. Whether you’re looking for a classic white dress shirt or something more colorful and stylish, a point collar is a great option.
13. Polo Collar
A polo collar is a type of shirt collar that is typically worn by men. Polo shirts are usually made with a collared neckline, and the polo collar is one of the most popular types of collars for this style of shirt. Polo collars are also sometimes worn on women’s shirts, but they are not as common.
The polo collar gets its name from the sport of polo, as it is a style of collar that is often worn by Polo players. The Polo collar is also sometimes called a tennis collar, as it is a popular style of collar for tennis shirts. Polo collars are typically made with a button-down front, and they can be made with either long or short sleeves.
Polo collars are typically made from cotton or linen, and they are often left unadorned. However, some polo shirts do have embellishments such as stripes or logos. Polo collars can also be found on other types of clothing, such as jackets and sweaters.
Polo shirts are generally considered to be casual wear, and they are often worn with jeans or shorts. However, polo shirts can also be dressed up with khakis or dress pants. When choosing a polo shirt, it is important to consider the fabric, the fit, and the style of the collar. Polo shirts are available in a variety of colors, so it is easy to find one that will match your personal style.
14. Crew Neck Collar
Crew neck collars are one of the most popular collar choices for both men and women. They are typically made from a softer fabric than other collars, which makes them comfortable to wear. Crew neck collars also have a relaxed fit, which is why they are often chosen for casual clothing.
15. V Neck Collar
A v-neck collar is a style of shirt collar that is V-shaped. The V shape allows the neckline of the shirt to lay flat against the chest and makes the shirt more comfortable to wear. This type of collar is also flattering for those with a larger chest as it creates the illusion of a smaller bust. V-neck collars are typically found on casual shirts and are not as common on formal shirts.
16. Kiwi Collar
A kiwi collar is a type of neckwear that was popularized in New Zealand in the late 19th century. It is made from a strip of cloth that is worn around the neck and tied at the back. The collar is typically made from wool or another warm material, and it is often decorated with a pattern or embroidery. The kiwi collar was originally worn as a practical garment to protect the neck from the cold, but it has since become a fashion item in its own right. Today, kiwi collars are often seen as a symbol of New Zealand culture and heritage.
17. Insert Collar
An insert collar is just like what it sounds like; it’s a collar that can be added to a shirt to make a shirt look dressier. It is usually made of cotton or linen. The collar may be buttoned or not. Insert collar shirts are worn by both men and women. They can be added to most T-shirts, other shirts without collars, or sweaters. And they normally have an attachment that keeps them in place. There are many styles of insert collars available. This would be a great idea for when you’re on vacation and need to dress up for a restaurant and don’t want to pack all of our dressier clothes.
18. Notch Lapel Collar
The notch lapel is a popular style of lapel that is characterized by a small “notch” cut out of the fabric near the collar. This type of lapel is often seen on business or formal wear, as it provides a clean and professional look. The notch lapel can also be found on more casual clothing items, such as blazers and sport coats.
Notch lapels are typically seen on men’s clothing, but they can also be found on some women’s garments. The notch cutout can vary in size, but it is usually small and discreet. This type of lapel can be an easy way to add a touch of style to an otherwise simple outfit.
If you are shopping for a new suit or other item of clothing with a notch lapel, be sure to try it on before you buy it. Not all lapels look good on everyone, so it is important to find a style that flatters your specific body type.
With its clean lines and classic look, the notch lapel is a versatile style that can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.
19. Peak Lapel Collar
One of the most popular types of lapels is the peak lapel. This type of lapel is characterized by its wide, pointed shape. Peak lapels are often seen on formal jackets and coats, as well as on some suit jackets. They can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
Peak lapels can be made of the same fabric as the rest of the jacket, or they can be made of a different fabric. They are usually lined with a material that matches the jacket’s lining.
Peak lapels are usually found on formal jackets and coats, but they can also be seen on some suit jackets. They are considered to be more formal than notched lapels and can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
If you are looking for a lapel that will make a statement, peak lapels are a great option. They are sure to add a touch of style to any outfit, formal or casual.
20. Shawl Lapel Collar
The shawl collar is a type of lapel that is often seen on tuxedos and men’s formal wear. It is a wide, V-shaped lapel that comes to a point at the center of the chest. This style of lapel is named after the traditional Scottish garment, the shawl, which has a similar shape.
The shawl collar was once a very popular style of lapel, but it has fallen out of favor in recent years. Many modern suitmakers have abandoned the style in favor of more traditional lapels such as the notch or peak. Nevertheless, the shawl collar remains an elegant and timeless option for formal wear.
If you are considering a shawl collar for your next tuxedo or suit, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the shawl collar is best suited for taller men. The wide, V-shaped lapel can overwhelm a smaller frame. Second, the shawl collar can be difficult to match with other clothing. Because of its unique shape, it can be hard to find shirts, ties, and other accessories that complement the lapel.
Despite these challenges, the shawl collar is still a classic choice for formal wear. If you are looking for a timeless and elegant style, the shawl collar is definitely worth considering.