15 Essential Shirt Collar Types: Finding Your Perfect Fit in 2025
Did you know that on average a man owns 12 dress shirts? That's a dozen opportunities to make a stellar impression! But here's the kicker - 72% of people form their first impression of you in just 30 seconds. And guess what's right at eye level? Your shirt collar! It's not just a piece of fabric; it's your secret weapon in the style arsenal. From the boardroom to the bar, the right collar can make or break your look. So, let's dive into the world of shirt collars and find out which of the 15 types will have you turning heads for all the right reasons in 2025!
The Classics: Timeless Collar Styles
• Point Collar (The all-rounder): Versatile and suitable for various occasions.
Valeria Ortiz - Pinterest
• Spread Collar (Adding sophistication to your look): Typically has a wider angle between the collar points, giving a more formal appearance.
Todd Snyder
• Button-Down Collar (casual-cool option): This style features buttons that fasten the collar points to the shirt, originally designed for sports but now a popular casual and smart casual choice.
Paul Stuart
Modern Twists on Traditional Collars
• Cutaway Collar (For the fashion-forward gentleman): Extremely wide spread between the collar points, creating a dramatic look. Often seen as more contemporary and stylish.
Figaret
• Tab Collar (Bringing back vintage charm): This style features a small tab that connects the collar points, creating a neat, pulled together look. It was a popular look in the early to mid 20th century and has seen a resurgence in recent years.
Forno
• Hidden Button-Down (best of both worlds): This style combines the standard collar with the practicality of a button down but with the addition of concealed buttons for a cleaner look.
The Dark Knot - Pinterest
Formal Affairs: Collars for Black Tie Events
• Wing Collar (The quintessential tuxedo shirt collar): This is the most traditional and formal collar style for black tie events. It features small pointed wings that stand up and fold out horizontally, designed to accommodate a bow tie.
Cynthia Wei
• Mandarin Collar (Minimalist elegance for formal wear): This is a short, unfolded stand up collar style that originated in traditional East Asian garments. In modern formal wear, it offers a sleek, minimalist alternative to traditional collars.
TheUnstitchd - Pinterest
• Barrister Collar (Making a statement in the courtroom and beyond): This style is likely inspired by the formal attire worn by barristers in some legal systems. It typically features a high stiff collar that stands up around the neck, often with round edges.
Etsy - Pinterest
Casual Cool: Relaxed Collar Styles
• Band Collar: This style features a simple standing band around the neck without points or a fold. It’s a minimalist design that offers a clean, modern look suitable for casual settings. I enjoy band collars during the summer, it allows me to dress up without feeling stuffy and also keeps me feeling cool and casual.
Etsy Morgan - Pinterest
• Camp Collar: Also known as a Cuban or revere collar, this style is characterized by an open-neck design with a notched lapel. It’s typically worn flat and open at the neck, giving a relaxed, resort-like feel. These are my absolute favorite shirts to wear during the summer! The linen cotton blends with nice designs are a staple for me. They are easy to style and instantly elevate your look and set you apart from a sea of t-shirts.
The Helm Clothing - Pinterest
• Henley Collar: This style features a round neckline with a placket for a few buttons. It’s not a true collar in the traditional sense, but rather a collarless neckline often seen on casual shirts and long-sleeved tees. This is probably one of the most popular casual shirt styles outside of t-shirts. Another option that is easy to style and offers plenty of outfit ideas.
Etsy - Pinterest
Statement Collars: Standing Out from the Crowd
• Contrast Collar: This style features a collar in a different color or material from the rest of the shirt. It’s often white collar on a colored shirt, harking back to detachable collars of the past. This style adds visual interest and a touch of formality to an outfit. If you have ever watched Peaky Blinders you have seen this type of shirt collar.
Umm-e-khani - Pinterest
• Club Collar: Also known as the rounded collar, this style features collar points with rounded edges instead of sharp points. It originated in Eton College in the 19th century and has a distinct, old-world charm that’s been revived in modern fashion.
Amazon Jack Martin - Pinterest
• Eyelet Collar: This collar style includes small holes or eyelets near the points, designed to accommodate a collar bar or pin. It allows for a neat, pulled-together look and provides an opportunity to showcase elegant collar accessories.
Choosing the Right Collar for Your Face Shape
Matching collar styles to different face shapes:
Round faces: Typically benefit from collars that create vertical lines, like point collars.
Square faces: Often look good with spread collars that soften angular features.
Oval faces: Can generally wear most collar styles successfully.
Long faces: May be complemented by wider spread collars to create horizontal balance.
Heart-shaped faces: Often suit medium-spread collars or button-down styles.
How collar spread affects facial proportions:
Narrow spreads (like point collars) tend to elongate the face.
Wide spread (like cutaway collars) can make a face appear wider.
The angle and width of the spread can draw attention to different parts of the face.
Tips for balancing features with the right collar choice:
Consider neck length: Higher collars can visually shorten a long neck, while lower collars can elongate a short neck.
Think about jawline definition: Spread collars can help define a weak jawline, while point collars can soften prominent ones.
Factor in overall proportions: Ensure the collar size is in proportion to your body and the rest of the shirt.
Consider your usual tie knot: Choose a collar spread that accommodates your preferred tie knot size.
The goal is to use the collar to create visual balance and highlight your best features. It’s about finding harmony between your facial structure and the lines created by the collar.
Collar Care and Maintenance
Proper cleaning and storage techniques:
Washing: Follow care labels; generally, wash in cool water and avoid harsh detergents.
Ironing: Start with the underside of the collar, then the top. Use appropriate heat settings.
Storage: Hang shirts properly to prevent collar creasing. I highly recommend wooden hangers. They’re sturdier, last longer and don’t put weird indentions in your shirts. For long-term storage, consider using collar supports.
Using collar stays effectively:
Purpose: Collar stays keep collar points crisp and prevent curling.
Types: Plastic, metal, or magnetic stays are available.
Usage: Insert before wearing; remove before washing.
Maintenance: Replace bent or damaged stays to maintain collar shape.
When to replace vs. when to repair a worn collar:
Replace: If the collar is frayed, permanently stained, or has lost its shape beyond repair.
Repair options:
Flip the collar: Some tailors can reverse worn collar if the underside is in good condition.
Re-stitching: Loose stitching can often be repaired.
Starch treatment: Can temporarily revive a collar’s crispness, but use sparingly.
Additional tips:
Rotate your shirts to prevent excessive wear on collars.
For white collars, consider occasional use of a whitening treatment.
Be cautious with collar stiffeners and starches, as overuse can damage fabric over time.
Proper care and maintenance can significantly extend the life of your shirts and keep them looking professional. Regular attention to these details can save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Conclusion
And there you have it, gentlemen - the 15 collar types that are making waves in 2024! Whether you're a spread collar connoisseur or a button-down devotee, remember that the best collar is the one that makes you feel like a million bucks. After all, confidence is the most stylish accessory of all. So go ahead, experiment with different styles, find your perfect fit, and collar your way to success! Who knows? Your next promotion, date, or big break might just be a collar away. Now, isn't it time you gave your shirt collection the glow-up it deserves?
