How to Choose a Collar Style

How to Choose a Collar Style


Choosing the right collar style can significantly impact your look and confidence. Here's a guide to help you navigate the world of collars:

It's a small detail, often overshadowed by flashy ties and bold patterns. But don't underestimate its power! The right collar style can elevate your entire outfit, making you look polished, put-together, and confident. But with so many options available, choosing the perfect one can feel like navigating a sartorial minefield. Fear not, fellow fashion explorers! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to conquer collars like a pro.

 

Your face shape is the key to unlocking collar harmony. Consider these tips:

Round Face: Aim for narrow-spread collars like points or semi-spreads. These elongate your face visually, creating a more balanced look. Avoid wide-spread collars that can make your face appear even rounder.

types of collar

image source: newandlingwood.com

 

Long Face: Embrace the wider-spread collars like cutaway or Windsor. These add width to your face, counteracting its length. Steer clear of narrow collars that can make your face seem even longer.

Oval Face: You're the lucky charm! You can rock most collar styles with ease. Experiment with points, spreads, and cutaways to find your personal favorites.

image source: https://i.pinimg.com/

Neck Length: Striking the Right Chord

Don't let your neck be an afterthought!

  • Short Neck: Keep things low-key with standard collar heights and shorter points. Avoid tall collars that can overwhelm your neck.
  • Long Neck: You have more room to play! Taller collars and longer points can fill the space nicely. Just don't go overboard and look giraffe-esque.

Body Type: Balancing Your Silhouette

Your body type also plays a role:

  • Thin Build: Wider-spread collars add visual weight and balance to your frame. Think cutaways and Windsors.
  • Larger Build: Narrower-spread collars create a streamlined look. Opt for points or semi-spreads.

Most popular dress shirt collar styles

image source: https://lanieri.com/

Formal vs. Casual: Setting the Tone

The occasion dictates the collar's formality:

  • Formal: Points and narrow-spread collars exude sophistication, perfect for boardrooms and black-tie events.
  • Casual: Wider-spread collars like cutaways and button-downs add a relaxed vibe, ideal for weekend outings and casual Fridays.
  • Fabric and Color: Consider the fabric and color of your shirt. Heavier fabrics call for structured collars, while lighter ones can handle softer styles. Lighter colors like white and blue can handle bolder collars, while darker colors tend to look better with simpler ones.
  • Tie Width: Match the collar spread to the tie width. Wider collars look best with wider ties, and vice versa.
  • Personal Preference: Above all, choose a collar style that makes you feel confident and comfortable. You'll radiate that feeling, making you look your absolute best.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to collar mastery. Experiment, have fun, and find what makes you feel like the most stylish version of yourself. With these tips as your guide, you'll be navigating the world of collars like a sartorial superhero in no time!