Types of Collars: A Comprehensive Guide

What Is a Collar?

A collar is what you see on the neckline of shirts and blouses. It can be any type, such as a button-down shirt or a polo shirt; it just depends on what style of clothing you are wearing. But what types of collars exist? This article will discuss the different kinds and what they look like!

Anatomy of Collar

A collar can have several different parts, which include:

Collar Points

This type refers to the two triangular points that stick out from the neck on either side of the collar, commonly seen on dress shirts for men.

Collar Band

This variety refers to the fabric that wraps around the neckline of the shirt, usually sitting between the collar points and where you button.

Collar Point Length

The distance from the center of one collar point to where it joins the edge of the neckline is called the caller point length.

Collar Height

This measurement is known as the tie’s length. It refers to the distance between the center of one collar band and the edge of another without angling down or curving around.

Tie Space

The tie space is the gap between two collar points or two collars.

Spread

The one refers to the distance between two points on a man’s shirt collar.

How a Collar is Made?

A cloth collar is generally composed of cotton or linen. To form the required shape, it is folded and stitched together. The finishing touches include a bias binding or tape on the edges. This prevents the material from fraying with time.

Men’s Collar Types

Here are some types of men collars –

The Point Collar

This is the most common type of shirt collar. The points are usually about two inches apart and sit close to the neck.

The Button-Down Collar

As the name suggests, this type of collar buttons down on either side of the point. It’s a popular style for business attire.

The Spread Collar

This collar has points that are spread out, typically by about three inches. It’s a more formal style and looks great with a tie.

The Club Collar

This is similar to the spread collar, but the points are much wider and sit further apart on the neck.

The Cutaway Collar

Collars are classified by their width. This is the broadest kind of collar, with straight edges that slope downwards around the neck, resembling a triangle.

The Tab Collar

The points on this shirt are similar to cutaway collars but without an open center and with tabs instead of buttons at the top corners.

The Mandarin Collar

This type is characterized by tiny, rounded tips.

The Nehru Collar

This unique collar features wide points that are spread out to the sides of the neckline. It’s a great choice for formal business attire or evening wear.

The Band Collar

A band of cloth that circles the neck is all there is to it. It’s frequently seen on casual clothing such as T-shirts and polos.

The Shawl Collar

This collar is rounded and extends outwards away from the neck. It’s a popular choice for sweaters and cardigans.

The Turtleneck

This high, close-fitting collar goes all the way around the neck and is perfect for keeping warm in cold weather.

Women Collar Types

here are some types of women s collars:

The High-Necked Collar

Also known as the turtleneck or mock shirt, these have a small band around the neck and can be worn with other pieces for an interesting look. They’re great to wear in winter because they keep your hands warm too.

The Boat Neck or Bateau Collar

This is a kind of high-necked collar that isn’t worn around the neck. In 1955, Elsa Schiaparelli created the boatneck dress, which has remained one of the most popular designs ever since

The Peter Pan Collar

The Peter Pan or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up type of collar has tiny points that come to a small point just below the chin, after the character in JM Barrie’s play. It was quite popular in the 1950s and 1960s and appeared in children’s clothing frequently.

The Sweetheart Neckline

A soft and flattering neckline that curves inwards towards the bust, giving a more romantic look. It’s often seen on dresses with lace or other delicate details.

The Jewel Neckline

This is a simple and elegant neckline that has a round shape and sits just below the throat. It’s perfect for showing off your neck and collarbone and is a popular choice for evening wear.

The Cowl Neck

This is a loosely draped neckline that hangs loosely down the back. It may be worn up or down, depending on the style of clothing it’s paired with, and it adds interest to basic ensembles.

The Shawl Collar

This is a type of neckline characterized by fabric that drapes down from one shoulder and over the body rather than just surrounding your chest. It’s another excellent option for chilly-weather ensembles since it allows heat to escape without being uncomfortable or restricting on your arms.

The Stand Collar

A round, flat design with no points on the front that sits closer to your neck and is not as popular as the mandarin or winged collars. It’s not frequently seen in Western fashion types, but it’s occasionally seen in traditional Chinese clothing.

The Polo Collar

A simple style of shirt or t-shirt neckline that has a rounded shape and sits just below your collarbones. It’s another great choice for casual outfits, especially when it comes to making an impression at the office during the summer months.

The Banded Collar/Military Collar

This kind of women’s collar is similar to a mandarin or stand collar but has a thicker band of fabric, sometimes with points at the front, as opposed to a thin cloth band. It was originally worn by soldiers and is still worn today in military-style attire.

The Spread or Cutaway Collar

Women’s collars with two parallel wings that extend down to create bust lapels are known as winged collars. The wings may be straight or curved, and they are frequently seen on formalwear such as suits or evening gowns.

The Batwing Collar

This is a more casual style of shirt whose collar features wide, stand-up points.

The Winged Collar

The pointed wings that protrude from the neckline are a more exaggerated version of the spread or cutaway collar. It’s most often seen on men’s dress shirts, although women may achieve a similar effect by wearing it.

Final Words

There are many advantages of wearing a good collar. For one, it can make you look professional and polished. It can also help to frame your face and neck, making you look taller and slimmer.

Hope you have learned enough from this article on the different types of collars.

REFERENCE:

The Fashion Design Manual