The shirt collar is an essential element to refine your look and add personality to your outfit. Whether you are looking for a classic or more casual style, choosing the right collar is crucial for the harmony of your appearance. In this guide, we help you navigate the different types of collars, while offering you advice on how to match them to your body shape, occasions and accessories.
Types of Shirt Collars
Semi-cutaway collar
Hast’s signature semi-cutaway collar is distinguished by its slightly more pronounced opening, which brings a natural elegance without overdoing it. It adapts equally well to a formal outfit with a tie as to a more casual look. Subtle and assertive, it is perfect for those looking for a touch of character in their everyday style.
Classic collar
The classic collar is a timeless choice that suits any occasion, whether it's a suit or a more casual shirt. With its slightly flared points, it's particularly suitable for formal outfits. An excellent choice for men who want an elegant look, while remaining chic without excess.
English collar
The English collar, or "Tab Collar", is a wider version of the classic collar. Very elegant, it is often worn with suits or dress shirts. This collar is made to highlight ties and is perfectly suited to formal occasions such as weddings or chic evenings.
French collar
The French collar, a variation of the classic collar, is popular for its understated and elegant look. It is distinguished by slightly closer points, which gives it a rather formal appearance. This collar is an excellent choice for a chic and timeless look. Discover our collection of French collars for more refined styles.
Officer collar
The officer collar is making a comeback with its simple and elegant design. Without flaps, it offers a refined look that does not require a tie. Easy to wear, it adds a contemporary and refined touch to your outfits. A perfect choice for those who appreciate simplicity without compromising on style.
Mao collar
The mandarin collar, without flaps, offers a more casual and contemporary style. It is perfect for less formal occasions and goes well with casual shirts. It is an ideal choice for a minimalist and modern look, offering a clean silhouette without sacrificing comfort.
Italian collar
The Italian collar is distinguished by its wider and often more open points. It is ideal for a modern and dynamic look. This collar is particularly suitable for formal occasions, where you want to display an elegant and neat look. It is perfectly worn with a tie or a bow tie, creating a harmonious visual effect with office outfits or special events. If you are looking for a strong elegance, discover our selection of large shirt collars , ideal for enhancing your outfits.
Buttoned collar
The button-down collar is the ideal option for those looking for a more practical collar suitable for everyday wear. It originally comes from the polo shirt which It holds the points of the collar in place with small, discreet buttons, making it perfect for casual outfits. Discover our collection of button-down collars for a look that is both chic and practical.
Choosing a shirt collar according to your body shape
Round face
For a round face, opt for more open collars, such as the Italian or classic collar. These collars create a lengthening effect and give your face more defined structure. Avoid collars that are too tight or rounded, which risk emphasizing the roundness of your face.
Square face
Men with square faces may want to opt for collars with more rounded points, such as the classic or French collar. This softens the angles of the face and brings balance to the face shape.
Oval face
Men with an oval face can wear almost anything. You can choose wider collars like the Italian or English collar, which emphasize the natural shape of your face without exaggerating.
Elongated face
If you have a long face, choose collars with narrower or closer points, such as the button-down or French collar. This balances the length of your face and gives a more proportionate appearance.
Shirt collars for different occasions
Office attire
For a classic office outfit, opt for a semi-cutaway collar or a French collar. These collars add a touch of sophistication while being suitable for a professional setting. You can pair them with a tie or bow tie for a more formal look.
Formal Evenings
For a formal evening or wedding, the Italian or French collar is a great choice. These collars allow you to show off your tie or bow tie and add presence to your look. You can also choose more formal fabrics like twill or poplin for a refined look.
Casual outfits
For casual occasions, the mandarin collar or the button-down collar are perfect. These styles bring a modern and relaxed edge to your outfit, while still remaining elegant. A button-down collar is also a good option for everyday casual looks.
Matching the shirt collar with accessories
Pair your collar with a tie
A tie is a must-have accessory for many formal occasions. Choose a collar that is fairly open, such as a French collar or a sumi-cutaway collar to allow your tie to stand out. Make sure the width of the tie matches the width of the collar for a harmonious look.
Pair your collar with a bow tie
The bow tie is best worn with wider collars, such as the English or Italian collar. These collars create a visual contrast with the bow tie, highlighting it. For a more original touch, the mandarin collar can also be an interesting option, especially for less formal occasions.
Here are common mistakes to avoid
Choosing a collar that is disproportionate to your body shape
Make sure to choose a collar that is well proportioned to your face and body shape. A collar that is too wide or too narrow can unbalance your entire look.
Neglecting context and opportunity
The choice of collar largely depends on the occasion. Make sure the collar you choose is appropriate for the context, whether it is a business meeting, a wedding or a casual evening. A semi-cutaway collar can be a good compromise for a chic yet versatile look.
Bad association with accessories
The combination of the collar with accessories such as the tie or bow tie must be thought out. Make sure that the type of collar you wear highlights these accessories and does not smother them.
Choosing the right shirt collar can transform your outfit and refine your style. By considering your body shape, occasions and accessories, you can easily enhance your looks.