Types of collars: Peter Pan, mandarin, shawl and more
A collar is the part of a garment sewn to the neckline. It can stand (mandarin), lie flat (Peter Pan, sailor), turn down (shirt) or run into lapels (jackets).
Below are the types of collars on a simple top. Each page covers how to recognise it, where it comes from, who and when it suits.
Shirt collarA shirt collar is a stand with a turned-down fall whose pointed ends sit down on the chest.Peter Pan collarA Peter Pan collar is a flat collar with rounded ends that lies on the garment around the neckline.Mandarin collarA mandarin collar is a narrow band that stands up around the neck with no turned-down fall, slightly open at the front.Notch lapelA notch lapel is a jacket or coat collar with a V-shaped notch where the collar meets the lapel.Shawl collarA shawl collar is a continuous curved collar with no notch, running from the neck to the first button like a shawl.Sailor collarA sailor collar is a large flat collar that forms a V at the front and falls in a square at the back, often trimmed and tied with a bow.Pussy-bow collarA pussy-bow collar is a long tie around the neck whose ends are tied in a bow under the chin.Ruffle collarA ruffle collar is a standing or flat collar of gathered or pleated fabric that forms a wavy or frilled edge around the neck.
How to choose
- Businesslike: a shirt collar, lapels, a pussy-bow blouse.
- Modern and minimal: a mandarin collar.
- Romantic: a Peter Pan or ruffle collar.
- Narrow shoulders: a wide sailor or Peter Pan collar.
Related guides
- Types of dresses
- Types of skirts
- Types of pants and jeans
- Types of shorts
- Types of tops, shirts and sweaters
- Types of coats and jackets
- Types of shoes
- Types of sneakers
- Types of heels
- Types of bags
- Types of hats
- Types of necklines
- Types of sleeves
- Fabric guide: 40 fabrics, properties and care
- Dress codes: what to wear to an event
- Clothing sizes and measurements
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01What are the types of collars?
Shirt, Peter Pan, mandarin, notch lapel, shawl, sailor, pussy-bow and ruffle collars.
02What is the difference between a collar and a neckline?
A neckline is the edge of the garment; a collar is a separate piece sewn to it.
03Which collar suits a round face?
A pointed shirt collar or V-shaped lapels.
04How do notch lapels differ from a shawl collar?
Lapels have a V notch; a shawl collar is one continuous curve.