How to recognise it
The collar has a stand around the neck and a turned-down fall with points. The points can be narrow or wide, sometimes buttoned down.
Where it comes from
In the 19th century detachable shirt collars were starched and fastened on separately. The soft sewn-on collar became standard in the 20th century, when women also started wearing shirts.
Who and when it suits
The classic business collar on shirts, shirt dresses and light jackets. It frames the face and works under a blazer.
Variations and look-alikes
It comes as a classic point, a spread, a button-down, a rounded club collar or with very long points. In the 1960s and 1970s style the points are very long. It differs from a mandarin collar in its turned-down fall.
How to style it
- A collar over a knit creates layers.
- Leave the top button open for a relaxed look.
- Starch or ironing keeps the shape.
- Collar stays stop the points curling.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01What is a button-down collar?
A shirt collar whose points button onto the shirt.
02How do you keep collar points flat?
Use collar stays and iron from the points towards the centre.
03Which collar suits a narrow face?
A spread or cutaway collar with wider-set points.
04How do you iron a shirt collar?
Do the underside first, then the top from the points to the centre, and fold along the roll line.