Shirt Collar Style Guide

The most standard of all collar shapes. This collar is a standard choice for business and formal settings. It has dominated shirts due to how well it works with ties. It is most men's go-to collar.

This collar fastens the collar points to the body of the shirt with buttons. It is gaining popularity more recently in business casual looks. The button down was originally invented for polo players to keep their collar points from moving during matches. It is best worn with the top collar stand button undone. This collar should bend and flex to have a nice collar roll at the front neck.

Narrowing the height of the collar length and collar band creates a more streamlined profile. Narrow button down collars also add a contemporary twist. This collar works well with a modern blazer or a suit with smaller lapels. Caution: if you choose too narrow, the collar can look too young.

A very popular collar alternative to the point collar. Also known as the English spread collar. It accommodates a larger and smaller tie with ease. The spread gives a classic look. The collar spread adds a more casual appeal when worn with the top collar stand button undone. It’s perfect for a larger knot on your tie.

Also called a cut-a-way collar or English spread collar, this collar has become more popular in recent years. It’s great to show off your tie knot. Looks confident and classy when worn with the top collar stand button undone.

The widest collar spread of all the collars. This collar point cuts back toward the shoulder giving a dashing look to the collar. Extreme spread collars are used on more traditional shirts but also are a great update for casual shirts.

Band collars AKA a mandarin collar, collarless, grand-dad collar, are a clean modern option for casual dressing. This style is a stand only and is also used on henley's. Prefect for warmer weather and cleaner jacket shapes.

Hidden buttons or snaps can help keep you looking proper without the fly-a-away common problem on spread collars. Great for business-casual or casual shirts.

Two tabs with snaps connect under your tie knot to hold your collar down. A great old school collar that has fallen off the radar.

The rounded shape of this collar is unusual for classic American business. It makes a great casual shirt and adds a turn-of-the-century vibe to dress shirts. What was old is new again.

This is a collar band with small collar points turned down at the front neck. Used for formal gatherings with a tuxedo this collar is not part of an everyday wardrobe. The "wings" hold your bowtie in place. Modern men have moved to wearing their bowties with point and spread collars in finer fabrics.