As per Wikipedia, a collar is the part of a shirt that fastens around or frames the neck. A collar is separated from other necklines such as revers or lapels, by being made form a separate piece of fabric, rather than a folded or cut part of the same piece of fabric.
Now that we have defined a collar and know how it’s made, about time we realise its importance as well. Considering the fact that a collar is the most visible part of a shirt, it has to be one of the most important elements which define your overall look.
A collar not only defines a shirts formality, it also enhances your facial features at the same time. In essence, this means that getting your collar right is the most important step in designing a shirt, obviously after you’ve chosen the fabric.
Wondering how to choose a collar? Here’s a small list of things you should consider before you choose the collar for your shirt.
- What occasion are you wearing it for?
- Will you be wearing a tie?
- Are you wearing a jacket on top of it?
- Does the collar complement your facial features and length of the neck?
A few tips to help you choose the collar:
- Collars with longer tips are a strict no no if you have a short neck.
- Consider wide collar if you have broad shoulders.
- Larger knots dictate wider collars.
Finally, let’s take a look at the collar options we offer at the Bombay Shirt Company
![Spread collar](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/spread_480x480.jpg?v=1615368485)
The spread collar remains classic men’s style like the pocket square, hat, and custom suit. Works best for a thin face. Collar bone provided to ensure a crisp collar.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/price-charlie_480x480.jpg?v=1615368513)
Classic straight collar is best paired with a suit and tie. It was made famous by British Royalty. Collar bone provided to ensure a crisp collar.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/madmen_480x480.jpg?v=1615368535)
This cutaway collar can be worn with a tie to work or without a tie for after work drinks. While wearing a tie, we recommend you use a Windsor knot. Collar bone provided to ensure a crisp collar.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/bandhgala_12e4eda0-f926-4211-aa14-91c964da1c2d_480x480.jpg?v=1615368557)
The traditional Bandhgala for all the old school folks out there.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/hipster_55dd791e-0057-43a1-b556-954d07f4df7f_480x480.jpg?v=1615368584)
Also known as the Skinny Collar, is a fairly recent phenomenon. Ideally worn without a tie, but if you must, choose a skinny one.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/hipster-rounded_480x480.jpg?v=1615368637)
Why be square? Our most unconventional collar is this skinny rounded collar.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/prepster_7e46dc9e-3473-4f1e-88e1-7a485543f3eb_480x480.jpg?v=1615368655)
If there was ever a middle ground between the preppy and the hipster, it’s this button down skinny collar.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/evil-pandit_f174b2e8-b46a-4eeb-9142-c3bdeb936b8b_480x480.jpg?v=1615368679)
Better known as the Banded Collar, was made famous by such luminaries as Pandit Nehru & Dr. Evil. We, however, have a contemporary take on it.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/double_6108f064-da8e-4ac0-a5c2-77589ddcbeb9_480x480.jpg?v=1615368702)
The double collar is all the rage today. One collar is just not enough.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/polo_003fb472-a9d1-45e7-a39e-b95a7c670e9e_480x480.jpg?v=1615368730)
Better known as the Button Down Collar, is ideally paired with a sports jacket and loafers, but goes well with less dressy suits.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/concealed-polo-150x150_480x480.jpg?v=1615368753)
A metallic snap button on the inside keeps your button down a secret.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/club_63c4f163-a494-4f6a-9872-50a8679f2fc8_480x480.jpg?v=1615368771)
Made famous by NBA coach Pat Riley, the Club Collar goes well with bespoke shirts and dressy suits.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/ozwald-boateng_25cda612-01c5-4cdc-9de5-00af3de90158_480x480.jpg?v=1615368792)
Designed by it’s namesake, perhaps the classiest of all our collar offerings.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0536/3594/0515/files/wing_582c0b5f-54e0-4151-ae4c-855d484cad93_480x480.jpg?v=1615368813)
Save it for your wedding day. Exclusively worn with a bow tie and tux.
Now that you understand collars and have seen the options, how about trying your hand at designing your own shirt?