The collar is one of the most distinctive parts of any dress shirt. It can be used to express your personal style and provide your outfit with a specific look.

Just like there are various types of men’s dress shoes for every occasion, certain collars can be better suited for different dress codes. Height, size, stiffness, and spread are all factors that influence a collar’s overall appearance. 

Having a variety of collar styles in your dress shirt collection will ensure that you’ll be dressed to impress for every type of event. In this guide, we’ll explore the details of what differentiates each of the dress shirt collar types and the best ways to wear them.

5 Popular Dress Shirt Collar Types

Take a look at the most popular choices for men’s dress shirt collars. These ten types of collars range from casual to highly formal.

1. Forward Point Collar

Also known as the straight point, this standard collar type is appropriate for a variety of occasions. The narrow spread between the collar points makes it ideal to wear with a smaller tie knot.

This is a traditional collar choice to wear to the office and can easily be dressed up or down. Pair it with a classic suit and tie for any formal event or business meeting. One of the most popular dress shirt collar types, it also works well with a blazer and jeans for a more casual look.

https://nicksonshirts.com/product/straight-point-quick-iron-slim-fit-dark-blue-striped/

2. Long Point Collar

As the name suggests, the collar points of this style are longer, which creates a wider spread. The vintage long point collar is coming back into fashion as a more comfortable alternative to the standard point collar. 

This straight collar is not as stiff as traditional point collars. The style walks a fine line between dressy and casual without making too much of a statement. A long point collar can be worn for business and formal occasions.

https://www.itailor.co.uk/make-your-own/tailor-made-shirts/slim-fit-long-point-collar-shirts/

3. Button-Down Collar

This type of collar has its roots in England’s polo fields and was popularized by the Brooks Brothers in the 1900s. Two small buttons secure the collar points to the shirt, giving it a practical and stylish appearance.

The button-down collar is usually considered a sportier look and therefore less formal than some other collar styles. However, with today’s more laid-back fashion standards, you can easily pair these casual shirts with a suit and tie for a spiffier look.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/regular-fit-non-iron-pure-cotton-oxford-shirt/p/clp60539726

4. Spread Collar

The spread is the most common dress shirt collar type, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. With a wide distance between collar points, the spread collar can accommodate a number of interesting tie knots. It also works well with thicker ties made from heavier fabrics.

There’s also a semi-spread collar, which has points finishing 4 inches apart, compared to a spread collar which has points finishing 5 to 6 inches apart.

5. Cutaway “Windsor” Collar

The cutaway collar is an amplified version of the spread collar. The points are angled back towards the shoulders, opening up to 180 degrees or more. With this large spread, the collar allows for the biggest Windsor knot you can tie, hence the nickname.

You can find two-button band cutaway collar shirts as well as regular one button Windsor collar shirts.

https://www.hawesandcurtis.co.uk/easy-iron-white-herringbone-classic-fit-shirt-windsor-collar-single-cuffs-wypja122-n01?utm_source=new_search&utm_medium=onsitesearchresult&utm_campaign=sitesearch

Here are some items that I have selected for you and that you can find on sale at Arket (ADLINK) to complete your outfit!

Free shipping on orders over £125

Hestra Håkon Fleece-Lined Leather Gloves

£95

Free shipping on orders over £125

Checked Wool Scarf

This generously sized scarf is made form a soft responsible wool weave (cert. ICA-RAF-20-1224/00C). A check-patterned style with fringe finish on both ends. Measurements 180 cm x 35 cm.

• Wool 100%

Slim Silk Tie

£35

Made in Italy from top-quality mulberry silk, this tie has a modern, slender silhouette with a discreet sheen. Refined yet understated, it adds a festive feeling to your dressed look.

• Silk 100%

Leather Belt

Crafted from premium vegetable-tanned leather, this belt feels and looks elegant. The tonal stitching and  the silver-tone buckle complement its timeless design.

• Width 3 cm
• Vegetable-tanned leather means that a hide is converted to soft and supple leather using plant-based tannins, most commonly from bark and leaves, instead of chromium sulphate

• Leather 100%