Your guide to shirt collars
Choosing the right shirt collar can completely transform your look. Whether you’re dressing for a formal event, a business meeting, or a casual outing, the collar is often the first detail people notice. Each style has its own character, formality level, and best use.
In this guide, we’ll break down our most popular men’s shirt collar types, explain when to wear them, and show you how to style each one. Whether you’re shopping for a new dress shirt, building a versatile wardrobe, or simply curious about fashion details, this comprehensive collar guide will help you choose the perfect style for every occasion.
KENT
A Kent collar shirt is our most common collar and a go-to option for any occasion. With a tie, it delivers a sharp and professional look suitable for business and formal events. Without a tie, it maintains a refined yet relaxed style that’s perfect for smart-casual settings. Thanks to its adaptability, the Kent collar complements all face shapes and pairs well with suits, blazers, or even worn open-necked.
SHARK
The Shark collar (also known as the cutaway collar) is a modern and stylish shirt collar design that features a wide spread between the collar points.
A Shark collar shirt is an excellent choice if you want to make a style statement. It exudes confidence, elegance, and modern sophistication. This collar type works best with formal business attire and is often chosen for important meetings, weddings, or evening events. While it looks great on most men, it particularly flatters those with narrow or oval face shapes, as the wide spread balances facial proportions.
WINGTIP
The Wingtip collar (often called a wing collar) is the most formal shirt collar style, traditionally worn with tuxedos and evening wear. It features short, stiff collar points that stand upright with small “wings” folded down at the front. This design showcases the bow tie or cravat, making it the preferred choice for black-tie and white-tie events.
BUTTON DOWN
The Button-Down collar is a classic and versatile shirt collar style where the collar points are fastened to the shirt with small buttons. Originally designed for polo players in the late 19th century, this collar has become a staple in both casual and business-casual fashion. It blends comfort with style, making it one of the most practical and popular collar types.
HIDDEN BUTTON DOWN
The Hidden Button-Down collar is a stylish twist on the traditional button-down collar. Instead of visible buttons holding the collar points in place, this design features small concealed buttons underneath the collar. This creates a cleaner, sharper appearance while still keeping the collar neatly secured. It’s a favorite choice for men who want the practicality of a button-down without the casual look of visible buttons.
STAND UP
The Stand-Up collar (also known as a band collar or Mandarin collar) is a minimalist shirt collar style that has no traditional collar flaps. Instead, it features a short, upright band that encircles the neck. With its sleek and modern design, the stand-up collar is often associated with contemporary fashion, Asian-inspired styles, and casual elegance.
DOUBLE
The double collar (also called a camp or Cuban collar) is a relaxed, open-collar style that lies flat against the chest. Unlike traditional collars, it does not have a collar band, which gives it a laid-back and casual look. This style became popular in mid-20th century leisurewear and has made a strong comeback in modern men’s fashion, especially for summer outfits and resort wear.