SHIRT COLLARS

Collar styles add character to a shirt and can vary from sharp to round and be short or long. The important feature is that the collars should be cut in such a way that the curve fits the nape of the neck so that the shirt does not fall back everytime you move your body. Choice of collar designs should also depend on face shape, body shape and neck height.

Collar styles for men have morphed from large long pointed collars, to small sharp collars and on to the current trend of high widespread collars. Fashion trends can be confusing and unpredictable. CYC offers more than 50 different collar styles which allows you to either follow fashion trends or create your own individual style.

Each collar has been created and cut by CYC to ensure comfort and a proper fit. For men, you should ideally be able to insert a finger between the collar and your neck with a tie in place. Additionally, a well-fitted shirt collar should lie flat against your shirtfront.

There are, however, a few things to consider when selecting a collar style. If you are tall and lean with a thin face, a spread collar would be a better choice. On the other hand, a straight collar would provide balance to a round face.

TYPES OF COLLARS :

Standard

A straight-pointed collar, this standard � or �regular� standard � goes well with any style of suit. The ideal length should be between 6 and 7cm long as it will balance nicely with a jacket lapel of about 9cm wide; recommended tie width is 8.5cm.

Button-down

The button down collar is perhaps the most prevalent and versatile collar style available. Modelled after the English polo shirt, the buttons prevent the collar from flapping into the player�s face during a polo match. It has also been associated with the Ivy League look; and it goes well with tweed sports jackets or woollen suits.

Cutaway

Known also as the English spread or full-spread Windsor (as it was popularised in the 1930s by the Duke of Windsor), the collar points are positioned far apart to accommodate large knotted ties. A very formal style, good for single-breasted suit but better with a double-breasted jacket.

Round

This round, or club, collar style was popular with the schoolboys of Eton and became a staple of the Ivy League set since the 1920s. Best worn with a dressy suit or sports jacket � but not quite suitable for men with round faces.

Tab

Another innovation by the late Duke of Windsor. By utilising tabs attached to the collar, it holds the tie neatly in place. The modern tab comes with a plastic or snap button instead of a brass stud, which was the original source.

Pin

Popular during the late 1920s, it was a hot favourite with meticulous dressers. The long pin that goes through the regular collar locks the tie in place. This collar style can be matched with a business suit or a sports jacket.

Wing

This is certainly designed for an evening dress shirt worn with a formal suit. The wearer has the option to carry it off with a necktie or bow tie. A variation of this style is the long-pointed �Court Collar� worn by lawyers at formal court settings.

Stand

This collar can be worn as a casual shirt and also as a semi-formal shirt. The collar exudes an Oriental look. For a casual shirt, it can be long sleeves cut slightly loose for a �tuck out look�. For evening, the shirt could be worn under a sports jacket to give a semi-formal look.