subject: Varieties Of Collars And Collar Stays [print this page] One will be amazed to know about the varieties of collars that have been in fashion for decades. Wearing collars on their dresses was taken as a token of great status and class in the early years. The tailors used to stitch various different types of collars according to the demands of the customers who used to wear shirts and coats with collar. There have been various types of collars designed and developed by tailors and designers all over the world in course of time as the style and fashion of different eras changed.
While categorizing collars, there are three basic types
Turnover collars The basic collars that we see in most shirts are turnover collars. As the name suggests, the turnover collars are semi rigid and can be turned over and folded.
Flat collars These are the collars that lay flat on the shoulders, like those in formal suits.
Standing collars The standing collars are usually seen in specially designed coats and jackets, in which the collar is rigid and is cut in a way so that it stands erect.
Classifying the styles of the different collars that have been in fashion over the years, the very first style that comes to mind is the Chinese collar, which is open in front. It is a standing style collar and is a little short. Another very popular style in standing collar is the Nehru collar which is fastened together in the front with buttons.
The Chelsea collar stays which was very popular and in vogue in the 1960 to 1980 period, is actually a flat type collar with long and pointed ends. A turtleneck collar on the other hand extends to the chin of the wearer. It can be usually seen in long overcoats and some designer shirts. There was also a detachable collar in fashion once which could be attached to the shirt with the help of buttons and again detached when needed. It is however out of fashion nowadays. The poet collar is also a well-known style of collar which has long and pointed ends.
The most common problem that arises when you are wearing a shirt with a crisp, new collar is that, it tends to wilt down within a few hours after use. This gives you a very untidy look and can mess up with your image. It is thus recommended that you buy a collar stay that will help maintain your shirt collar intact for a long time.
