Shirt Collar Types : How to Choose the Right One

Brooks Brothers proudly offers a variety of button-down shirts with different collar structures to fit each occasion. So which collar type is the right one for you?

Button-Down Collar
At a polo match in England, John E. Brooks noticed something peculiar about the players’ collars: they were buttoned down so as to prevent their flapping in the wind. Bringing the discovery back to Brooks Brothers, the collar structure has become the staple in shirt design.

The button-down collar harbors the iconic soft, unlined comfort and casually distinctive “roll.” Sufficiently dressy with a tie, the button-down collar is most elegant when worn open, when its long points stand proud rather than collapsing under jacket lapels as many other collars do.
• Pair with a sports coat for a preppy look
• Can leave the collar buttons open or closed
• Can be worn with a tie if required

Spread Collar
The spread collar is very popular and considered one of the staples of the British and European styles. It was popularized in the 1920s by the Prince of Wales. The widespread format offers a wider collar to accommodate wider tie knots or ties made from thicker materials.
• Designed to be worn closed with a tie
• The more formal style of collar types
• Suits men with narrow faces and/or long necks
• Suitable for a variety of tie materials and knots

Forward Point Collar

Also referred to as "point collar" or "straight-point collar," the forward point collar maintains the narrowest distance between points. This design ensures your tie will fit snugly without gaps on either side.  

The extended pointed tips produce a slimming effect, mitigating the breadth and width of the face, making it particularly suitable for those with wider faces and shorter necks. 

• Versatile collar, suitable for most face sizes and shapes

• Elegant with a tie or worn open

 

The Golf Collar

The golf collar features a distinctively round-pointed collar. Embracing a more traditional style, the golf collar appeals to the old-school dresser but can also be paired with more modern, casual ensembles. 

• Perfect for semi-formal occasions such as a fancy night out or a cocktail party

• A novelty look that can elevate an outfit or be dressed as a costume piece

Wingtip
The wingtip collar today is worn only with formal white-tie or semi-formal black-tie events.
• Wear with a bowtie
• Best paired with a tuxedo or tailcoat
• A more glamorous style that should only be worn for special occasions 

Band Collar

A variation from the era of detachable collars, band collar shirts are essentially shirts without collars at all. The band or base for the collar stand is traditionally where one would attach the collar with brass studs.

• Should not be worn with a tie

• Rustic and relaxed look paired well with or without a jacket