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Best collars for shirts worn casually?

post #1 of 34
1/27/13 at 1:28pm
Thread Starter 

So, I’m wondering what are the best sorts of collars for shirts worn casually, namely open at the neck. I find that some of my remaining OTR shirts just are limp at the collar, spreading out like melted butter on a hot day. I have a thin, somewhat long neck, so on my MTM shirts (from Mytailor) I opt for collar heights of at least 1.75 inches to 2 inches (I wear them a little higher on my button down collars since I don’t wear these with a tie, but open at the neck).

 

I’m hoping to order a few more shirts to wear without a tie. Some of these will be button down, and here I opt for a higher collar and longer points, to get a good collar roll, but I’d like to see if there are other collars that might work, look nice.

 

A few specific questions

 

  1. Should one not go with an unlined collar? There’s something nice about the soft collars I’m seeing on some SFers, but I suppose less structure means a buttery appearance (sorry, metaphor overwork!).
  2. Any specific constraints with linen or linen blends?

 

Pictures of your collars appreciated. If you order from Mytailor or any other MTM and have found a standard collar that works well (and again, pics please), please do share.

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post #2 of 34
1/27/13 at 3:38pm

Frankly, if you're wearing the shirt w/o a tie, the BD will always be the best look. So stick with that.

 

If you really want to experiment, get a moderate spread, but ensure that the collar is tall and that the band (and only the band) is lined (even a little stiff) so it doesn't flop down.

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post #3 of 34
1/28/13 at 8:21am

I agree with Eustace %100 on the button down collar. I always choose this option when I go with an open collar and have never found anything else that I liked the look of better.

 

- Randy

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post #4 of 34
1/28/13 at 9:18am
I always wear spreads.
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post #5 of 34
1/28/13 at 9:42am
Wide spread works the best. The collar stands up nicely with or without a v neck sweater. Try it.
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post #6 of 34
1/28/13 at 10:32am
^
That's what I do.
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post #7 of 34
1/28/13 at 10:51am
If you are to wear the shirt with a sport jacket or blazer, a button-down collar -- or possibly a hidden button-down collar -- is the obvious choice. If, on the other hand, you are to wear the shirt on its own, you have more leeway ... I myself like collarless shirts (that is, shirts that have no collar except for the collar band). Not exactly business casual, but then, that's sort of the point.
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post #8 of 34
1/28/13 at 1:31pm
Line NOBD, I personally wear nothing but spread collars with my dress shirts. It may not be technically correct and a button-down collar may be more appropriate with some of my more casual looks. That said, I just can't make myself like button down collars in most cases. I've tried a few times, even very recently, and I always find myself wishing I'd worn a spread collar.

I'd think that the casual nature of a button down collar would go even better with linen, what with its wrinkles and all, than cotton. If you're going with a mix of collar types, I'd favor button down with the linens and cotton fabrics with the spread collars.
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post #9 of 34
1/28/13 at 1:47pm
Old English shirtmaker Hilditch & Key sells wide spread linen casual shirts.

->

http://www.hilditchandkey.co.uk/Casual/Casual-Linen-Dark-Blue.aspx
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post #10 of 34
1/28/13 at 8:03pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks everyone for the replies. The linen wide spread! Nice find.

 

So perhaps a stiff lining on the band but a soft collar (possibly without lining), even on the wide spreads?

 

Construction, architectural details appreciated.

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post #11 of 34
1/28/13 at 9:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NOBD View Post

Old English shirtmaker Hilditch & Key sells wide spread linen casual shirts.

->

http://www.hilditchandkey.co.uk/Casual/Casual-Linen-Dark-Blue.aspx

Lucky for me they don't have what I want in my size. Otherwise I could get myself in trouble on that site. Still, great find and thanks for sharing.
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post #12 of 34
1/28/13 at 11:50pm
I concur with Eustace on button down collars. You can (arguably) do a spread collar with a sport coat. The coat will keep the collar points in place.
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post #13 of 34
1/29/13 at 7:12am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Man Of Lint View Post

I concur with Eustace on button down collars. You can (arguably) do a spread collar with a sport coat. The coat will keep the collar points in place.


I'm inclined to this as well. One possibility is a hidden button on a button down. Is it possible to do this so that one has the shape of a spread collar, but with the points held in place? Anyone have such a shirt?

 

And yes, I will try a simple spread too.

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post #14 of 34
1/29/13 at 7:14am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by archibaldleach View Post


Lucky for me they don't have what I want in my size. Otherwise I could get myself in trouble on that site. Still, great find and thanks for sharing.


Yes, that is a nice looking shirt. I like the collar too. I might try to find a similar material at Mytailor and have one made.

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post #15 of 34
1/29/13 at 7:40am
Here's mine; Albini Sahara fabric:

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