Collar pin.

If it is the safety pin type it is worn with a regular collar. The collars with pre-made holes are worn with a collar-bar (a straight pin with a gold ball, or gem etc at a each end.) The best collar types to wear it with are a long straight point collar or a rounded club-collar. Depending on the particular pin it can also work with a collar that has a slight spread. They are a great thing to have - they keep the tie in place and arched properly throughout the day. If you are worried that they are to dressy you can buy one that is shorter in length, it will barely be visible.

As to how thick the bar is - it should be a matter of preference but they are so rare that sometimes you have to take what you can get. In two years of looking I have only found two of them and neither were at a retail store. Does anyone know where to buy collar pins?? Putting it into the collar takes a bit of practice. It is difficult to get it straight. You may want to make the holes before you put the shirt on although it is difficult to determine at that point where it should be positioned (which depends on the size of the tie knot.) You will just have to try it, before long you will have the hang of it.

Henry Buck's in Melbourne has collar pins occasionally, and I stress occasionally, like for a couple of weeks a year. I'll check next time I'm passing that way, and let you know. I've often lucked into pins on eBay using a search for "collar pin", "collar bar" or "gold (or silver) safety pin". Before I moved on to wide spread-collar shirts, I purchased a few of the clasp-style collar bars, which simply clip onto the collar points. Not as authentic, perhaps, but easier to find, and easier for me to attach without riddling my collars with holes. Some I found on eBay, and there are costume-jewelry versions here.

Strangely enough, some shirts at Boston Store (may be known by other names across the country, I believe also carson pierie scott) that I saw had this, and I had never seen it before. The bar was made of cheap, gold-plated plastic or wire, but the design was still there none the less. I believe the shirt brand was Modena, must be an in-store brand. Due to the low quality of the bars (the cuff-links were made of a similar material), I don't know if the shirt was meant to be worn with that, or if they were meant for show in the store and later to be replaced by collar bars of your own. I just thought it was interesting that I recently saw these in a store and then they were brought up here. They look like a very dressy accessory, but are also interesting because they don't seen common at all. Eric

How to wear a collar pin ? At home, with lights off and blinds drawn is my suggestion :-) Not my cup of tea.. B

Agreed - I've never seen the point...

Collar pins seem to be one of those items that guys either love or hate. I'm curious - what is it about them that you particularly dislike??

They are certainly easier to put on but the ones I've had were nearly useless. They tended to slip out of place which to me defeats the whole purpose (which is too hold the tie knot in place.)

I must admit that I dabbled with them in the 80s but haven't done so since. To me, they are just too affected and I don't think they have the pedigree of a classic item exept in America where Flusser makes sure they are not forgotten. B

And Rummy, unfortunately. Since I won't wear a shirt under a jacket with the points exposed, i.e. I greatly prefer spread or cutaway collars, I wouldn't wear a collar pin. And that was before Rummy started putting one under his ugly mug. Peace, JG

Maybe I am old-fashioned, I actually think that they could strike a good appearance if put together nicely. For example, I wouldn't advise wearing it with a 3-button suit. On a 2-button jacket, however, it draws attention to the deep V down to the jacket button, and could make someone with a wider neck look slimmer. A crisp white shirt and a woven silk tie (no Hermes or Ferragamo.) complete the ensemble. Also, make sure there is no (or minimal) tie space otherwise it would look really weird. A spread collar would go well in a 3-button jacket as it widens your chest. Naturlaut