Collar with built-in collar bar-like strap

[Kent Wang]

I was watching the film Eros, during the Wong Kar Wai-directed segment The Hand, when I noticed that Zhang, the protoganist, wears a collar that has a strap hanging from each end of the collar, as seen below:

What is its function? My guess is that it has a similar effect as a collar bar.

Below is another shot from a different scene. It is not clear whether it's the same shirt.

What do you think of this feature? Was it popular in the past? I have never seen it before.

By the way, I have not watched the other two segments of the film yet but The Hand is magnificent. Similar stylistically to In The Mood For Love. The cinematography by Christopher Doyle, especially the compositions, is simply among the best I have ever seen.

 

[Toiletduck]

Tab collar?

 

[crazyquik]

Looks like a tab collar. Was more popular in the past, though some think its just now starting to make a tiny come-back. Perhaps because they look neato with a 3 piece or DB. Brooks RTW used to sell them, but they are MTM only at Brooks now. I think you can get them RTW from Lands End. I've seen a few contrast-collar Brooks models too.

Donald Rumsfeld, Neil Cavuto, and Elliot Spitzer have worn them for a while. Though Spitzers look particularly cheapo. Can't think of anyone else in the public eye that does.

http://www.landsend.com/ix/mens-clot...eSize=12&tab=1

 

[Toiletduck]

I have seen two types of tab collars in particular one with the metal fastening as pictured above, and one with just fabric and button, which IMO is the more elegant choice

 

[Kent Wang]

Yes, the metal is probably a snap button which is easier, but a conventional button would be more elegant.

I'm not really sure the tab collar is very attractive as the tab, when seen from the side, looks rather cheap. And why not just wear a collar bar?

 

[Shirtmaven]

the tab collar is a rather formal look. not to be worn open without a tie. otr should not be.

Fred Pressman of Barneys always wore his shirt open with the tie bar just hanging from one side.

 

[Absolute Beginner]

Funny. I was watching 2046 (another Wong Kar Wai film) this past weekend. I noticed that the protagonist had a thing for tab-collars as well.

 

[Douglas]

Maybe you should buy some old tab collars.

Welcome back to the age of jive.

 

[aragon765]

Originally Posted by Douglas

Maybe you should buy some old tab collars.

Welcome back to the age of jive.

Yes... Billy Joel ftw...

 

[MORNINGSTAR777]

J. Crew sells these too



http://images.jcrew.com/erez4/erez?s...if&tmp=prdDtIm

Secret Wash tab-collar shirt