how to achieve a high, stiff collar

apropos · Jan 20, 2009

Originally Posted by suited

I don't think collar stays are going to help, at least not in this case. Actually, they'd probably have the opposite effect. Heavy collar stays would just weigh down the collar more, and prevent it from standing up.

The look he is going for is achieved through a shirt with a high collar that is made from thick, sturdy fabric. Collar stays only help the collar tips stay straight, it isn't going to help it stand up at all.
So... I'm guessing you didn't have a look at the Wurkin' Stiffs site, eh?

sonlegoman · Jan 20, 2009

Do you think Brad Pitt or Matt Damon are wearing Wurkin' Stiffs in those photos? I dont think so. I think it has to do with them wearing sturdy fabric and the suit is pressing the back of the shirts and therefore sequestering the shirts to stand on their own. I don't think you need any voodoo to make your collars stay up like that. All you need is a suit to press against the bottom half of the collars around your neck and have a well-fitting shirt.

orthofrancis · Jan 20, 2009

I was just going to say get some Shirt Viagra, but the wurkingstiffs sound cool.

why · Jan 20, 2009

Those things are gimmicky, but I'm curious as to how they work.

benjamin831 · Jan 20, 2009

Those collar gagets are just begging to be lost. All my shirts have high collars with double buttons. As long as you startch them when you iron, they will stand properly even without a tie. EDIT: Pretty flashy picture but I think it illustrates my shirt pretty well.

cheessus · Jan 20, 2009

I think that in the OP's pictures, the collars stay the way they do because the collar points (tips?) pretty much stay ever so slightly tucked under the lapels, and then is bunched up so that it stands straight. I'm not sure I'm explaining this clearly, but to me it seems less as a matter of what the collar is made of and more a function of dressing.

BTW those magnetic collar stays are awesome. I would order some, but the order site isn't loading for me.

suited · Jan 20, 2009

Originally Posted by apropos

So... I'm guessing you didn't have a look at the Wurkin' Stiffs site, eh?

Yes I did, but only briefly. I apologize if I missed something on the site other than what I saw. What are you referencing?

Anyways, I'm still a believer in the fact that if you want an open shirt that doesn't get buried by a jacket, you need a high collar.

apropos · Jan 20, 2009

Originally Posted by suited

Yes I did, but only briefly. I apologize if I missed something on the site other than what I saw. What are you referencing? Anyways, I'm still a believer in the fact that if you want an open shirt that doesn't get buried by a jacket, you need a high collar.
Wurkin' Stiffs aren't just collar stays - they have a magnet (placed inside your shirt) that literally 'glues' the tip of the collar stay (i.e. the tip of your collar) to a location on your shirt you set. That means you can either adjust your collar to remain 'flat out' 1970s style, or push the collar tips closer to your neck to keep the collar 'propped up' and 'high' - higher than they would ever be unsupported - with the added benefit that your collar points will never pop over the lapels of your jacket, something even the stiffest, most starched collars do sometimes. That also means you don't have to replace your shirts if you want to try out the 'high collar' look, even if they have completely soft, unlined collars. Of course, if all the shirts you own are the (currently fashionable) ultra-short collar type (~1.5"), then Wurkin' Stiffs will not help you.

mkarim · Jan 21, 2009

Originally Posted by cheessus

I think that in the OP's pictures, the collars stay the way they do because the collar points (tips?) pretty much stay ever so slightly tucked under the lapels, and then is bunched up so that it stands straight. I'm not sure I'm explaining this clearly, but to me it seems less as a matter of what the collar is made of and more a function of dressing.

BTW those magnetic collar stays are awesome. I would order some, but the order site isn't loading for me.

I'll have to look into these. I have brass and metal stays and they don;t work.

unpainted huffheinz · Jan 21, 2009

"Please. Those collars are neither high, nor stiff! I've had it with these small timers!!!"

suited · Feb 9, 2009

Originally Posted by apropos

You don't need a special collar, all you need are these: http://www.wurkinstiffs.com/

Seriously, try them out. Changed my life.

Just got a delivery. I'm a new man.

mkarim · Feb 9, 2009

Originally Posted by suited

Just got a delivery. I'm a new man.

I got mine. I have tried them on. They seem awesome!

Azure · Feb 9, 2009

You only need 5cm . tall collar instead of the usual 3,5 cm.

I returned a Boss shirt this season because it had a tall collar and looked as the picture, unprofessional.

Please man, buy a decent ITALIAN dress shirt and that " effect" comes along. I wonder what kind of shirts you are wearing....

A Y · Feb 9, 2009

The shirtmaker that Brad Pitt and George Clooney use makes fairly large collars for their default style. Combine that with a cloth that's slightly heavier, and a jacket to hold the points of the collar in, and you get that look. Here's an example of how big the collars are: Side: Attachment 2196 Front: Attachment 2197 --Andre

Kaplan · Feb 9, 2009

Originally Posted by Mr. Potato

Jantzen collars are quite horrible, unless you opt one without the interlinings.
Is this the 'Interlining: Extra Light and Soft' option from Jantzen, or do you need to write a note specifying absolutely NO interlining?

Does this even work? Doesn't a collar need some form of interlining?

how to achieve a high, stiff collar

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Classic Menswear Featured products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: