Spread or Point Collar Acceptable without a Tie?

furo · May 12, 2009

Okay I've got mixed answers from folks on what is acceptable and what isn't.

So, can you wear a spread or point collar without a tie, or is button-down the ONLY way to go when going sans tie?

And if you can in fact go without the tie, how much spread is allowed? (i.e. 30 degrees, 60 degrees, etc)

DocHolliday · May 13, 2009

You can, yes. It can look pretty good with a suit or sportcoat, if you have the right collar. For wear without a coat, the stiffer the collar (and the wider the spread), the worse it will look. I much prefer buttondowns for wear without a coat.

Stiff collars with no coat:

furo · May 13, 2009

When you say stiffness, you mean how much the collar stands upright? I usually don't wear a coat to work, but I always wear long sleeve. So given that, what types of collars are acceptable to wear if they aren't button down?

Any examples/pics would be awesome!

DocHolliday · May 13, 2009

By stiffness, I mean how firm it feels if you try to bend it. Some are extremely soft (the type often found on casual shirts), and I think they look fine without a coat. The floppier the better. But others are stiff and hard, and jut out awkwardly. That's what I don't like.

Really, it's just a matter of personal taste. You won't be "wrong" if you wear a stiff point collar without a coat or tie. I think buttondowns are perfect for wear without a coat, but if you disagree, wear what you like.

bowtielover · May 13, 2009

It is completley acceptable to wear a spread or point collar without a tie, just make sure you have collar stays in so the ends don't flare up on you then it will look bad.

spectre · May 13, 2009

Originally Posted by bowtielover

It is completley acceptable to wear a spread or point collar without a tie, just make sure you have collar stays in so the ends don't flare up on you then it will look bad.

Spread looks more rakish. Button down is conventional and safe.

SlamMan · May 13, 2009

I know they don't have many fans around SF but I love Wurkin Stiffs colar stays. For me if I go without a tie I've got them in. They work great keeping any collar, stiff or soft, from flying away in true Saturday Night Fever Style.

JayJay · May 13, 2009

I prefer button down collars when I'm not wearing a tie with a jacket.

edmorel · May 13, 2009

I don't like this look but there is nothing inappropriate about it. To me though, it's the equivalent of wearing a suit jacket as a blazer.

anon · May 13, 2009

I do it all the time since most of my shirts are spread collared, but I do prefer button-down collars when not wearing a tie.

De Gustibus · May 13, 2009

Not to derail the thread, but when you do wear the unbuttoned shirt, do you wear a v-neck or crew neck t-shirt underneath, or no t-shirt at all?

TheFoo · May 13, 2009

I don't mind wearing a spread collar shirt casually, without a tie and jacket, but the thought of wearing one with a jacket and no tie makes me feel uneasy. The look tends to appear sloppy and unfinished.

SlamMan · May 13, 2009

Originally Posted by De Gustibus

Not to derail the thread, but when you do wear the unbuttoned shirt, do you wear a v-neck or crew neck t-shirt underneath, or no t-shirt at all?
V-neck for me. It feels sloppy if I can see the collar of my crew neck. Sometimes no undershirt if the shirt is thick enough that teh nips don't show.

anon · May 13, 2009

Originally Posted by De Gustibus

Not to derail the thread, but when you do wear the unbuttoned shirt, do you wear a v-neck or crew neck t-shirt underneath, or no t-shirt at all?
I have a mixture of either, and it doesn't matter which one I wear, you never see the undershirt.

Cas Ruffin · May 13, 2009

I like the spread collar unbuttoned with the jacket. The collar stands up in a way that a regular doesn't

Spread or Point Collar Acceptable without a Tie?

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