Understanding the Shirt Collar

A shirt is constructed of many different elements, and the collar is one which could make or break the fit of your shirt at first glance. With the variety of shapes and sizes shirt collars come in, choosing the right one to match your outfit can be confusing.

Therefore, the importance of understanding the differences cannot be weighted down, since the perfect collar style helps to broaden your personal style and frame your visage. At Swan Shirts, we offer a superb range of traditional and contemporary collar styles, and knowing a thing or two about it will help getting your look just right.

Classic Kent Collar

The Classic Kent Collar is one of the most traditional collar shapes found on many dress shirts and is a staple here at Swan Shirts. Our style has a narrow collar outline, which means that the points of the collar are relatively closer together and form a straighter line than other styles. As such, you should use a similarly small knot like four-in-hand and reserve this collar style for weddings and formal business occasions.

Italian Spread Collar

The Italian Spread Collar is a modern collar style and can be worn on formal or semi-formal occasions. It is characterised by wider collar points which are angled outwards instead of pointing down. Team this collar style with a full or half Windsor knot, or dress it down without a tie.

Medium Spread Collar

The Medium Spread Collar is the middle ground between the Italian Spread and the Classic Kent Collar, making it a dynamic collar style. Think of a medium spread collar for your go-to business casual shirt. It can be dressed up with a half windsor or full windsor knot, or dressed down with no tie.

Button Down Collar

The Button Down Collar has a medium spread and uses a small button on the collar points which is fastened to your shirt, keeping the collar firmly in place. This style is ideal for less formal occasions and worn best without a tie, but works just as well on a formal shirt in a contemporary setting.

Button Tab Collar

The Button Tab Collar is an iconic and unique collar design that features an underlying tab beneath each collar leaf, and fastens on the top button. It doesn’t only pull the collar tips closer together  to create a narrower collar outline, but also lifts the knot up and out, resulting in a more distinguished appearance. Because of the tabs, it is more suitable for any formal occasion, but shouldn’t be worn without a tie.