Collars, Cuffs, & Lapels

COLLAR YOUR STYLE

Need a quick refresher on the various types of collar options for your next custom shirt? Straight collar: A neutral, all-around good choice that works for nearly every gentleman. Button-down: A classy-yet-casual option that keeps the collar secured in place. Can be worn without a tie, with the top button unbuttoned. Spread collar: A powerful look that can be created at several angles (medium spread, wide spread). It allows plenty of room for a large, powerful tie knot. The widest spread is called a cutaway collar. Club collar (rounded): There's a hint of the English about this unique look. Eyelet collar (for a collar pin): The tiny openings allow for placement of a collar pin. This look is dressy, elegant, distinguished, and quite unusual. Tab collar: A hidden tab behind the tie keeps the collar in place without visible buttons. Band collar: The collar doesn't have a strip of fabric that folds over the tie. This is a casual look that should never be...

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Contrast Cuffs and Collars

A shirt that uses a different fabric for the cuffs and collar offer an interesting variation from the traditional single-fabric shirt. Because they are somewhat unusual, they allow you to make a statement. Many gentlemen never try wearing shirts with contrasting elements, but for those who enjoy using their wardrobe to express their unique sense of style and image, it can be a good option. Building a custom wardrobe allows you to build this type of shirt using precisely the colors that you choose, along with giving you the perfect fit you enjoy on your other custom shirts. This style is most often seen as a blue shirt with a white collar and white French cuffs. Other color combinations, such as using printed fabrics as the contrast, will look more casual than the white-and-blue option, so consider the occasion and environment it will be worn in before you make your decision. You’ll look...

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Choosing Shirt Collars

The best type of collar for you is the collar that creates a flattering, powerful look-and that look depends on many factors, including your physical build, the occasion, and your personality. Here are a few common styles to consider when choosing shirt collars for your custom shirts: Straight collar. Thinner ties are at home with a straight collar. The straight collar is the most prevalent choice in menswear, as its simplicity creates elegance and professionalism without calling attention to itself. Button-down collar. This collar is the most casual choice for your shirts, and can be easily worn with a sweater or sport coat. Avoid wearing a button-down collar with a double-breasted suit. Tab collar. A tab collar not only keeps the points of the collar from moving out of position, it pushes the tie knot out slightly, giving it an appealing shape and prominence. Spread collar. If you prefer thick ties with a substantial...

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Ties For Spread Collars

Many gentlemen prefer to wear spread collars on their dress shirts. The wide angles of a spread collar can create a masterful, mature look. However, because of its width, a spread collar also creates a wide space at your neck, leaving some ties looking insufficient. You can create pleasing proportions through your choice of fabric and knot. Choosing a thicker fabric will help your tie take up more space. A wider tie will also help add bulk to the knot. The knot itself should likewise be substantial, so try a Windsor or half-Windsor knot rather than the more common four-in-hand. The wider, fuller symmetrical knot more perfectly fills the space of a spread collar with well-proportioned harmony. When well balanced with an appropriate tie, a spread collar creates a strong, confident look like no other....

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Peaked Lapels are at the Peak

Many business suits feature a notched lapel, conveying a dependable functionality. But when you’re looking for something a little dressier, let your lapels climb to the peak. Wearing an elegant coat with peaked lapels is suitable for most business needs, but this isn’t the suit coat that doubles as a sport coat. Don’t pair peaked lapels (including double-breasted coats) with jeans and a T-shirt–keep the power suit powerful. For an added measure of dressiness, pair the peak lapel suit with a coordinating vest. Overcoats may also be made with peaked lapels, creating an even stronger combination of elegance....

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