Choosing the right collar

We all know how important it is to wear the right collar size and choose an appropriately fitted shirt; but what about the finer details, such as the shape and style of your collar? From the popular forward point to the trendy button down – we take a look at all the best collar styles and share our top tips.

Every little detail counts

Perhaps a shirt’s collar is an important feature of your shirt-buying process, or maybe you never bother to give it a second-look. Whatever you think about finer details like the collar, here are some features to look out for:

Collar points – the tips of the collar

Collar point lengths

Collar band

Collar height

The middle space – where your tie sits

The spread – distance between the tips of your collar

Together, these features can create completely different looks – resulting in collars that are more formal, trendy, or relaxed.

Popular collar styles: Which one is for you?

The forward point: Best for everyday wear

The forward point collar is the most popular style you’ll find. It features sharper end points and has a close width between the end points too – meaning the top point of your tie is easily hidden. Traditional and suitable for the majority of occasions, work or play, it’s the go-to for most men.

Suited to: Most face shapes

Not ideal for: Narrow face shapes

The button down: Best for the smart/casual look

The button down collar is a little bit trendier than the forward point. With each side of the collar fastened to your shirt with a button, you needn’t worry about your collar being out of place. Unlike the forward point, which looks best paired with a tie, the button-down collar can be worn with or without. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting or going out for a slap-up meal, this style of collar is perfect.

Suited to: All face types

The wing collar: Best for a tuxedo

If you’re heading to a special event or gala ball, the wing collar is exactly what you’ll need. Designed specifically for formal occasions, the collar features tips that sit flat – resembling wings. Team with a bow tie and tuxedo for the ultimate formal look.

Suited to: All face shapes

The club: Best for the stylish look

While the club collar has only a few subtle differences in its style, it offers a completely different look. Featuring a rounded collar, this style of shirt collar has become extremely popular with the in-crowd and elite. The overall look is reminiscent of your favourite Fred Perry or Ralph Lauren polo shirt and promised a look that’s trendy, smart, and a little bit posh!

Suited to: Narrow face shapes

Not ideal for: Round face shapes

Once you’ve decided on your preferred style, why not choose the perfect shirt fabric to match? We have over 500 shirting materials to choose from in a variety of colours. If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, have a read of our advice articles on the blog or give us a call on 01282 698662.

What style of collar do you usually choose? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @AcornFabrics

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Henrique Barbone

22:13 17 Dec 21

Acorn Fabrics is one of the only shirting mills that engages with and sells directly to end customers. Aside from this, the quality of their fabrics is on par with the likes of Thomas Mason and other big players in the market. Their collection has some uniquely interesting colours and patterns such as a red striped heavy Oxford (my shirtmaker in Naples couldn't find a similar fabric from any other mill) or the cotton-linen Aruba denim. Having browsed through shirting swatches from many other mills, I also think that Acorn has the best collection of Tattersall shirtings anywhere. I've taken several of Acorn's fabrics to Naples with me and had them made into beautiful shirts.

Martino Bacile di Castiglione

13:10 02 Mar 19

sal b

06:09 17 Oct 17

My Acorn fabrics arrived in Sydney today - including the Malham 280 royal. The staff at Acorn are professional and generous, and head an extraordinary company with excellent quality cloth. I feel blessed to have discovered them and will definitely look forward to using them again in future. Sal B in Sydney

Jamie Campbell

21:41 31 Jul 17

I can't praise Acorn Fabrics highly enough. A wonderful company, I didn't think such companies still existed. Five stars are just not enough!

Tim Jones

08:28 14 Jun 17

I have always found Acorn Fabrics to be a splendid company. Their product is of the highest quality, offered across a wide, comprehensive range of fabrics and colours and the 'team' are both veryfriendly and extremely efficient. It is a pleasure to do business with them.