28 Different Types of Collars: A Complete Guide to Types of Collars on Dresses
Collars are much more than a functional part of a garment—they are a defining fashion element that reflects style, personality, and elegance. The different types of collars can completely transform the look of an outfit by framing the neckline, enhancing facial features, and adding character to both casual and formal clothing. From the timeless Peter Pan collar and sophisticated Mandarin collar to modern statement styles, every collar design offers a unique aesthetic that complements different garments and occasions. In this guide, we’ll explore 28 unique collar styles, their distinctive features, and how each one can elevate your wardrobe while showcasing the creativity and versatility of fashion design.
Table of Contents
Shirt Collar
Collars are one of the most important design elements of a shirt, influencing both its appearance and functionality. Understanding the different types of collars helps you choose the right style for various occasions, fashion preferences, and comfort needs. A shirt collar is the fabric attached around the neckline that frames the face and enhances the overall look of the garment. Depending on its design, a collar may stand upright, fold over, fasten with buttons, or feature a more relaxed shape. From classic dress shirt collars to modern button-down, mandarin, and turtleneck styles, each collar offers a unique look and purpose. Learning about the different types of collars makes it easier to select the perfect option for formal, casual, or everyday wear.
Button Down Collar
Among the different types of collars, the button-down collar is one of the most practical and versatile styles. It features small buttons at the collar points that attach directly to the shirt, keeping the collar securely in place throughout the day. This design creates a neat, polished appearance while preventing the collar from shifting during movement.
A button-down shirt is simply a shirt designed with this type of collar. Its smart yet relaxed look makes it suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual outings to business-casual settings. It pairs well with jeans, chinos, or even a blazer, making it a wardrobe essential.
Button-down shirts are commonly made from Oxford cloth, a durable fabric recognized for its distinctive basket-weave texture. Originally developed in Scotland, Oxford fabric is strong, breathable, and comfortable enough for everyday wear. Its ability to retain its shape while offering a slightly textured finish makes it a popular choice for button-down shirts.
If you’re exploring the different types of collars, the button-down collar stands out for its timeless style, comfort, and versatility, making it an excellent option for both everyday and semi-formal outfits.
Whisk Collar
The whisk collar is one of the different types of collars recognized for its stiff construction and wide, folded tips that form a distinctive half-moon shape around the neck and shoulders. It originated in early 17th-century Spain as a heavily starched decorative piece before becoming a fashionable neck collar. Its elegant and dramatic style made it a popular choice during that period.
Shawl Collar
Among the different types of collars, the shawl collar stands out for its smooth, rounded design that wraps gracefully around the neck and flows into the front of the garment without pointed edges. It is commonly found on men’s suit jackets, tuxedos, blazers, and robes, adding a refined and elegant appearance.
Shawl collars are made from a variety of fabrics, including wool, cotton, and polyester, making them suitable for both formal and casual outfits. Their soft, continuous shape creates a polished look while providing comfort and timeless style.
What is Lapel?
A lapel is the folded cloth on the front of a jacket or coat. The word derives from Old French lappel, meaning “flap,” and originally referred only to the part of a garment folded over the front. In modern usage, the lapel term refers to the folded flap of cloth on the front of a garment below the collar.
Turtle Neck Collar
A turtleneck is a funny thing. It’s kind of cute, and it’s also pretty functional because it keeps your throat covered in cooler weather. It is a type of high, close-fitting collar that wraps snugly around the neck. It is usually made from stretchy fabric and can be folded over or left standing upright. Turtlenecks are commonly found on sweaters, shirts, and dresses and are ideal for keeping the neck warm in cooler weather.
This versatile collar style is both functional and fashionable, often adding a sleek, sophisticated look to casual and formal outfits alike.
Ruffle Collar(Ruff)
A ruffle collar is a type of collar made up of several layers of fabric gathered together. The gathered fabric creates a ruffled look often seen in dresses and blouses. A ruffle collar can add a touch of elegance to an outfit and is a great way to add some extra warmth during the colder months.
This was popular during the 17th and 18th centuries. Modern neckline versions have smaller heights and are often equally soft and gentle on the skin.
Wing Collar
A wing collar is a formal shirt collar characterized by a pair of pointed “wings” extending from the collar points. The wings are usually made from the same fabric as the shirt’s body and fold over the front of the shirt.
The wing collar is most commonly seen on formal shirts and is generally considered the most formal of all shirt collars. It is usually worn with a bow tie.
Sailor Collar
A sailor collar is a type of shirt collar characterized by its wide, flat appearance. It is usually made of stiff fabric and has a wide band of fabric around the neck. Sailor collars were traditionally worn by sailors and were often seen as a sign of nautical status. Today, they are worn by both men and women and are considered a stylish and modern option for shirt collars.
Pointed Flat Collar
A pointed flat collar is a type of shirt collar that is flat in shape and has pointed ends. This type of collar is most commonly seen on shirts and is considered to be a more formal style of collar.
Notched Collar
A notched collar is a type of shirt collar that has a small notch on each side of the collar. The step or notch cut is present in the collar at the point where it joins the shirt’s placket. The notch helps the collar to lay flat against the neck and provides a clean, sharp look. Also, the notch offers extra room for the tie knot, making achieving a comfortable, relaxed fit easier. Notched collars are often seen on dress shirts and are a popular choice for both men and women. The notched collars are also popular for business and casual shirts.
Revere Collar
A revere collar is a type of shirt collar characterized by its wide, flat appearance. The name comes from the fact that this style of collar was popularized by the 18th-century British statesman Sir Robert Walpole, who was known for wearing shirts with this type of collar.
A revere collar is a flat, open collar that lies against the garment and forms a V-shaped neckline. Its folded-back edges characterise it, creating a small notch where the collar meets the lapel. This style is commonly seen on shirts, blouses, and dresses, adding a touch of elegance and a slightly formal look.
Revere collars are also a type of notched collar only. There are many variations to this type of collar, and it can be worn with an extremely luxurious look or on a more casual occasion.
Peter Pan Collar
A Peter Pan collar is a type of collar without a lapel often seen on blouses and dresses. It is named after the character Peter Pan, who is often depicted wearing a similar collar. To learn more about peter pan collars click on the below link.
Pilgrim Collar
A pilgrim collar is a type of clerical collar worn by some Anglican and Lutheran clergy. It is similar to a Roman collar but has a wider band and is made of black fabric. The collar is worn over the clergy shirt and is usually secured with a small pin or clasp.
Johnny Collar
A Johnny Collar is a type of shirt collar popular in the early 20th century. It is named after its inventor, Johnny Collins, who patented the design in 1901. The collar is characterized by its small size and rounded shape, which fits snugly around the neck. It was traditionally made of white linen or cotton, but it is available in various fabrics and colours today.
Chinese Collar or Mandarin Collar
Among the different types of collars, the Chinese collar, also called the Mandarin collar, is recognized for its short, stand-up design that wraps around the neck without folding over. It usually features a straight or slightly curved band and may fasten at the front with buttons or hooks. Inspired by traditional East Asian clothing, this collar is commonly used on shirts, jackets, and dresses.
In India, the style became widely recognized after Jawaharlal Nehru frequently wore it with his kurtas, leading to the popular name Nehru collar. Today, the Mandarin collar is a popular choice for both men’s and women’s clothing, including shirts, kurtas, kameezes, and kurtis. Its clean, minimalist design makes it suitable for casual wear as well as modern ethnic fashion.
Square Neck Collar
A square neck collar is a type of shirt collar with four corners, all of which point downwards. It is a very popular collar style for both men and women and can be seen on shirts, tops, kurtas, kurtis, and even some sweaters. The square neck collar is versatile and can be dressed casually or formally, depending on the outfit.
Crew Collar
A Crew Collar is a type of shirt collar with a band of fabric encircling the neck. The name comes from the fact that this type of collar was once popular among sailors and other working-class members.
Convertible Collar
A convertible collar is a versatile type of garment collar that can be worn in two ways: open or closed. When open, it lays flat against the garment, resembling a notched collar or a lapel. When closed, it forms a high-necked finish, providing a more formal or structured appearance. This type of collar is commonly found in shirts, blouses, and dresses, offering both style and functionality.
Cowl Collar
A cowl collar is a type of neckwear worn in cold weather to protect the neck and chest from the cold. It is typically made from a thick, warm fabric such as wool or fur and is often lined with a softer fabric for added comfort. Cowl collars can be worn as part of a coat or jacket or as a separate piece of clothing.
Cascade Collar
A cascade collar is a type of neckline often seen in dresses. It is characterized by cascading ruffles or folds that start at the shoulder and cascade down the chest. Cascade collars can be made from various materials, including lace, chiffon, and satin.
Chelsea Collar
A Chelsea collar is a type of collar that is attached to the dress and stands up around the neck. It is usually made of lace or another delicate fabric and is often seen in formal dresses. It is named after the Chelsea district in London, England.
Bow Tie Collar
A bow-tie collar is a type of collar made up of two pieces of fabric tied together in the middle. This type of collar is often seen on more formal dresses, as it gives the dress a more polished look. If you’re ever unsure about what type of collar is on a dress, simply ask a sales associate or look at the tag. Knowing the different types of collars can help you find the perfect dress for any occasion!
Bib Collar (Dickie)
A bib collar is a type of collar attached to a dress’s bodice. It is often made of a material different from the dress, such as lace or embroidery. Bib collars were popular in the Victorian era, and they are returning in modern fashion.
Bertha Collar
A bertha collar is a type of collar that is attached to the dress at the neckline and extends down over the shoulders. It is a very popular style of collar for dresses and is often seen on formal wear.
Funnel Collar
A funnel collar is a type of collar that is wide at the top and tapers to a narrow point at the bottom. It is a popular choice for dresses and blouses because it is both stylish and flattering. Funnel collars can be made from various materials, including cotton, linen, and silk.
Quarter Zip Collar
A quarter zip collar is a type of dress shirt collar that has a zipper running along the front edge of the collar. The zipper allows the wearer to adjust the amount of coverage they want from the neckline of their dress. Quarter zip collars are a popular choice for both formal and casual wear.
Jabot Collar
A jabot collar is a type of collar attached to the front of a dress. It is usually made of lace or other decorative fabric and is often trimmed with beads or sequins. Jabot collars were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and are making a comeback in the 21st century.
Fichu Collar
Among the different types of collars, the fichu collar is known for its soft, triangular fabric panel attached to the neckline of a dress. It is often made from the same material as the garment, although contrasting fabrics can also be used to create a decorative effect. This collar adds elegance while providing extra coverage around the neck and chest.
A fichu collar is an excellent choice for dresses that combine style with modesty. Its graceful design enhances the overall look of the outfit while offering a refined and classic appearance.
Conclusion | Start Your Tailoring Journey
Exploring the different types of collars helps you appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship behind garment design. From the timeless appeal of the Peter Pan collar to the sleek simplicity of the Mandarin collar, each style brings its own unique character to an outfit. If this guide has sparked your interest, take the next step by enrolling in a tailoring course and expand your knowledge of fashion design and garment construction.
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