While many may think that men’s collared shirts come in one standard type and make, the classic men’s dress shirt actually has several different variations. From the fit to the buttons to the cuff style, collared shirts are available in a diverse array of designs, making them a versatile yet necessary item in any man’s closet. Being that most men who buy dress shirts are more focused on the color or fit of a dress shirt, the variety of different collars tends to go unnoticed. 

However, the style, shape, and type of collar on a shirt is a very important factor when putting together a solid outfit. Regardless of whether the occasion is formal or laid back, the type of collar being sported can truly make or break an outfit. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the different shirt collar types and possibilities. 

A few things to know before breaking down the actual collar types are the different factors that go into making a collar stand out on a typical dress shirt. The first factor is collar stiffness. While more formal or work attire sometimes calls for a more rigid and firm collar, most men of modernity prefer a more flexible collar, both for comfort and design. 

Two more characteristics that are important to be aware of when evaluating collar types are height and size. While the height of a collar is more related to how high the collar extends up the neck, the overall size refers to how prominent the collar is in comparison to the rest of the shirt. 

Lastly, the collar spread determines how wide the collar itself is, which is also often relative to its size. Each of these different factors is important to be aware of as they each have a different effect on the shirt in its entirety. Being able to know if your face shape looks most complimented by a shorter collar spread or a smaller collar, in general, will save you a lot of time and struggle when attempting to look your best and find the best dress shirts for your style.