Facts About Collars and Collar Stiffeners

Collar generally refers to the dress part which is fastened around neck. Various types have been developed in course of time with changes in style and fashion. They have been divided into three categories-turnover collars, flat collars and standing collars. There are many other types which are popular all over the world. Some of the styles are still in vogue and some of them were a popular fashion in past.

A Chinese collar is open in front. It’s a standing type and is usually short. It is also known as Cadet Collar or Mandarin collar. Nehru collar is also a standing type that is fastened together in front. A Chelsea collar is flat type which has pointed and long ends. It is used generally with V-neck. This variety was in vogue in 1960s and 1980s.

Cape collar falls over shoulders in frill. Detachable collar can be attached and removed from the garment as and when desired. It is attached to the shirt by the use of buttons. Poet collar has pointed and long ends. Button down collars have collar ends buttoned to garment. A turtleneck extends to the wearer’s chin.

Collars are generally stiffened by the usage of interfacing. This means attaching the fabric folds to other side of collar which isn’t seen. When the collar isn’t stiff, it’s referred as soft collar.

Stiffeners is the most used term in apparel world with regards to collar. The metal collar stiffeners or plastic collar stiffeners can be used to keep it stiff.Collar stiffeners are accessories of men’s shirt. Every man should have stiffeners as his clothing accessory.

Shirt collar stiffeners are quite rigid, smooth metal strips. They can be made up of different elements or materials like brass, sterling silver, stainless steel, horn, plastic or mother of pearl rounded at an end and pointed at another, inserted to pockets specially made on underside of shirt collar of a man for stabilizing the points. The collar stays ensure that collar lies flat against collar bones, to stay in proper place and to look crisp.

Collar stays are mainly sold in sewing and fabric supply stores, haberdashers and clothing stores of men. They must be removed from the shirts before press ironing or dry cleaning. Shirts which are press ironed with these not being removed, can be damaged. Some of the shirts have the stays that are sewn to collar and are not removable.

Now that you know about varied kind of collar stiffeners you can simply go ahead and buy one.

1960s fashion