Types Of Collars Guide: Name, Pictures, and Descriptions.

Hey there! In this article, I’m excited to share with you everything there is to know about the different types of collars.

I’ve got pictures, names, and characteristics of each type so you can easily recognize them. And don’t worry; I’ll also explain the anatomy of the collar in a way that’s easy to understand.

My goal is to help you identify all the collar types so you can choose the perfect match for your garments and sewing patterns.

Let’s dive in!

What is a Collar?

The collar is the part of a garment, such as a shirt or dress, covering the neck.

Its function is to cover and protect the neck from cold or dirt. Nowadays, however, the only function of most garments is aesthetic rather than practical.

Although this may be true, designers can still create them to highlight the face or frame the neck aesthetic, making us appear thinner, sweeter, more formal, etc.

You will notice that some collars are very similar to each other, especially the classic shirt collars.

But they are not the same.

There are many variations, and even though they have evolved throughout history, we can still see and use the oldest styles daily.

They have details, cuts, and other finishes that make them better for one design, garment style, or even a person’s taste.

Anatomy of a Collar. What are the parts of a Collar called?

Here are all the names of the components that make a collar.

1. Stand. A Stand is the lower part of the collar that stands around and up the neck. It generally gives height to the collar; at the same time, its primary function is to provide support and sturdiness.

2. Fall or Collar. Fall is the collar part that hangs down, placed by designers on front or back.

3. Roll. Fall is the collar part that hangs down, placed by designers on the front or back.

4. Roll line. This line is the entire crease in the collar, which folds over to lay over the body. It is the line where the collar rolls over itself.

5. Gorge line. The gorge line is the seam in which the garment’s label and the collar band meet. Gorge lines are also found on jackets, coats, and flat-collar shirts.

7. Notch. A notch is the space formed by the collar band and lapel when joined together. It varies in shape and size based on the size, length, and width of these elements.

8. Break Line. This line isn’t sewn, marked, or visible on the garment’s pattern. Instead, it forms as you button the jacket or shirt, creating the fold line.

9. Lapel. A lapel is the front part of a garment’s bodice that reveals itself when folded from the inside. This part is really part of the main garment. It only becomes a lapel when you sew it to the collar fall.

What are the two types of collars?

Collars can be broadly classified into two types: The Standing Collar and the Flat Collar.

What is a Stand Collar?

A stand collar gives more support and structure and perfectly fits the garment’s neckline.

You can find this type of collar in one-piece or two-piece. The one-piece collar is attached directly to the shirt’s body, so it tends to bend.

For the two-piece collar, the collar band is first attached to the stand, and then the whole piece is attached to the garment’s neckline.

This frames the face and neck of a person. It also gives more structure to the collar to make it stand out.

As the name states, this collar stands up and fits around a person’s neck.

What is a Flat Collar?

On the other hand, a flat collar has no stand or height. 

Its concave neckline shape lays flat over the shoulders and does not frame the neck as a stand collar does. One of the most popular flat collars is the Peter Pan Collar, which is also used in tops and dresses.

If you unbutton the garment, the collar remains in place and is known for its aesthetic purposes.

25 Types of Collars.

Here are the most popular types of collars in the world, as well as their names and characteristics.

1. Lapel. 

Faces the front of the garment, which folds back to show. (Also called the reverse.) 

It has a V-shape. The lapel is located at the collar and falls to the side. This collar lacks a notch.

The lapel part of the collar is composed of a single piece and is often used on coats.

2. Notched shirt collar.

The notched shirt collar has square corners on both the lapel and the collar band.

It has notches, and it’s pretty narrow. You can find them in classic shirts.

3. Notched suit.

The tailored collar is used for suits. 

There is a notch where the collar ends and joins the lapel.

The lapels on these collars are pretty deep, making them perfect for coats or suits.

4. Peaked.

A peaked collar has sharp points on the lapel in an upward direction.

Tailors use this type of collar on crossover jackets.

On this collar, the notch is almost unnoticeable, which helps to accentuate the shoulders and chest.

5. Cloverleaf.

A cloverleaf collar has rounded ends on both the lapel and the collar band.

It’s the type of collar that stands out for its simplicity, and we can find them on garments like pajamas, coats, and some suit coats.

6. Johnny. 

The stand collar is very small in height and attached to a V neckline. It is made from a single-layer knitted collar.

We attach them on round or “V” necklines with front openings that fit close to the neck.

You will see them more often in garments made with different types of knit fabrics.

7. Chelsea.

A narrow-wide collar with square pointed ends is attached to the front of a “V” neckline.

It is a collar with a low neckline; we often find them in jackets and dresses.

8. Convertible (closed and open)

One-piece high-stand collar, which can be worn open or closed. 

Lapels are formed when worn open.

It is similar to a full roll collar but hugs the neckline closer to the sides of the collar.

9. Shirt.

The traditional two-piece high-stand collar (it has a band and a collar). 

It is one of the most commonly used collars by both men and women, as it maintains a standard style.

The ends of the collar may be square, round, or pointed.

10. Button-down.

A button-down collar has buttonholes at the corners of the collar’s fall.

They can have different types of buttons sewn on the shirt to fasten the collar down.

It has buttonholes at the ends of the collar, fastened to the shirt by small buttons.

This is a classic collar, historically used for school uniforms.

It is considered more of a sports/casual collar as it is stylish but practical.

11. Pin.

This collar features a pin that holds the collar points in place and attracts all eyes.

It is sophisticated and used by people in the business world.

The pin is inserted through the eyelets on the falls, connecting both sides of the collar.

12. Tab.

Enhanced by a small strap that buttons or snaps to the other side of the space between the ends of the collar, this design ensures a secure fit.

This innovative feature keeps the collar in place effortlessly, eliminating the need for a pin.

Its elegant design lends itself well to formal occasions, and wearing a tie is highly recommended to complement this collar style.

13. Spread.

Characterized by very wide spacing between the falls, the spread collar stands out.

With its 45-degree opening, this collar is particularly well-suited for pairing with wide and large ties.

Additionally, it’s ideal for making a lasting impression and is commonly chosen for formal business attire.

14. Barrymore.

The falls of a Barrymore collar, also known as a Poet’s collar, are considerably long. 

The length of the points oscillates between 4” and 5”.

It was a very famous collar from the 70s, distinguishable because of its significant, sharp points.

15. Swallow-tailed.

Featuring extremely long and narrow-pointed ends, this collar radiates a distinct charm.

If your tastes lean towards the Gothic or Victorian style, you’ll undoubtedly find this collar’s design appealing.

Additionally, its elongated ends bestow a shirt with a uniquely original style, perfectly complementing jackets evocative of historical periods.

16. Buster Brown.

This is a medium-width collar with rounded front ends. It is usually white and worn with a colored bow.

You can find this type of collar on women’s and children’s clothes.

Many designers make these collars with lace fabric and scalloped edge finishes.

This collar was very fashionable in children’s cartoons, comedy shows, and comics.

17. Peter Pan.

The most popular flat collar.

A Peter Pan collar is a narrow collar with rounded ends at the center front.

Though it can also have rounded ends at the back too. It became popular thanks to the Peter Pan theater show (1905). That’s why it got its name.

You can find this collar on work uniforms, domestic workers, dresses, or smocks.

18. Bermuda.

A Bermuda collar features a narrow-width band with squared ends at the center front.

Typically, designers opt for this comfortable collar in pajamas or children’s school uniforms.

19. Choir-boy.

Medium to long-wide size collar band with rounded ends at center front.

Children in choir groups usually wear it.

The white, starched collar distinguishes their uniform.

20. Bertha.

Characterized by a wide, rounded band extending from the neckline to the shoulder, this collar offers a distinctive look.

Depending on preference, the opening may be positioned either at the front or at the back.

Serving as an informal collar, it effortlessly adds a touch of sophistication to your dresses or tops.

Moreover, the Bertha collar, predominantly adorned with lace, is frequently seen in the reproduction of period costumes today.

21. Platter.

A medium-sized collar with large, rounded ends in front. Also called a dog’s ear collar.

Costume designers often used them in movies for outfits like orphanage dresses, girls’ dresses, and even uniforms for restaurant staff such as waiters and chefs.

22. Bishop.

A bishop collar has a large round collar band.

The front fall edges extend downward and are square.

You can most likely see it in church, where the clergy commonly wears the classic collar.

But other than that, you won’t see this type of collar anywhere else.

23. Puritan. 

The puritan collar, characterized by its wide design, extends to the shoulders with squared corners at the center front and outer edges.

24. Sailor.

Sailor collars are square in the back and taper to a V in front. 

Variations include braid trim around the edges and a dickey or insert in the “V” section.

You can also find this collar with midi or nautical collar names. Moreover, examples of garments that use this style are school dresses, children’s wear, and period navy uniforms.

25. Pilgrim.

A wide, rounded collar extends to shoulders with pointed ends at the center front.

This collar is similar to the Peter pan and Bermuda but differs in the front finish and the width.

Conclusion

Now that you know all about different types of collars and their most common uses, furthermore, you’ll be able to choose the best style for you. Additionally, we really appreciate you sticking with us through this long post, moreover, and we hope we’ve given you enough information to make a great choice.

So, which collar type was your favorite? For us, it was definitely the Sailor Collar and the Swallowed-tailed Collar. We think it’s awesome how just changing the collar type can give you a whole new look.

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