Choosing the right shirt obviously starts with a cut suited to your body shape. But this is not enough and other stylistic details should be considered. Specifically the type of collar and cuffs of the garment. But, do you actually know the difference between an Italian collar and an English collar? Between Portofino cuffs or musketeer ones?
To avoid making mistakes in the future, here is an article that presents all these variants or almost all. Essential reading to choose THE shirt you need… and flaunt your fashion culture!
The different shirt collars to know
You have surely already noticed that there are different types of shirt collars. Some are more open, others rise higher. Much more than a simple detail, this element defines the style and character of an outfit. Whether it’s for a formal event, a professional setting, or a casual outing, the choice of shirt collar is essential.
Since each one carries a specific name and refers to a different image, here are the most common types of collars in men’s fashion.
The Classic or French Collar: The Timeless
The classic collar, or French collar, is characterized by its medium and spread tips. Ideal for any occasion, it adapts perfectly with or without a tie, offering unparalleled versatility.
Its structure allows for a beautiful presentation of the tie knot, making it suitable for professional environments and formal events.
The Italian collar: for a touch of elegance
More open than the classic collar, the Italian collar offers a sophisticated look and more generous space for voluminous tie knots. A favorite among businessmen and fashion enthusiasts, this collar stands out for its widely spaced points, adding a dimension of refinement to the whole.
The English collar: the epitome of chic
This type of collar has tips that are closer that it is possible to join with a button. It is particularly suited to wearing a bow tie as it highlights it.
The broken collar: with a tuxedo or nothing!
Even more so than the English collar, this collar must be worn with a bow tie. So, OK, you may not wear it very often, but with a tuxedo, it will give you a killer look!
The American collar: the perfect compromise
We continue our world tour with the American collar, often called the button-down collar. It gets its uniqueness from its buttons attaching the collar tips to the shirt, similar to the buttoned collar but with a slightly different silhouette.
This collar offers an ideal compromise between elegance and relaxation. Its versatility makes it suitable for business casual outfits, allowing you to navigate between the professional world and relaxation moments with ease. The American collar pairs perfectly with jeans or chino pants, and it can be worn with or without a tie, depending on the occasion.
The Mao Collar: The Contemporary Alternative
With its clean lines and lack of points, the Mao collar stands out for its minimalism and modern look. Perfect for those seeking to break free from the beaten path, this collar offers a touch of originality while still being elegant. But beware of the fashion faux pas: favor this style for casual outfits (with a linen shirt for example).
The pie shovel collar
We conclude this overview with a variant… that we don’t really recommend. Very popular in the 1970s, this excessively long collar, with sides going almost to the shoulders, has practically disappeared from circulation today… And let’s not lie to ourselves: it’s a good thing!
💡 To go further : These details that make the difference on a shirt
The Different Types of Shirt Cuffs
The elegance of a shirt is not limited to its collar; the cuffs also play a crucial role in defining the style and formality of the outfit.
Cufflinks: The Classic Refinement
The French cuffs, recognizable by their double folded length sealed with cufflinks, embody formal elegance. They are the predominant choice for dressy events, weddings, or high-level business meetings, allowing for customization through the cufflinks, thereby offering the opportunity to express one’s personality or group affiliation through this accessory.
Classic wrists: simple but always effective
More common, the simple or classic cuffs have one or two buttons directly sewn onto the shirt. They suit most occasions, from the office to everyday life. Their simplicity and functionality make them a popular choice for those seeking both practicality and style.
Convertible Cuffs: Style for Any Situation
Convertible cuffs offer a unique flexibility: they can be fastened with buttons or cufflinks, depending on the occasion and personal preference.
Also known as Portofino, this type of cuff (more rare and it’s a pity) is ideal for those who appreciate versatility in their wardrobe, allowing an easy transition between formal and informal contexts without changing the shirt.
💡The other essential reading: The best brands of shirts for men