Shirt Collar Types
First impressions matter, and in the world of hospitality, your staff's appearance speaks volumes before they even say a word. At Stock, we've built experience and expertise in the details that transform a good uniform into a great one. And when it comes to making a statement, you can't go wrong with the perfect shirt collar.
From the maître d' at a Michelin-starred restaurant to the barista at your favorite local café, the collar they wear sets the tone for your entire establishment.
In this guide, we'll explore the varied world of shirt collar types, delving into their unique characteristics and applications. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge to select collar styles that not only complement your staff uniforms but also align perfectly with your brand image.
Collar Types for Hospitality Uniforms
Wingtip Collar
The wingtip collar, a distinctive style for dress shirts, is characterized by small pointed wings that stand up and fold over the tie. This classic collar is most commonly associated with tuxedo shirt collars and formal wear.
For upscale establishments looking to create a truly sophisticated atmosphere, custom tuxedo shirts with wingtip collars are an excellent choice. These shirt collars can be paired with high-quality vests to create an elegant and polished look for your front-of-house staff.
Example: Stock's Custom Men's Black Double Breasted Shawl Collar Vest can be paired with a wingtip collar dress shirt for a complete formal look.
Wingtip collars are ideal for fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, or formal event settings where you want to convey the utmost in elegance and professionalism through your choice of dress shirts.
Point Collar
The point collar, a versatile option among shirt collars, is characterized by downward-angling points. Its classic collar design suits a range of settings from casual to formal, making it an excellent choice for diverse hospitality environments.
You can choose longer points for a more traditional look, or shorter points for a modern twist on this classic collar. This collar type works well with or without a tie, offering flexibility for different dress codes. Point collar dress shirts can also help balance out rounder faces, making them a flattering choice for a variety of staff members.
Many dress shirt offerings feature this versatile collar type, making it easy to incorporate into various uniform designs.
Button-down Collar
The button-down collar, a popular choice for dress shirts, features small buttons that fasten the collar tips to the shirt. While this style originated in sports, it has become a staple in casual and business-casual attire.
Example: Stock's Men's Gray Stretch Service Chambray features a crisp, professional button-down collar with just the right amount of stretch, allowing staff to move freely and comfortably all day long.
Button-down collars are excellent for active staff members as they maintain a tidy look even during movement, making them particularly suitable for busy restaurants, cafes, or hotels where staff are constantly on the go.
Club Collar
The club collar, also known as the rounded collar, is a unique style among shirt collars. It features a smaller, rounded shape that adds a touch of vintage charm and sophistication to any outfit. While not as common in standard lineups, custom dress shirts can incorporate this unique style for staff uniforms.
This classic collar works particularly well in themed restaurants or hotels aiming for a refined ambiance, such as boutique hotels, upscale cafes, or restaurants with a vintage or retro theme.
Straight Point Collar
The straight point collar is similar to the point collar but with a more minimalist design. The collar tips are shorter and have less angle, creating a clean, modern look on dress shirts.
This collar type pairs well with slim-cut suits and narrow ties for a sleek, up-to-date appearance. It's best suited for contemporary settings such as modern restaurants, trendy bars, or cutting-edge hospitality concepts.
Spread Collar
The spread collar, a popular choice for dress shirts, features points that are angled outwards, creating a wider space for a tie knot. This versatile style works in both formal and casual settings.
Spread collars are ideal for showcasing larger tie knots like the Windsor, making them perfect for formal dining establishments or upscale hotel staff. They also look great without a tie for a smart-casual look on tuxedo shirt collars.
Band Collar
The band collar, also called a mandarin or grandad collar, is a short, unfolded stand-up collar. It offers a clean, minimalist look that's perfect for modern, casual environments.
Example: Stock's Women's Short Sleeve Banded Collar Service Oxford showcases this style beautifully. Band collars are excellent for creating a unified and contemporary look across diverse staff roles, from front-of-house to kitchen staff.
These shirt collars are ideal for warmer weather and more relaxed settings, making them a great choice for outdoor cafes, beachside restaurants, or contemporary casual dining establishments.
Cutaway Collar
The cutaway collar is an extreme version of the spread collar, with points cut away to reveal more of the tie. It's a bold choice among dress shirts that works well in fashion-forward establishments.
These collar types are best suited for trendy, high-fashion environments such as chic hotel bars, avant-garde restaurants, or luxury hospitality settings where making a style statement is part of the brand image.
Tab Collar
The tab collar features a small tab that connects the collar points, pulling them together and pushing the tie knot up. For a similar effect without the tab, you can take inspiration from minimalist designs like the Nehru collar.
Tab collars are ideal for creating a put-together, dapper look in formal settings such as upscale restaurants, high-end hotels, or exclusive members' clubs.
Nehru Collar
The Nehru collar, named after Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, is a short, stand-up collar that sits close to the neck. It provides a sleek, minimalist look that's perfect for modern hospitality settings.
Example: Stock's Custom Men's Tre Dita Nehru Collar Runner Jacket showcases this style beautifully.
Nehru collars work particularly well in fusion restaurants or establishments with an Eastern influence. They can create a unique, cultural touch to uniforms in international cuisine restaurants or boutique hotels with a global theme.
Pin Collar
The pin collar is a variation of the point collar with a decorative pin connecting the collar tips. It adds a touch of sophistication and vintage charm to any uniform.
When using a pin collar on dress shirts, ensure the pin is properly inserted to create a subtle arch in the tie, enhancing its visual appeal. This classic collar type works well in upscale, classic environments and suits various face shapes.
It's an excellent choice for fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, or any establishment aiming to convey a sense of timeless elegance and attention to detail through their choice of shirt collars.
Turtleneck Collar
While not technically a shirt collar, the turtleneck is a high, close-fitting collar that folds over itself and covers the neck.
Turtlenecks can be an excellent choice for cold-weather uniforms or for creating a sophisticated, artistic look in certain hospitality settings. They work particularly well in art gallery cafes, upscale coffee shops, or restaurants with a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
In colder climates, turtlenecks can provide both style and comfort for staff in outdoor or partially outdoor settings like rooftop bars or winter chalets.
Mock Neck Collar
The mock neck collar is similar to a turtleneck but doesn't fold over. It stands up around the neck, typically reaching just below the Adam's apple.
This collar style offers a modern, sleek look that's perfect for contemporary hospitality settings. It provides warmth similar to a turtleneck but with a more streamlined appearance.
Mock neck collars work well in upscale casual restaurants, modern hotels, or trendy cafes where you want to convey a sense of style without being overly formal.
Convertible Collar
The convertible collar, also known as a camp collar, can be worn open-necked or closed at the throat. It typically lies flat and spreads open at the neck when unbuttoned.
This versatile collar style offers a relaxed yet put-together look, making it ideal for casual dining establishments, beachside resorts, or laid-back cafes. It allows staff to adjust their look based on the setting or temperature.
Henley Collar
The Henley collar features a round neckline and a placket with two to five buttons. It's a collarless style that offers a casual, yet refined look.
Henley collars provide a nice middle ground between t-shirts and more formal collared dress shirts. They're excellent for creating a unified, approachable look across different staff roles in casual dining environments.
This collar style works particularly well in brewpubs, family restaurants, or casual cafes where you want staff to look put-together without being overly formal.
Work With Us On Every Detail of Your Staff Uniform
Choosing the right shirt collar type is an important decision that can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your staff uniforms. By understanding the various options and considering your brand's unique needs, you can create a cohesive and professional appearance that enhances your establishment's atmosphere.
At Stock, we're committed to helping you find the perfect uniform solutions for your team. From our wide range of collar types to our custom design services, we have everything you need to outfit your staff in style.
Contact Stock today, and let's work together to create uniforms that truly represent your brand's excellence.