ILLUSTRATED GLOSSARY · COLLARS
Types of collars.
Twelve collars, all drawn on the same pale-blue shirt, so only the collar changes.
Updated · By the Delve to Life editors · Editorial standards
THE QUICK ANSWER
The main types of collars are point, spread, button-down, club, mandarin (band), Peter Pan, wing, sailor, pussy-bow, shawl, notched and polo. Look at three things: whether the collar folds over or stands up, the shape of the tips, and how wide apart they are.
How collars are named
A collar is the band or flap of fabric around the neck of a shirt, blouse or jacket. Shirt collars are named by the angle and shape of their points (point, spread, club, button-down); others by their shape (mandarin, Peter Pan, sailor) or how they join the lapel (shawl, notched).
Which one should you choose?
Start with what you want the collars to do, then jump to the styles that do it.
| If you want to… | Try | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wear with a tie | Spread collar, Point collar, Wing collar | Room for the knot between the points. |
| Smart casual, no tie | Button-down collar, Mandarin collar, Polo collar | Holds its shape when open. |
| A soft, feminine detail | Peter Pan collar, Pussy-bow collar, Club collar | Rounded edges and bows. |
| Tailoring and outerwear | Notched collar, Shawl collar | Collars that run into lapels. |
| Formal evening | Wing collar, Shawl collar | Tuxedo and dinner-jacket styles. |
All 12 collar styles, with pictures
Point collar
The classic shirt collar, with long pointed tips set close together.
Also called: Straight collar, forward point
How to spot it. A narrow gap between the collar points, which point down toward the chest.
How to wear it. Office shirts with or without a tie.
Spread collar
A shirt collar whose tips are angled wide apart.
Also called: Cutaway collar (when very wide)
How to spot it. A wide gap between the points; the tips point toward the shoulders.
How to wear it. Formal shirts with a tie, and smart open-neck looks.
Button-down collar
A shirt collar whose points fasten to the shirt with small buttons.
Also called: Oxford collar
How to spot it. Two tiny buttons holding the collar tips down.
How to wear it. Smart casual: oxford shirts with chinos or jeans.
Club collar
A shirt collar with rounded instead of pointed corners.
Also called: Rounded collar, Eton collar
How to spot it. Soft, curved tips; a slightly vintage look.
How to wear it. Preppy and vintage-inspired outfits.
Mandarin collar
A short stand-up collar with no fold or points.
Also called: Band collar, grandad collar, Nehru collar
How to spot it. A narrow band standing straight up around the neck, open slightly at the front.
How to wear it. Relaxed shirts, linen and summer tailoring.
Peter Pan collar
A flat collar with two rounded wings lying on the shoulders.
Also called: Round collar
How to spot it. Round-edged flaps lying flat, meeting at the front of the neck.
How to wear it. Blouses, dresses and knits; a sweet, vintage detail.
Wing collar
A small stand-up collar with tips folded down into points at the front.
Also called: Winged collar, tuxedo collar
How to spot it. Little triangles pointing outward at the throat; worn with a bow tie.
How to wear it. White tie and black tie with a tuxedo.
Sailor collar
A large square collar that falls over the back, with a V at the front.
Also called: Middy collar
How to spot it. A wide flap covering the upper back, often trimmed with stripes.
How to wear it. Nautical and vintage looks; school uniforms.
Pussy-bow collar
A neckline with a long tie that knots into a soft bow at the throat.
Also called: Bow blouse, tie-neck
How to spot it. A fabric tie at the neck, worn as a bow or loose knot.
How to wear it. Office blouses under blazers or cardigans.
Shawl collar
A rounded, continuous collar that curves down the front with no notch.
Also called: Shawl lapel
How to spot it. One smooth roll of fabric from the neck to the fastening.
How to wear it. Cardigans, dinner jackets and wrap tops.
Notched collar
A tailored collar and lapel with a triangular notch where they meet.
Also called: Notched lapel, revere collar
How to spot it. A small V-shaped gap on each side, like a blazer.
How to wear it. Blazers, coats and tailored blouses.
Polo collar
A soft fold-over collar on a knit shirt with a short button placket.
Also called: Knit collar
How to spot it. Ribbed or knit collar, two or three buttons, short sleeves.
How to wear it. Smart casual for everyone; tennis and golf.
Easily confused
| Pair | The difference |
|---|---|
| Point vs spread | Both are classic shirt collars. Point collar tips are close together; spread collar tips are wide apart. |
| Mandarin vs band collar | Mostly the same: a short stand-up collar. Band collars are often even shorter and plainer. |
| Shawl vs notched | A shawl collar is one smooth curve; a notched collar has a V-shaped gap where the collar meets the lapel. |
Questions people ask
What are the different types of collars?
Point, spread, button-down, club, mandarin (band), Peter Pan, wing, sailor, pussy-bow, shawl, notched and polo collars are the most common.
What is a collar without a collar called?
A collar that stands up with no fold-over is a mandarin, band or grandad collar. A shirt with no collar at all is collarless.
What is the difference between a point and a spread collar?
A point collar's tips sit close together and point down; a spread collar's tips are angled wide apart toward the shoulders.
What is a Peter Pan collar?
A flat collar with two rounded ends that lie on the shoulders, common on blouses and dresses.
Which collar is best with a tie?
A spread or point collar. Button-down collars are traditionally worn without a tie or with a casual knit tie.
Still not sure what yours is called? Tap through the pictures, or add a screenshot, and we'll name it and find real ones.
Describe it with picturesThe illustrations and outfit photos on this page are AI-generated so each style can be shown clearly. They are not products.
Know the style but not your size? Find your size in any country →