How to Choose the Right Collar for a Dress Shirt

Feb .09 .2026

Point Collar

The point collar has relatively narrow collar points.

It creates a classic and neat appearance and can work well with business suits and traditional menswear.

Because the collar points are closer together, it can also create a visually longer appearance around the face.

Spread Collar

A spread collar has wider spacing between the collar points.

It is a versatile choice for modern business shirts and works particularly well with medium- to wider-width tie knots.

The exact spread can be adjusted according to the wearer's style and facial proportions.

Cutaway Collar

A cutaway collar has a wider opening and creates a more contemporary appearance.

It can work especially well with modern tailoring and stronger suit silhouettes.

This style is often selected by customers who want their dress shirts to have a more distinctive character.

Button-Down Collar

The button-down collar has buttons that secure the collar points to the shirt.

Originally associated with more casual menswear, it can now be used in a variety of smart-casual and business-casual settings.

It generally creates a more relaxed appearance than traditional formal collars.

Collar Construction Also Matters

The collar shape is only one part of the design.

Collar height, stiffness, interlining, stitching, and finishing can all influence the final appearance.

For customers who prefer a sharper collar, a firmer construction may be appropriate.

The Right Collar Depends on the Whole Outfit

The collar should not be considered separately from the rest of the outfit.

The suit lapel, tie width, shirt fabric, occasion, and personal style should all work together.

A custom shirt gives customers the opportunity to control these details and create a more consistent wardrobe.