The Wikipedia page for “Collar (clothing)” lists 62 different varieties, which is probably more than the number of shirts your closet can hold. Fortunately, collars like the ruff are no longer all that popular, while others, like the zero collar, never really broke into menswear.
The takeaway is that shirt design has seen a lot of change over the past couple centuries, and iterations keep cycling through. The rounded collar, for example, hit its peak in the early 1900s, and now has made a comeback thanks to shows like Mad Men and Peaky Blinders. The band collar, inspired by those from Imperial China, are also now in vogue. Still, to curate the right closet, the collars here are the core for a wardrobe. Seek out casual iterations, for a collar to be worn everywhere from the office to the summer house.
Point Collar
The Gold Standard
Tailored Fit Denim Shirt by Paul Smith $155
Roadhouse Shirt by Alex Mill $165
Slim-Fit Linen Shirt by Vilebrequin $220
Button-Down Collar
Ivy League Oxfords
Oxford Slim Fit Long Sleeve Shirt by Uniqlo $30
C/S Officer Shirt by Shuttle Notes $125
Isherwood Oxford Shirt by Acne Studios $245
Spread Collar
Tie Optional
Slim-Fit Printed Cotton-Poplin Shirt by Michael Kors $145
Beckett Shirt by Gitman Vintage x Unionmade $180
London Slim-Fit Cotton-Chambray Shirt by Hackett $225
Round Collar
a.k.a. The Club Collar
Pub Collar Denim Shirt by Gitman Vintage $192
Penny-Collar Slubbed Linen Shirt by Caruso $235
Slim-Fit Penny-Collar Striped Cotton-Seersucker Shirt by Officine Generale $250
Band Collar
Like Granddad Used To
Collarless Shirt by H&M $25
Short-Sleeve Band-Collar Shirt in Irish Linen by J. Crew $80
Samuel Slim-Fit Grandad-Collar Cotton Oxford Shirt by NN07 $140
Camp Collar
Aloha Vibes
Camp-Collar Bamboo-Print Satin Shirt by Stüssy $85
Cotton Check Short Sleeve Pajama Shirt in Blue and Green by Arpenteur $200
Denim Aloha Shirt by Kapital $321
