There are details that make all the difference. A discreet seam, a fabric that develops a patina, a perfect jacket fit... and above all, a shirt collar. At Hast, we believe this small piece of fabric is a great ambassador. It conveys style, expertise, and often even character. Since our men's wardrobe has relied on sophisticated and durable pieces since 2012, it was time to put the collars that adorn us back in the spotlight.
Types of shirt collars
Semi-cutaway collar
Hast's signature semi-cutaway collar is distinguished by its slightly wider opening, which adds a natural elegance without being over the top. It works equally well with a formal outfit with a tie or a more casual look. Subtle and assertive, it's perfect for those looking for a touch of character in their everyday style.
Officer collar
The stand-up collar is making a comeback with its understated and elegant design. With no flaps, it offers a clean look that eliminates the need for a tie. Easy to wear, it adds a contemporary and refined touch to your outfits. A perfect choice for those who appreciate simplicity without compromising on style.
Button-down collar
The button-down collar is the ideal option for those looking for a more practical collar suitable for everyday wear. It originally comes from the polo shirt, which holds the points of the collar in place with small, discreet buttons, making it perfect for casual outfits. Discover our collection of button-down collars for a look that is both chic and practical.
French collar
A classic among classics, the The French collar embodies the perfect balance between elegance and understated style. With its close-set points and moderate opening, it adapts to any situation: a formal suit or a casual jacket, with or without a tie. A legacy of Parisian chic, it has survived through the ages without ever losing its splendor.
English collar
The tab collar is a wider version of the classic collar. Very elegant, it is often worn with suits or dress shirts. This collar is designed to accentuate ties and is ideal for formal occasions such as weddings or evening events.
Mao collar
The mandarin collar , without flaps, offers a more relaxed and contemporary style. It is perfect for less formal occasions and pairs well with casual shirts. It is an ideal choice for a minimalist and modern look, offering a clean silhouette without sacrificing comfort.
Italian collar
The Italian collar is recognizable by its wide, open points, which add a modern and elegant touch. It particularly flatters slim faces and slender figures, highlighting the carriage of the head. Easy to wear with a loose or open knot tie for a casual-chic look, it adapts equally well to professional settings and dressier occasions. Discover our selection of large shirt collars to refine your outfits.
Choosing a shirt collar according to your body shape
Round face
If you have a round face, collars like the English or Italian collar, with their longer points and wider opening, are perfect for visually lengthening the face. They provide a welcome verticality that balances the curves of the face. Avoid collars that are too small or too tight, which could accentuate the roundness. The semi-cutaway collar, with its interte shape, is also an excellent choice for these body shapes.
Square face
Square faces, with their sharp angles, benefit from being softened by soft-pointed collars such as the French or button-down collar. These collars help soften the rigidity of features while maintaining an elegant and professional appearance. They are particularly suited to classic or slightly fitted shirts , bringing a natural balance to the overall silhouette.
Oval face
The oval face is considered the most balanced shape, which gives you a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing collars. You can opt for a semi-cutaway, classic, Italian, or even a mandarin collar, depending on your tastes and the occasion. The important thing is to choose a collar that complements your chosen outfit and accessories.
Elongated face
If you have a long face, choose collars with narrower or closer points, such as button-down or French collars. This balances the length of your face and gives a more proportionate appearance. Avoid very open collars like the Italian collar, which accentuate the natural length of your face.
Shirt collars for different occasions
Office attire
For classic office attire, opt for a semi-cutaway or French collar. These collars offer an understated elegance perfectly suited to a professional environment. They pair well with a tie or a bow tie for a more formal look. Choose shirts made of cotton or poplin, materials that ensure comfort, ease of care, and impeccable wear throughout the day.
Formal evenings
For a formal evening or wedding, the Italian or French collar is an excellent choice. Worn with a white shirt , these collars add presence to your look. You can also choose more formal fabrics like twill or poplin for a refined look.
Casual outfits
For casual occasions, the button-down, officer, or mandarin collar is a must. These collars are less formal and allow for a looser, yet still polished look. They're particularly suited to softer-textured cotton shirts, or even linen during warmer seasons. Paired with jeans or chinos, these collars add a touch of elegance that's easy to wear every day.
Matching the shirt collar with accessories
Pair your collar with a tie
A tie is a must-have accessory for many formal occasions. Choose a fairly open collar, such as a French or sumi-cutaway collar, to allow your tie to stand out. Make sure the width of the tie matches the width of the collar for a harmonious look.
Pair your collar with a bow tie
The bow tie is best worn with wider collars, such as the tabard or Italian collar. These collars create a visual contrast with the bow tie, highlighting it. For a more original touch, the mandarin collar can also be an interesting option, especially for less formal occasions.
Here are common mistakes to avoid
Choose a collar that is disproportionate to your body shape
The most common mistake is choosing a collar that doesn't match your face shape. A collar that's too open on a long face or a very narrow one on a round face can create a visual imbalance and detract from natural elegance. Always take the time to measure your neck and try on different shapes to find the one that best suits you.
Neglecting context and opportunity
The choice of collar depends largely on the occasion. Make sure the collar you choose is appropriate for the setting, whether it's a business meeting, a wedding, or a casual evening. A semi-cutaway collar can be a good compromise for a chic yet versatile look.
Bad association with accessories
Poorly matching the collar with accessories like a tie or bow tie is also a common mistake. A collar that's too small won't flatter a wide tie, while a very open collar risks looking unbalanced with a small bow tie. These details may seem minor, but they make all the difference in pulling off a stylish outfit.
To ensure the longevity and impeccable appearance of your shirts and their collars, be sure to check out our clothing care tips and learn how to iron a shirt easily and efficiently. You can also explore our full range of white shirts, slim-fit shirts, and classic-fit shirts, as well as the variety of collars available, to find the perfect shirt to suit your body shape and style.