The shirt collar, a seemingly small detail, plays a significant role in framing your face and completing your overall look. Selecting the right collar style can enhance your features, while the wrong choice can throw off your proportions. This guide will help you understand how to choose shirt collars that complement your face shape, ensuring you always look your best.

Understanding Face Shapes

Before diving into collar styles, it's essential to identify your face shape. While everyone is unique, most faces fall into these general categories:

• Oval: Balanced proportions with a slightly narrower forehead and chin.

• Round: Full cheeks with a wider face and softer angles.

• Square: Strong, wide jawline with a broad forehead.

• Triangle (or Pear): Narrow forehead with a wide jawline and chin.

• Rectangle (or Oblong): Long and narrow with similar width in the forehead, cheeks, and jawline.

• Diamond: Narrow forehead and chin with wide cheekbones.

Collar Styles and Face Shapes

Now, let's explore how different collar styles pair with various face shapes:

1. Oval Face Shape Best Collars: The oval face is the most versatile and can pull off almost any collar style.

• Point Collar: A classic choice with medium-spread points that complement the oval's balance.

• Spread Collar: The wider spread adds a touch of sophistication and works well with larger tie knots.

• Button-Down Collar: Offers a more casual, sporty look that still suits the oval face.

• Recommendation: Feel free to experiment with different styles, but ensure the collar proportions are balanced with your overall features.

2. Round Face Shape Goal: To add angles and definition to the face.

• Point Collar: The sharp lines of a point collar help to visually lengthen and slim the face.

• Spread Collar (Moderate): A moderate spread can work if the points are not too wide, providing some angularity without exaggerating roundness.

• Tab Collar: Lifts the tie and adds vertical lines, creating a more defined look.

• Avoid: Round or very wide collars, as these will accentuate the face's fullness.

• Recommendation: Prioritize collars with strong lines and medium to narrow spreads.

3. Square Face Shape Goal: To soften the strong jawline and add some curves.

• Spread Collar: The wider spread balances the square jawline and adds a touch of elegance.

• Round Collar: A rounded collar can help soften the sharp angles of a square face.

• Club Collar: This collar style has rounded edges, which helps to soften the angularity of a square face.

• Avoid: Narrow point collars, as they can make the face appear even more angular.

• Recommendation: Choose collars with wider spreads or rounded edges to create a more balanced appearance.

4. Triangle (or Pear) Face Shape Goal: To broaden the narrow forehead and balance the wider jawline.

• Spread Collar: The wider spread helps to add visual width to the forehead, balancing the broader jaw.

• Point Collar (Wider Spread): A point collar with a slightly wider spread can also work.

• Recommendation: Opt for collars that add volume and width at the upper part of your face.

5. Rectangle (or Oblong) Face Shape Goal: To shorten the face visually and add some width.

• Spread Collar: The horizontal lines of a spread collar can make the face appear shorter and wider.

• Cutaway Collar: An extreme spread collar that creates a very wide horizontal line.

• Button-Down Collar: Adds volume at the neckline, making the face appear shorter.

• Avoid: Point collars, as they can elongate the face further.

• Recommendation: Choose collars that emphasize horizontal lines and add volume at the neck.

6. Diamond Face Shape Goal: To balance the narrow forehead and chin with the wider cheekbones.

• Spread Collar: Complements the wider cheekbones without exaggerating the narrower forehead and chin.

• Point Collar: A classic point collar can also work, provided it's not too narrow.

• Tab Collar: Adds some visual interest and can work well with a tie.

• Recommendation: Look for collars that provide balance and don't add too much length or width.

Additional Tips

• Consider Your Neck Size: Ensure the collar band fits comfortably around your neck.

• Think About the Occasion: Dressier occasions often call for more structured collars like spread or point collars, while casual settings allow for button-downs or club collars.

• Proportion is Key: The size of the collar should be in proportion to your face and overall build.

• Tie Choice: The collar style should also complement your tie and the knot you plan to use.

By understanding your face shape and the characteristics of different collar styles, you can confidently choose shirts that enhance your appearance and elevate your style.