A shirt can have beautiful fabric, an elegant pattern and impeccable stitching, but it is the collar that often makes the first impression. The finish, structure and appearance of the collar can be the difference between a refined look and a shabby one.

At Placket, we believe the collar defines the quality of a shirt. That is why we devote considerable attention to its design and construction, making sure every collar not only looks exceptional when new, but continues to do so wash after wash.

The construction

A well-made collar shouldn't look limp or lose its shape. Achieving that requires more than simply placing a piece of interlining inside the fabric.

Our collars are constructed using carefully a thick canvas interlining that is fused to the main fabric through a controlled heat process. The edges are then securely stitched in place. This gives the collar the firmness and stability it needs while maintaining a clean and sophisticated appearance for years. We then insert a collar bone into the front edge off the collar to give it long lasting structure. This helps retain its shape and prevents the edges from curling, or becoming limp over time, keeping your shirt looking crisp for longer. The result is a collar that maintains its structure and sharp appearance, even after repeated washing and wearing.

Choosing the Right Collar

We offer three distinct collar shapes, each designed for a different style and occasion.

The Cutaway Collar

The cutaway collar is particularly well suited to larger tie knots like a full Windsor. Its wider spread creates additional space between the collar points, allowing it to comfortably accommodate a fuller tie knot. The result is a balanced and elegant look, particularly when paired with a more formal suit or tailored jacket. It also produces a collar that is more  comfortable to wear open and carries a little modern twist.  

The Classic Collar

The classic collar offers a timeless and versatile appearance. Its more traditional proportions make it an excellent choice for both formal and smart-casual dressing. It is perfect for standard, narrower tie knots and anyone looking for something classic and timeless. 

The Mandarin collar 

A mandarin collar is a short band that sticks up around the neck, it is brilliantly comfortable in the summer time worn open. It's impact on a shirt is that it takes the visual attention away from the neckline and lets the focus be on the rest of the garment - and on you of course. It creates a clean line at the neck. 

Looking After Your Collar

The collar on a shirt stands out and as such benefits from appropriate care. After washing, we recommend ironing the collar first, before moving on to the rest of the shirt. Lay the collar flat and iron wrinkles carefully. A crisp collar gives the entire shirt a sharper appearance. It is a small detail, but one that makes a big difference, a creased collar can wreck the look of an outfit.

The collar may be one of the smallest components of a shirt, but it has an enormous influence on how the shirt looks and feels.