Collared Shirts The Complete Men’s Guide to Fits, Collars, and Polos

Quick Guide to “Collar and Shirt” Basics

The collar and shirt work together to frame your face and set the tone of your outfit. The collar’s shape, height, and stiffness affect how formal you look. A sharper, structured collar feels dressy. A softer, rolling collar feels relaxed. Start with where you’re going—office, weekend, or course—and choose the collar that matches.

Use this quick reference:

1. Formal events: structured spread or point collars
2. Smart-casual: button-down or soft spread
3. Sport and heat: polos with breathable, stay-put collars

For a fast overview of guys collared shirts, think in three lanes: dress shirts, casual shirts, and polos.

Types of Men’s Collared Shirts

1. Dress shirts

1. Designed for tailoring

2. Clean lines and crisp interlinings

3. Works with ties, suiting, and dress shoes

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2. Oxford and casual button-downs

1. Heavier weave with a soft roll at the collar

2. Ideal with chinos, denim, and loafers

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3. Polos (including golf polos)

1. Knit bodies with either rib-knit or self-fabric collars

2. Perfect for heat, travel, and sport

3. Explore our Collared Shirts collection for the latest styles:

Collar Styles and When to Wear Them

1. Point collar

• Slim, elongating shape

• Great for rounder faces

• Works well without a tie in modern offices

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2. Semi-spread and spread collar

Balanced proportions

Ideal with or without a tie

Choose spread for wider tie knots and sharper suits

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3. Button-down collar

• Soft, sporty, and versatile

• Sits neatly without a tie

• A staple in “collar shirts men” choose for business casual

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4. Cutaway collar

• Bold and modern

• Pairs with tailored jackets and wider knots

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5. Band/mandarin collar

• Minimal and airy

• Best for casual, warm-weather looks

Tip: Keep one collared shirt with a button-down collar for Fridays, one spread collar for presentations, and one polo for weekends.

Fabrics and Construction That Matter

Fabrics

• Poplin/broadcloth: smooth, crisp, and office-ready

• Twill: slightly heavier and more resistant to wrinkles

• Oxford: textured and durable; perfect for casual looks

• Piqué knit (polos): breathable with natural stretch for movement

• Blends and performance weaves: moisture-wicking and quick-dry for heat and travel

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Construction details to look for

• Interlinings in the collar and cuffs for shape retention

• Removable collar stays in dressier styles

• Clean stitching and reinforced seams

Golf Shirt Collars Explained

Golf shirt collars should look sharp and stay in place during play. You will find two common types:

Rib-knit collars

• Classic polo look

• Soft, comfortable, and flexible

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Self-fabric collars

• Made from the same fabric as the body

• More structured and “dressy”

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Key features to look for

• Collar stays or taped edges to prevent curling

• Moisture-wicking fabric with UV protection

• A placket that lies flat when you swing

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Check your club’s dress code if unsure; most prefer collared shirts on the course.
For performance options, visit our Golf Shop:

What Is a Dress Collar Polo?

A dress collar polo blends the comfort of a polo with the presence of a woven dress collar. It sits cleanly under a blazer and won’t collapse at the edges.

• When to wear: business-casual offices, dinners, travel

• What to pair: unstructured blazer, tailored chinos, and loafers

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Browse our Polos and Dress Collar Polos:

How to Style “Collar Shirts” Men Wear for Key Occasions

Office-ready

• A semi-spread collared shirt in poplin

• Navy trousers, brown belt, minimal leather sneakers or oxfords

• Add a tie for meetings; remove it for after-work plans

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Weekend casual

• Oxford button-down with a soft roll

• Denim, white sneakers, and a field jacket

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Warm-weather smart

• Linen-blend collared shirt

• Light chinos and suede loafers

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Golf day

• Performance polo with a stay-put collar

• Technical shorts and spikeless golf shoes

Detailed Example 1: Presentation Day

• Choose a spread-collar white collared shirt in wrinkle-resistant twill

• Add a charcoal suit, brown cap-toe shoes, and a textured tie

• Keep collar stays in; the collar frames your face on camera and in person

Detailed Example 2: Hot-Climate Weekend

• Wear a piqué polo with self-fabric collar in a breathable blend

• Pair with stone chinos and woven loafers

• Finish with a lightweight overshirt for evening AC

Care: Keep Your Collared Shirt Crisp

• Wash cold on gentle
• Button collars and turn shirts inside out
• Hang to dry on wide hangers
• Smooth the collar while damp
• Press the collar from the points inward to avoid shine
• Store with the top button closed so the collar holds its shape
• For travel: roll the shirt with the collar on top, or use a collar guard