Welcome back to your favorite dapper men’s style blog, gentlemen.

It hurts to admit this, but in the world of dapper style, the shirt collar is often overlooked, yet it plays a pivotal role in framing your face and defining your overall look.

I would venture to say the shirt collar is the most important element of a dress shirt.

It can either make or break a shirt for me – and I’m sure many of you reading this blog post share this sentiment.

One of the essential aspects of choosing the right dress shirt collar is that it has the potential to enhance your facial features and elevate your style.

In this useufl guide, we’ll explore the three main types of the most common shirt collars you will find: spread collars, cutaway collars, and point collars.

And of coure, I’ll help you determine the best one for your face shape.

So pull up your collar ’cause we’re in for a ride!

The Face-Framing Power of Shirt Collars

Now, before we dive into the specifics, let’s understand the significance of the shirt collar.

It’s not just a functional piece; it’s a style statement that frames your face and contributes to the overall impression of your outfit, whether you choose to wear a tie or prefer wearing your suits without a necktie on.

Finding the right collar for your face shape is almost like unlocking a personalized style signature.

It’s showing you truly care about putting together a harmonious look.

So, let’s explore the dress shirt collar options.

The Classic Spread Collar: Versatility

Ah, my good friend, the classic spread collar.

Truly a favorite of mine and a staple in my wardrobe.

The spread collar is a classic choice that strikes a balance between traditional and modern styles.

With points angled outward (but not too much), it provides a timeless look suitable for various occasions.

This collar type is versatile and complements most face shapes, making it an excellent starting point for those new to exploring different collar styles.

If I had no specific information or details, and a client or anybody else came to me asking which collar they should go for, I would instantly go: “Spread collar!” – yes, with that enthusiasm.

I really, really love a nice spread collar for its elegance and versatility, specially when combined with the timeless appeal of a white shirt.

Cutaway Collar: Bold and Modern

Up next, we have the cutaway collar.

The bold, the badass, the epic cutaway collar.

Listen, my friend, if you’re looking to make a bolder statement, the cutaway collar has to be your go-to choice.

Yes, the cutaway collar gets lots of attention when you wear it, but it’s the good type of attention.

The type of attention you want.

With a wider spread and a unique angle, it’s a contemporary option that adds a modern touch to your ensembles.

This collar is ideal for those with narrow or elongated faces, as it brings attention to the center of your face, creating a balanced and stylish appearance.

Read also: 9 Reasons to Wear Bow Ties

Point Collar: Timeless Simplicity

Now is the turn for the elegance of the point collar.

For a clean and timeless look, the point collar is always a reliable choice, despite some men calling it somewhat dated.

Now I’m not the biggest fan of the point collar, to be honest – but this is besides the point (no pun intended).

No hate or anything.

Actually, this has a lot to do with the fact that my face shape is not ideal for this collar.

Nevertheless, with points that sit close together, this collar is versatile and can complement various face shapes.

Whether you have a round, square, or oval face, the point collar offers a classic and understated appearance that works well in both casual and formal settings, with or without a tie on.

If your style is what you would call “classic” over everything else, I feel this can be your signature collar.

I have to admit, I have great admiration for men who rock the point collar, something I have yet to accomplish.

Read also: Mastering French Cuffs Shirts

How to Choose the Best Shirt Collar for Your Face Shape

Now that you know what are some of the most common shirt collars, it’s time to solve the mystery: what’s the best collar for your face shape?

Well, determining the best shirt collar for your face shape should start with understanding the nuances of your features.

In the next section of this post we’ll explore different face shapes—round, square, oval, and heart—and guide you on selecting a shirt collar that enhances the natural attributes of your face.

Let’s go.

Round Face

For those with a round face, the goal is to add definition and create the illusion of length.

For this purpose, you can opt for collars such as the spread or cutaway collar.

These two collar styles draw attention upward and can elongate the face, providing a sense of balance in how your face is framed.

Square Face

A square face is characterized by quite strong angles.

If your goal is to soften these features, consider collars like a narrow spread collar or a point collar.

These styles complement the natural lines of a square face, adding a touch of harmony to your overall appearance.

Oval Face

If you’re blessed with an oval face, you have the luxury of versatility.

You lucky you!

Almost any collar style, from spread to cutaway to point collar, will most likely suit your face shape.

You can feel free to experiment with different collars to discover which one resonates most with your personal style.

Heart Face

A heart-shaped face often features a broader forehead and a narrower chin.

Collars with a moderate spread, like the a spread collar or point collar, should work well to balance these proportions.

They draw attention toward the center of the face, creating a harmonious look.

The Truth: Hard Rules Do Not Exist

Quite frankly, despite the fact that the collar style you choose to wear can really influence how your face is framed and your overall appearance, I’m of the opinion that you should never feel restrained by any of these rules.

Try as many different shirt collars as you want based on your personal preference.

Compare how they look and how different your face looks when wearing each variant.

And then choose what works best for you – which style resonates the most with you and your style.

…And then experiment more.

You may end up liking more than one or many collar styles, and that’s what truly matters.

So, yes, these basic rules can work from a geometric standpoint, but there’s much more to style than geometry.

We all know that.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best shirt collar for your face is, to a great extent, a journey of self-discovery and self-expression.

Each collar style offers a unique touch, allowing you to tailor your look to your personality and face shape.

Whether you lean toward the classic spread, the bold cutaway, or the timeless point collar, do not forget to let your choice be a reflection of your style journey.

Thank you for reading.

Ed.