What Is a Club Collar?
A club collar (also called a rounded collar or Eton collar) is a shirt collar style with rounded points instead of the sharp pointed tips found on standard dress shirt collars. It has a distinctive vintage, preppy aesthetic associated with English public school uniforms and early 20th century menswear.
| Feature | Club Collar | Standard Collar |
|---|---|---|
| Collar points | Rounded | Sharp/pointed |
| Aesthetic | Vintage, preppy, fashion-forward | Classic, professional, traditional |
| Also known as | Rounded collar, Eton collar | Point collar, spread collar |
| Best worn with | Tie bar or pin — shows off the rounded shape | Most neckwear styles |
Introduction to the Club Collar
The club collar is a style thats been around since the 1920s and derives from a similar collar style called the Eton collar. Hailing from Eton, the club collar style became common as a uniform trend for Eton students, making the club collar a distinguished look during that time.
Nowadays, club collars are very popular across the world and seen on many shirt types like club collar dress shirts, which we’ll go further into in this article. With a rounded collar, the club collar remains the standard and English look for many elite English school uniforms. Read further learn more about club collar dress shirts and when to wear a club collar shirt.
Club Collar Dress Shirts
The club collar is a common collar type often seen on formal dress shirts and adorned with a tie. Club collar dress shirts became a hit in the business casual, semi-formal, and formal attire events for its unique collar shape. (Here's a separate guide on semi-formal vs formal dress codes.)
Most dress shirts feature a pointed collar – a full guide to dress shirt collar styles here, as well as the difference between button up and button down – so a club collar really stands out with its unique rounded shape.
Club collars may even show up in a different form, known as the peter pan collar, on many women’s blouses. The club collar has trickled into many different tops throughout fashion but, without a doubt, club collar dress shirts are a great addition to your closet.
Club Collar Dress Shirts: How to Wear One & What to Pair It With
A club collar shirt works best in smart casual to business casual settings — it's too distinctive for conservative corporate environments but perfect for occasions where you want a polished look with a fashion-forward edge.
| Occasion | How to Wear It |
|---|---|
| Smart casual | Club collar shirt + slim chinos + loafers — no tie needed |
| With a tie | Tie bar or pin essential — it frames the rounded collar |
| Under a blazer | Let the rounded collar show above the lapel — that's the point |
| Color choice | White or light blue — classic colors let the collar shape do the work |
| Avoid | Overly formal settings — the rounded collar reads fashion-forward not corporate |
The club collar is one of the few collar styles that looks better without a tie than with one — the rounded shape frames an open collar cleanly. For a slim fit dress shirt with a collar that sits flat and holds its shape all day, Nimble Made's dress shirt collection is worth exploring as a base for any club collar styling.
When to Wear a Club Collar Shirt
Club collar shirts nowadays are very versatile and can be worn to a variety of events or occasions. Club collar dress shirts show up more at dressier events, often with dress codes like business casual or semi casual.
A club collar shirt can always be dressed up or down however and is just one part of a complete outfit. Having a club collar shirt in your closet is a good option to have and definitely introduces some variety to your wardrobe selection.
Among the club collar shirt, a nice white professional dress shirt is also a good essential and staple to have in any man’s wardrobe. We go into depth here about all the different types of men’s dress shirts that are good to keep in mind for a truly versatile closet. Because of the history of the club collar, they are often seen at more bespoke events where attendees may be expected to show up in a fashion-forward manner.
Club collars are great when paired with a straight tie or a bowtie and dark pants for a sleek and classic look. Club collar shirts work perfect for events like weddings, company celebrations, family reunions, and corporate networking events.
The club collar style is an eccentric choice when compared to other collar styles and, so, are typically seen as more unique or fun than the traditional options. Be sure to check dress codes to see whether this cheeky collar style is the best choice for your evening as club collars work well cocktail parties and semi-formal events.
The Club Collar Summarized
With roots go back to posh English school uniforms, the club collar has modernized and is seen across today’s clothing. From club collar dress shirts to women’s peter pan collar blouses, the club collar are a fun and eccentric collar style to spruce up an outfit. Club collar dress shirts are best worn for semi formal events or cocktail parties and work great for corporate gatherings. Because of its unique shape, the club collar dress shirt is a great option to have in your closet.
Frequently asked questions about the club collar shirt
What is a club collar?
A club collar is a style of shirt collar characterized by its rounded, often slightly flared edges. Unlike the traditional point or spread collars, the club collar features a softer, more rounded appearance that gives it a distinctive vintage look. This collar style adds a touch of retro charm and is often associated with early 20th-century fashion.
When was the club collar popular?
The club collar was particularly popular during the early 20th century, especially from the 1920s through the 1940s. It was commonly worn in formal and semi-formal settings. Although its popularity waned in the latter half of the century, it has experienced a resurgence in recent years as vintage and retro styles have become more fashionable.
What is a Cuban collar?
A Cuban collar, also known as a camp collar, is a style of collar that features an open, notch-like design. The collar is usually short and lies flat against the shirt, with no button closures or stand. This style is often associated with casual and relaxed shirts, such as those worn in tropical or summer settings. The Cuban collar gives a laid-back, breezy look ideal for warm-weather attire.
Can you wear a tie with a club collar?
While it’s less common to wear a tie with a club collar, it is possible. The rounded edges of the club collar create a unique look that might not always complement traditional tie styles. If you choose to wear a tie with a club collar shirt, opt for a tie that suits the collar's vintage aesthetic, such as a narrow tie or a bow tie. Ensure that the tie's style aligns with the overall look you are aiming for.
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