Are Collar Stays Necessary?
Collar stays play a crucial role in making you look put-together—even though they aren't visible, they maintain a crisp and polished appearance, improving your overall style. But are collar stays necessary? Let's get to the bottom of that question.
What Are Collar Stays?
Have you ever wondered what collar stays are? Collar stays are small, flat inserts that you slide into your shirt collar to keep it looking sharp and crisp. They help your collar maintain its shape throughout the day, preventing it from curling or flopping over. Plastic, silver, brass, and even gold collar stays offer a different look and durability.
While belts, shoes, pocket squares, and watches often take centre stage in a well-dressed man's wardrobe, collar stays are accessories that work behind the scenes to ensure your collar stays neat and professional. Just slide them into the pockets at the base of your collar, and you're good to go!
Are Collar Stays Necessary?
Collar stays are necessary. They add structure and weight to your collar, providing shape, sturdiness, and a clean silhouette by anchoring it down. They prevent unwanted movement or creasing throughout the day, making them particularly beneficial in corporate settings where a sharp look is key. For a more polished finish, pair your shirt with cufflinks or a good necktie to complete the look.
Symbolically, a firm collar is often seen as more substantial and masculine than a flimsy one. Instead of buying a stiff-collared shirt, collar stays offer a cost-effective way to achieve that clean, strong collar look with any shirt you choose.
Benefits of Using Collar Stays
Collar stays might be small, but they significantly impact your appearance. Here's why collar stays are a must-have:
- Sharp look: They keep your collar crisp, preventing it from curling or flopping throughout the day.
- Boosted confidence: A structured collar conveys strength and attention to detail, making you appear more professional and refined.
- Versatility: You can use collar stays with almost any dress shirt, easily inserting or removing them for different occasions.
- Cost-effectiveness: Using removable collar stays offers an affordable way to achieve a sharp, polished look instead of buying stiff-collared shirts.
- Preservation of shirt quality: Collar stays prevent sagging and creasing, helping to extend the life of your shirts.
Types of Collar Stays
Collar stays vary in material, quality, weight, and size, with the weight ultimately determining their effectiveness. Here's some information about the different types to help you pick the best collar stays to suit your style.
Metal Collar Stays vs. Plastic Collar Stays
It's a classic problem of cost-effectiveness versus quality. It might be tempting to only drop a small dime on plastic collar stays if they're cheaper than the real thing. But the truth is, quality does pay off in this instance. The sheer lightness of plastic collars automatically rules them out as being practical. They may stop your collar from moving around on a windy day, but they won't go the extra mile to ensure it is crisp and flat-lined. Only the work of a weightier material can do that, such as metal.
Removable Collar Stays vs. Sewn-In Collar Stays
Removable collar stays offer flexibility, allowing you to switch between materials like plastic for everyday wear or metal for a more polished, refined look. Magnetic collar stays are a great option if you prefer extra stability, as the magnets keep your collar in place throughout the day. These removable stays work best for dress shirts, offering versatility and control over your look.
Conversely, sewn-in collar stays are built directly into the shirt, making them a convenient choice for low-maintenance wear. While removable stays offer customisation, sewn-in stays are ideal for a hassle-free approach to keeping your collar crisp.
How to Put on Collar Stays
All modern dress shirts come with a small slit on the underside of the collar for inserting collar stays. Using collar stays is vital to maintaining a sharp, put-together look.
To insert your collar stays properly:
- Lift the collar of your shirt and locate the slit on the underside of the collar.
- Starting with the narrow tip of the collar stay, gently insert it through the slit and push it towards the front seam of the collar.
- Ensure that the length of the stays is inserted into the collar and entirely enveloped by the fabric; otherwise, you risk them falling out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you supposed to wear collar stays?
Yes, collar stays are designed to keep your shirt collar firm and crisp, helping maintain a neat and professional appearance.
Can you remove the collar stays?
Yes, collar stays are removable, allowing you to adjust them for different looks or replace them if worn out.
Should I take out collar stiffeners?
You should remove collar stiffeners to prevent damage if you're washing or ironing your shirt, but leave them in while wearing it to maintain a sharp look.
Why are collar stays removable?
Collar stays are removable, giving you flexibility in changing the stiffness of your collar. Replacing or adjusting them is easy based on style preferences or shirt condition.
