Are Collar Stays Necessary?
Collar stays are necessary to stay equipped in the fashion landscape. It's common for well-dressed men to have an arsenal of bespoke accessories such as belts, shoes, pocket squares, and watches in their wardrobe. However, a collar stay is a valuable must-have that must be fully accessorised. They keep your shirt collar firm and in place while indicating your strong character and spirit.
Although collar stays aren't visible from outside your ensemble, they are necessary to do all the groundwork to keep your collar looking sharp throughout the day. Small touches like these help your style go a long way.
History of collar stays.
Collar stays are the more efficient and modern evolution of the detachable collar. In the late eighteenth century, stiff collars were preferred, so detachable collars rose in popularity because they made casual shirts look more formal. However, detachable collars decreased in popularity in the preceding decades because of their perceived rigidity, and collar stays became the more compact and versatile alternative. Now, collar stays are still around, and the hard yards are being done to make shirt collars look as confident and elegant as possible.
What do collar stays do?
Collar stays add weight to your collar. They will provide shape, sturdiness, and a clean silhouette by anchoring down your collar. They'll also work to avoid any movement or creasing throughout the day. This can be particularly desirable in corporate settings when you want to make a strong impression. They also add a much-needed hint of finesse to formal ensembles.
In a more symbolic take, a firm collar is usually considered more substantial and more masculine than flimsy collars. Instead of going to the effort of buying a stiff-collared dress shirt, collar stays allow a cost-effective option that will be inserted into the collar seams. This means you can wear a firm collar when you want, with any shirt you want.
Types of Collar Stays
Collar stays vary in material and quality, so staying informed is essential to pick the perfect pair. A broad range of materials vary in weight and size, and the weight of your collar stays will inherently determine their effectiveness.
Metal Collar Stays vs. Plastic Collar Stays
It's a classic problem of cost-effectiveness versus quality. It is desirable 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.
How to Put on Collar Says
All modern dress shirts will come with a small slit on the underside of the collar, which is where the collar stays to be inserted. Learning how to use collar stays and ensuring your collar stays are in place is vital to 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 stays are inserted into the collar and entirely enveloped by the fabric; otherwise, you risk them falling out.
The Verdict
Collar stays are essential for men who care about their appearance. More than simply keeping your collar in place, collar stays serve a highly symbolic purpose that will make your outfit more assertive and confident. In days where people are splashing money on oversized ticket items such as neckties and suits, it pays to be the guy who knows his way around the more minor stuff. It just takes a simple detail like collar stays to make all the difference when making the right impression. It's the distinguishing feature between good and excellent.
