Can You Wear A Collar Bar with Any Collar?
Collar bars are sophisticated, classic accessories that add a polished touch to men's formalwear. However, unlike other accessories, collar bars have specific requirements for use and pair best with a particular shirt type — specifically, you need a collar bar shirt. Let's dive into the purpose and limitations of collar bars to answer the question: Can you wear a collar bar with any collar?
What Does a Collar Bar Do?
A collar bar elevates your tie knot, connecting the collar points to create a sharp, lifted look. In the early 20th century, they became iconic for adding structure and lifting the tie knot to create a distinguished, confident look. Like a silver collar bar, classic pieces were worn by icons such as Fred Astaire and Frank Sinatra to add a polished edge that accentuated a lifted collar and sharpened the man's overall silhouette. They've recently regained popularity, thanks partly to their prominence in the James Bond film Spectre, underscoring their timeless elegance.
Can Collar Bars Be Worn with Any Collar?
Collar bars can't be worn with just any collar. Traditional collar bars require a pin collar shirt designed with small holes to accommodate them. However, modern collar pins and clips work on most standard collars, providing a similar look without needing custom pin holes. Let's dive into which collars are best suited for collar bars and which are not:
- Point Collars
Point collars, especially those with a narrower spread, are ideal for collar bars. Their closer-together points allow the collar bar to bridge the two sides neatly, giving you that refined, elevated tie knot without excessive space. Point collars are your best friend with a collar bar and well-chosen ties if you aim for a traditional look.
- Pin Collars
Pin collars are designed explicitly for collar bars. They come with pre-made holes in the collar points, specifically for use with collar bars or pins. This collar type is tailored to showcase the bar, securing it without damaging the fabric. Pin collars are the way to go if you're going for a classic, polished style. For a distinguished look, pair your collar bar with a lapel pin for a cohesive, refined style perfect for formal events.
- Button-Down Collars
It is not recommended. Although you can technically wear a collar bar with button-down collars, it's generally not a good match. Buttons already hold Button-down collars in place, which can clash visually with a collar bar. Adding a bar to this style might look overdone, so it's best to save button-downs for a more casual approach.
- Spread and Cutaway Collars
Not suitable for collar bars. Spread and cutaway collars have more expansive spaces between the points, which don't work well with collar bars. The purpose of the bar is to bring collar points together and lift the tie knot. The bar would strain the look with these wide-set collars or make little impact. Stick to regular ties or consider tie clips instead for these collars.
- Tabbed Collars
Avoid using with collar bars. Tabbed collars have built-in tabs that connect under the tie knot, serving the same function as a collar bar by lifting and securing the knot. Adding a collar bar here would be redundant and might crowd the look. Tabbed collars do the job independently, giving a similar structured effect.
How to Wear a Collar Bar, Collar Pin, or Collar Clip
Putting on a collar bar, collar pin, or collar clip is straightforward once you understand the steps. Here's a quick guide:
Step 1: Prepare your shirt and tie: Start by putting on your shirt and tying your tie as usual, with the knot fully tightened. If your shirt has collar stays, remove them for easier attachment and to avoid interfering with the bar or pin's placement.
Step 2: Set up the collar bar, pin, or clip.
- For a collar bar: Unscrew one end of the bar to prepare it for threading.
- For a collar pin: Unfasten the latch to expose the sharp end.
- For a collar clip: Squeeze the clip open to prepare for attachment.
Step 3. Insert the accessory.
- For a collar bar or pin, insert it through the hole on one collar point, thread it underneath the tie knot, and push it through the hole on the other collar leaf. Consider using a collar pin to pierce the fabric if your shirt lacks pinholes.
- For a collar clip: Press to attach one side to the right collar point, sliding it under the tie knot, and then clip onto the opposite collar point.
Step 4. Secure the bar or pin.
- For a collar bar: Screw the end back on outside the collar point to keep it secure.
- Fasten the latch to hold a collar pin in place.
Once secured, adjust the tie as needed to ensure it sits nicely above the bar, pin, or clip, giving your collar a polished, elevated look. Knowing how to wear a collar bar correctly is vital to a polished appearance.
Styling Tip: When styling collar bars, opt for solid or lightly patterned ties to keep people's attention on the elevated knot and structure. Collar bars pair best with tailored suits and formal attire, adding a layer of sophistication to your look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people wear collarbars?
People wear collar bars to add structure to their shirt collar, elevate the tie knot, and create a polished, sophisticated look that enhances the overall appearance of formal attire.
What does wearing a collar bar signify?
Wearing a collar bar signifies attention to classic style and detail, conveying a sense of refined elegance often associated with vintage and formal menswear.
Can you wear a collar bar without a tie?
No, a collar bar is typically worn with a tie, as it lifts and accentuates the tie knot for a distinguished effect.
Do you need a unique shirt for a collar bar?
Yes, traditional collar bars require a pin collar shirt with designated holes, though modern alternatives like collar clips and pins can be used with standard collars without special requirements.
