What are the Best Collar Stays?
Collar stays are synonymous with formal sophistication, and they do the hard yards in priming your dress shirts to their tip-top shape. When there's such a vast pool of collar stays to choose from, knowing the best ones can sometimes be a problem. You want a pair of collar stays that will keep your shirt collar looking sharp and flat-lined throughout the day without drilling a hole in your wallet.
What are Collar Stays
Collar stays are a surprisingly recent innovation that sprouted in 1951 by a man named Andrew Doric Charles. Although collar stays have only acquired modern beginnings, the desire to have crisp collared shirts dates back to the 1800s when society opted for detachable collars. These collars were incredibly stiff and could be taken on and off the dress shirt whenever a person saw fit. These collars maintained widespread popularity for over a century. Still, as fashions shifted and evolved, they slowly phased out of the mainstream fashion sphere. Now, collar stays are an efficient and compact alternative for men who enjoy an intense look.
People favour shirt collars stays for their practical benefits, but they also symbolise strength and confidence. A man wearing a shirt with a crisp collar is instantly perceived as more refined and stronger than a man without. For this reason, many men opt to wear collars in corporate settings. If your collar stays aren't sewn in, you must know how to put on collar stays correctly for a polished and neat look. So, are collar stays necessary? Absolutely. Not only do they serve a practical function in keeping your collar crisp and tidy, but they also symbolise strength and confidence.
Types of Collar Stays
Collar stays are made of various materials, so it's essential to understand the variety before deciding on the right pair.
Plastic Collar Stays
Plastic collar stays are widespread and accessible, but there's a tradeoff regarding their quality. Although they're welcomely wallet-friendly, they're very lightweight, so they're limited in anchoring down your collar and creating a sharp look. For this reason, we're ruling that the plastic collar will stay out of the running.
Stainless Steel Collar Stays
These collar stays provide an enviable crossroads between affordable and high quality. Stainless steel is a weighty material that will give your collar a sharp look without breaking the bank. The great thing about stainless steel collar stays is that they often have an engraved message, branded or personalised.
Brass Collar Stays
Arguably in the same boat as the stainless steel variety, the brass collar perfectly balances function and cost-effectiveness. These are great options for the savvy bloke who wants to create a crisp, flat-lined look without spending too much on the pretty penny. Brass has a superbly warm complexion, which can add a welcoming, timeless look.
Gold Collar Stays
Yes, real gold collar stays exist, and they will set you back a decent dime. You can only expect to get away with relinquishing at least $600 of your savings. These are great for the man who wants to invest in a timeless heirloom. Gold collar stays can be engraved with a custom message. They can be gifted from friend to friend or from generation to generation.
The Best Type of Collar Stays
Depending on your motives and values, the best type of collar stays are subjective. This doesn't mean to say there aren't standout winners. Your metals, such as brass and stainless steel, are the most sought-after as they do their job effectively without breaking the bank. What more could you ask for? However, suppose your tastes are outrageous, and you want to invest in fashion. In that case, it may be appropriate to opt for gold collar stays so long as your decision is thoroughly considered.
