What Are the Best Collar Stays?

Synonymous with formal sophistication, the collar stays the hard yards when priming your dress shirts to their tip-top shape. But when there's such a vast pool of collar stays to choose from, knowing what to reach for 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. Here's our expert advice on the best collar stays out there.

What Are Collar Stays?

Collar stays are a surprisingly recent innovation, developed in 1951 by Andrew Doric Charles. However, 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 a polished 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. 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 shirt collar stays aren't sewn in, you must learn how to put on collar stays correctly for a polished and neat look. 

4 Types of Collar Stays

Collar stays are made of various materials. Let's look at the pros and cons of each before you decide 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.

Stainless Steel Collar Stays

These collar stays provide a compromise between affordability 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 can often feature an engraved message, branded or personalised.

Brass Collar Stays

Like the stainless-steel variety, the brass collar stays perfectly balanced in 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. In contrast to silver collar stays, brass has superb warmth, which can create a welcoming, timeless look.

Gold Collar Stays

Yes, real gold collar stays exist, and they will set you back a decent dime. But 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. Try brushed gold collar stays for a more affordable option with a similar look.

What Are the Best Types 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. Metals like 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.

Metal vs. Plastic Collar Stays

Choosing between a metal and plastic collar stays largely depends on your priorities regarding durability, appearance, and cost.

Plastic Collar Stays

Plastic collar stays are the most economical option and are widely available. They're lightweight and flexible and often come included with dress shirts. However, their flexibility can also be a downside, as they may lack the stiffness needed to keep your collar firmly in place throughout the day. Plastic collar stays are ideal for casual use or as a temporary fix but may leave you wanting more when achieving a truly polished look.

Metal Collar Stays

Metal collar stays, particularly those made of stainless steel or brass, are a significant upgrade. Their added weight provides much better structure and support, from morning meetings to evening events, keeping your collar sharp and in place. Stainless steel and brass are durable and resistant to bending, making them long-lasting options that justify their slightly higher price tag. While less common, gold collar stays bring undeniable luxury and can even serve as a thoughtful, personalised gift or heirloom.