Collar stay

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CollarStay02

Small, rigid strips inserted into dress shirt collars to keep them stiff

Collar stay
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Type	Clothing accessory
Material	Metal, plastic, bone, mother of pearl
Origin	Country or culture of origin
First use	Historical period or date of first use
Typical use	Formal, casual, ceremonial, etc.
Availability	Widely used, traditional, etc.
Related items	Other related clothing items

A collar stay, also known as a collar stiffener, is a small, rigid strip inserted into the collar of a dress shirt to keep it stiff and prevent it from curling. Collar stays are typically made from materials such as metal, plastic, bone, or mother of pearl. They are an essential accessory for maintaining a crisp and professional appearance in formal and business attire.

Types of Collar Stays

Collar stays come in various materials, each offering different benefits:

• Plastic Collar Stays: These are the most common and affordable type. They are lightweight and flexible but may not provide as much stiffness as other materials.
• Metal Collar Stays: Made from materials such as stainless steel or brass, these stays are more durable and provide greater stiffness. They are often preferred for their longevity and effectiveness.
• Bone Collar Stays: Traditionally made from animal bone, these stays are less common but offer a unique combination of flexibility and stiffness.
• Mother of Pearl Collar Stays: These are luxury stays made from the inner shell layer of certain mollusks. They are prized for their beauty and durability.

Usage

Collar stays are inserted into small pockets on the underside of a dress shirt collar. They can be removed before washing the shirt to prevent damage. Some shirts come with built-in stays, while others have removable ones. It is important to choose the right size and material of collar stay to match the shirt and the desired level of stiffness.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of collar stays, it is recommended to remove them before laundering shirts. Metal stays should be wiped clean to prevent tarnishing, while plastic stays can be washed with mild soap and water. Bone and mother of pearl stays should be handled with care to avoid breakage.

Related Pages

• Dress shirt
• Collar
• Necktie
• Cufflink
• Formal wear