Collar stay

Collar stays, also known as collar sticks, collar tabs, collar stiffeners, or collar bones, are shirt accessories designed to improve the look of a dress shirt's collar by ensuring the points lie flat against the collarbone and do not curl. These small, rigid items are inserted into specially made pockets on the underside of a shirt collar. Collar stays can be made from a variety of materials including plastic, metal (such as brass, stainless steel, or titanium), horn, mother of pearl, or even baleen, with each material offering different benefits in terms of flexibility, durability, and cost.

History

The use of collar stays is a relatively modern innovation in men's fashion, reflecting the evolution of the dress shirt collar. Initially, collars were detachable and could be stiffened by starch or the use of different materials. As shirt design evolved to incorporate attached collars, the need for an accessory to maintain the sharp look of the collar without the use of excessive starch led to the development of the collar stay.

Design and Use

Collar stays are typically around 2 to 3 inches in length and are inserted into pockets on the underside of a shirt collar. These pockets are specifically designed to hold the stays close to the collar's points. The primary function of collar stays is to keep the shirt collar points sharp and to prevent them from curling throughout the day.

While many dress shirts come with plastic collar stays, these are often considered to be of lower quality compared to their metal or other material counterparts. Plastic stays can bend or warp over time, losing their effectiveness. Metal stays, on the other hand, offer more weight and rigidity, which can help in maintaining the shape of the collar for longer periods. However, it is important to remove metal collar stays before laundering the shirt to avoid damage to both the shirt and the washing machine.

Varieties

Collar stays come in various lengths and widths to match different collar sizes and styles. It is important to use the correct size of collar stay for the shirt to ensure that the collar looks neat and does not get damaged. In addition to the standard removable collar stays, there are also permanent collar stays that are sewn into the collar at the time of manufacturing. These are typically made of a flexible material that can withstand washing and ironing, but they do not offer the same level of stiffness as removable stays.

Custom and Luxury Options

For those seeking a more personalized or luxury option, custom collar stays are available. These can be made from high-end materials such as silver, gold, or even engraved with initials or messages. Such options make for popular gifts among professionals.

Conclusion

Collar stays are a small but essential accessory for maintaining the appearance of a dress shirt. By choosing the right material and size, and by remembering to remove them before washing, individuals can ensure their collars look sharp and professional at all times.