Wing, lay down, buttoned, mandarin....with all the options of shirts how do you choose which to wear? Have no fear, Friar Tux is here to help you figure it out. With this simple breakdown it will be able easy to desipher what shirt you are going to need!
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Wing Tip Collared Shirt RulesWhere to Wear: White Tie Events + Black Tie Events |
History will tell you that a wing tip shirt must be worn to any black tie or white tie function. This is both true and false in today’s fashion climate. When going to a “white tie” (meaning a tailcoat look) event, yes, a pleated wing tip shirt is essential and part of the dress code. Yet, for any formal or black tie event a wing tip shirt is optional.
What we suggest if you are to wear this style shirt, is to purchase one and make sure it is fitted and tailored to your body. The boxier the shirt is on you, the more “old fashioned” it will seem. Do not fear though, these shirts are making a strong comeback thanks to classic Hollywood men like Leonardo Di Caprio and Brad Pitt who frequently wear this style on the Red Carpet.
If you are to wear this shirt, it must be accompanied with a bow tie, studs + cufflinks, and other formal tuxedo style accessories. Please never wear a long tie with a wing tip shirt.
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Laydown Collared Shirt RulesWhere to Wear: Weddings, Work, Formal Events, Semi-Casual Events Suit or Tuxedo: Suit + Tuxedo Accompanied Accessories: Bow Tie + Long Tie & Studs + Cufflinks |
This is the most common shirt, and one that every person should have at least one of in their closet. Why? Because this shirt can be worn with a tuxedo, a suit, with just slacks…with anything! This shirt comes in many different colors and patterns, and can be dressed up or down depending on where you are going.
The occasion also decides what accessories you can wear with this style of shirt. The collar allows for a bow tie and a long tie to be worn with it- but if you wear a bow tie we do suggest you wear studs of some kind to cover the acrylic buttons. It makes the overall look feel more put together and styled.
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Buttoned Collared Shirt RulesWhere to Wear: Weddings, Work, Formal Events, Semi-Casual Events Suit or Tuxedo: Suit Accompanied Accessories: Long Tie |
Now, there are two big rules that you must know when it comes to this shirt collar. One, never ever wear it with a tuxedo. Also, if you are gong to wear a button collared shirt, make sure they remain buttoned. That is the purpose of the buttons, no matter if you have neckwear on or not- and trust us it just looks better.
This style shirt is great for semi-casual events and any place of work where business/business casual is the dress code. Due to the extra buttons on the collar, it makes a more relaxed feel to the overall look. With this style, you are only going to want to pair it with a long tie or with the top buttoned opened in a more laid back way.
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Mandarin Collared Shirt RulesWhere to Wear: Weddings, Work, Formal Events, Semi-Casual Events Suit or Tuxedo: Suit + Tuxedo Accompanied Accessories: Button Cover (optional) |
This is a style of collar that was rarely used up until this year. The mandarin style collar is making a huge comeback with companies such as Zara, H&M, and ASOS bringing them back to the forefront. This style can be worn in both formal and informal capacities. If wearing with a tuxedo, a button cover is an accessory option that many do like to use. It is a piece of jewelry that clips onto the top button to add some simple flare. With that, you would want to wear studs + cufflinks to complete your look. If wearing this style with a suit, you are most likely are going to want to keep the top button loose and open. Creating a more casual, but sophisticated, style. Note: you cannot wear a bow tie or long tie with a mandarin collar shirt.
How to Choose the Right Shirt Collar for Your Face
When it comes to a simple lay-down collar, there are a few different folds it can be in: pointed, semi-spread, and spread. If you have a rounded face, the best shirt to wear is one with a pointed collar to elongate your face. If you have a more oval face shape, the semi-spread will bing the eye out from the neck, making your face structure seem more oval. If youre face in more angula the spread collar will brign out the angels of your cheeks and chin structure. These small tidbits are effortless ways to bring an extra dash of style to your overal look. It may seem like a lot of rules, but once you get them down for your particular frame and/or where you need to go it is easy to impliment.
Hope this blog helped you out! If you ever need more information or clarification on anything, please feel free to send us an email, phone call, stop into any of our store locations, or reach out on social media. We are here to help you for all of life's important moments.
