When it comes to men’s fashion, the details matter. One such detail that can significantly impact your overall look is the type of collar on your shirt. Among the various collar styles available, the cutaway collar shirt has gained popularity for its distinctive and modern appearance. If you’re curious about a cutaway collar shirt and how to wear one, this guide is here to help.
Understanding The Cutaway Collar
A cutaway collar is a dress shirt collar with a wide spread between the collar points, giving it a dramatic and bold appearance. The collar points on a cutaway collar extend at a sharp angle, typically reaching 90 degrees or more. This comprehensive and open design sets it apart from traditional dress shirt collars, which tend to have narrower spreads and more classic shapes.
The cutaway collar was introduced initially in the early 20th century as a fashionable alternative to the more conservative collar styles of the time. It gained popularity for accommodating larger tie knots, making it a favourite choice among those who prefer the Windsor knot or the half-Windsor knot.
When To Wear A Cutaway Collar Shirt
A cutaway collar shirt is a distinctive and fashionable option to add modern refinement to your ensemble. When to wear a cutaway collar shirt is determined by the occasion’s formality and your particular style preferences. Here are some scenarios when a cutaway collar shirt is appropriate:
Business Formal
Cutaway collar shirts are an excellent choice for formal business settings. If you’re wearing a suit and tie, especially one with a broader tie knot like the Windsor or Half-Windsor, the wide collar spread complements the tie knot beautifully. This combination exudes professionalism and a sharp, contemporary look.
Business Casual
A cutaway collar shirt can still work well in business-casual environments where a full suit isn’t required. Pair it with dress trousers or chinos and a blazer. This ensemble balances professionalism and style, making it suitable for meetings, presentations, or networking events.
Casual
While cutaway collar shirts are often associated with formal or semi-formal occasions, they can also be dressed for more casual settings. Roll up the sleeves, undone the top button, and pair the shirt with well-fitting jeans or chinos. This creates a smart-casual look perfect for dinner dates, outings with friends, or a weekend brunch.
Special Events
Shirts with cutaway collars are an eye-catching option for formal occasions like weddings, cocktail parties, and gala dinners. Their unique collar design adds an elegant touch to your formal attire. Match it with a sleek, well-fitted suit, a stylish tie, and polished dress shoes to make a lasting impression.
Fashion Forward Events
A cutaway collar shirt is a beautiful choice for making a bold fashion statement or standing out on an occasion. Pair it with fashion-forward accessories and footwear to express your style.
Date Night
Impress your date with a cutaway collar shirt when you want to look polished but not overly formal. This shirt style can help you find the proper balance between dressing up and keeping comfortable, whether it’s a romantic dinner at a great restaurant or a night at the theatre.
Tips For Wearing A Cutaway Collar Shirt
Wearing a cutaway collar shirt can give your outfit a distinctive and fashionable edge. To ensure you look your best when sporting this unique collar style, consider the following tips:
Choose The Right Tie
Given the wide spread of the cutaway collar, selecting an appropriate tie is essential. Ties with larger knots, such as the Windsor or Half-Windsor, work well to fill the space and maintain a balanced look. The knot should be proportionate to the collar’s width.
Ensure A Proper Fit
A well-fitted shirt is crucial for a polished appearance. Ensure the shirt fits well in the shoulders, chest, and waist. Excess fabric or a baggy fit can detract from the elegance of the cutaway collar.
Use Collar Stays
Many cutaway collar shirts come with removable collar stays to help maintain the shape of the collar points. Always use these collar stays to ensure a crisp and polished appearance. They prevent the collar points from collapsing or curling.
Collar Height Matters
Pay attention to the height of the collar. It should sit comfortably around your neck without being too tight or loose. A properly fitting collar enhances your overall look and comfort.
Fabric Choice
Consider the occasion and season when choosing the fabric of your cutaway collar shirt. Crisp and smooth materials like cotton or poplin are excellent for formal settings. In contrast, textured or patterned fabrics can add interest to casual outfits.
Colour Coordination
Coordinate the colour of your cutaway collar shirt with the rest of your outfit. Neutral colours like white, light blue, or pale pink are versatile and can pair well with various tie colours and patterns. For more casual looks, you can experiment with bolder colours and patterns.
Ironing And Pressing
A cutaway collar shirt looks best when well-ironed and pressed. Please pay attention to the collar points and ensure they are sharp and symmetrical.
Tie Length
Make sure your tie is appropriate. The tip of your tie should ideally touch your belt line. A tie that is too short or too long can disrupt the overall balance of your outfit.
Buttoning The Collar
When wearing a cutaway collar shirt, leaving the top button unbuttoned is common. This enhances the casual, open look of the collar. However, you may button it in formal settings for a more traditional appearance.
Complete The Look
Pay attention to the rest of your outfit. Your choice of suit, blazer, trousers, shoes, and accessories should complement the cutaway collar shirt to create a cohesive and stylish ensemble.
Confidence Is Key
Ultimately, confidence is your best accessory. Wearing a cutaway collar shirt confidently can elevate your overall look, so wear it proudly and comfortably.
Wrap up
A cutaway collar shirt is a versatile addition to any man’s wardrobe. Its bold and modern look suits it for various occasions, from business meetings to special events. Following these ideas and instructions, you can successfully adopt this unusual collar style into your fashion arsenal, taking your look to the next level.
