The Long and Short of It ... Mostly the Short of It

Earlier this year, a Wall Street Journal article entitled The Incredible Shrinking Collar suggested that shirt collars would be the next step in fashion’s trend towards skinny or trim, following what has already occurred with jackets and trousers.  To be fair, from the perspective of a designer or a clothier, the shirt collar should move right along with all the other elements of the outfit, so perhaps the shorter point shirt collar has simply been slower to catch on than flat front trousers and jackets with narrower shoulders and lapels.

Before signing up for any movement, you should pay close attention to proportion and balance when assembling your wardrobe.   For example, if you are a big man, maybe 6’ 2" and 240 lbs., then the short point, skinny collar (skinny anything for that matter) probably does not belong on your frame.  The rules of thumb for what looks better on a big head, wide face, narrow face, etc. are still important, regardless of where fashion is trending.  (From our archives, here is a great primer on selecting the collar best suited to your facial structure.)

The rules of proportion and balance are not entirely static, however.  As fashions and styles change, what once looked large may now look normal, and what would have bordered on the ridiculous a decade ago, all of a sudden looks hip and cool.  In an age of decadence and excess, the short point collar would have been the ultimate contrarian fashion statement;  in current times, an era more reserved and simple, the short point is more like a badge of honor.  Things change and we adjust and adapt accordingly.

            

While fashion may be bumping up against the limit of skinny, trim, and short, the dominant trends for 2011 will still include shorter point shirt collars and clothing that "fits."  When choosing a shirt collar, keep in mind the outfits in which you plan to use it.  If you continue to wear pleated trousers and ties that are 3 ½" wide or wider, then the short point collar has no place in your wardrobe.  If, however, you prefer flat front trousers (no pleats), a coat fit that is trim at the waist, and ties that are 3 ¼" or narrower, then a short point collar is the correct move to balance out your look. 

So to summarize, if you are wearing mostly flat front trousers or jeans, and are average size or smaller, then a short point collar shirt, button-down or otherwise, is the most current and appealing look for you in today’s fashion landscape.  The short point trend is especially strong in sportswear and more casual looks.  Following in the wake of the resurgent short point collar is the rounded or "club" collar.  While unlikely to make it into the mainstream, the club collar (rounded at the points) is another short point alternative that can be worn with a narrow tie, or no tie in a casual look. And when thinking about what to wear on weekends and vacation ... definitely go short.