If you read our guide on the history of polo shirts, you already know how much we appreciate the storied comfort and versatility of the ubiquitous workwear classic here at All Seasons Uniforms. In fact, as one of our most popular garments, our clients seem to love them too, and as a piece of smart/casual workwear we know that they strike the perfect balance between dress shirt and t-shirt.
The humble polo shirt itself has gone through numerous changes over the past century, and one element that is often the focus for innovation and experimentation is the polo collar. From the buttoned-down utility of the archetypal polo through the preppy look of the mid-50s to the color contrast collars of the 90s, today, the polo collar comes in all shapes, sizes, and shades, with plenty of choice dependent on whether it will be worn on formal occasions or something a little less stuffy!
So, to unravel the styles and varieties of polo shirt collars available today, our guide will discuss our favorite collars and how they evolved over the years. Read on to learn more.
Evolution of Polo Shirt Collar Designs
The history of polo collars is intrinsically tied to the evolution of the polo shirt from niche sportswear garment to versatile smart/casual menswear.
· 19th Century —Worn by Indian polo players, the button-down collar was a revelation that stopped it getting in the way during a game. British soldiers were impressed and brought it to England.
· 1920s — The Lacoste Shirt” was born at the 1926 U.S Open Championship and soon became a hit. It featured a soft, flat collar that blended comfort and style.
· ·1950s — The blazer, polo shirt and chino trio was adopted by affluent American college students during the emerging “preppy” fashion trend. Collar styles began to grow in variation, with spread collars becoming very popular.
· 1970s — The iconic pony logo emblazoned across Ralph Lauren shirts became the go-to fashion statement. Ribbed collars were introduced, adding depth and visual appeal to the classic look.
· 1980s — Of course, the 80s became synonymous with the popped collar, matching edgy hairstyles with bright colors for that new-wave aesthetic. Mandarin collars also became popular during this period.
· Today — The evolution of polo shirt collars continues, with designers pushing boundaries and experimenting with new materials, colors and textures, and construction techniques.
Anatomy of a Polo Shirt Collar — Exploring Styles and Varieties
Today, there is an almost endless range of different varieties and styles of collar, but these bestsellers have become some of our favorites. Explore these polo collars and find your own personal style.
The Traditional Turnover Collar
AKA the classic collar, this particular style remains the most widely recognized and popular style today—and one that is always on-trend. It features a pointed collar that can be folded over, creating a neat and timeless look that is smart.
The Button-Down Collar
Featuring small buttons on each collar point which can be fastened to the shirt front, the button-down collar references early 20th century Ivy League fashion and is known for its preppy, smart/casual aesthetic.
The Club Collar
Not to be left out, the club collar (AKA the Eton collar), takes its cue from English private school uniforms, particularly those worn at institutions like Eton College. Featuring rounded collar points, it has a softer and more rounded appearance compared to traditional pointed collars.
The Ribbed Collar
With a textured appearance that adds a subtle touch of sophistication to any shirt, the ribbed collar is made using ribbed knit fabric which creates a distinct pattern of tactile vertical lines.
The Mandarin Collar
Essentially a collarless shirt, the mandarin features a small, close-fitting, stand up collar that does not meet at the front. Its name is a reference to Imperial China’s Mandarin public officials who used to wear similar style collars.
The Spread Collar
Featuring a broad and open neckline thanks to the wide distance between the collar points, the spread collar is usually saved for smarter polos, often combined with slim fit shirts to flatter the wearer.
The Semi Spread Collar
Including English and Italian spread collars that are known for a moderate spread, along with modified cutaway collars, the semi spread collar is known for its versatility and style.
The Contrast Collar
Made popular during the 80s and 90s, the contrast collar is essentially any kind of collar that uses different colors from the rest of the shirt. Contrasts can be subtle or bold and today there are endless customization options.
The Band Collar
Another quasi-collarless shirt style, the banded collar lacks the traditional folded collar points and features a straight or slightly rounded neckline that sits close to the neck. Sometimes known as the grandad collar, this style provides a sleek and minimalist aesthetic.
The Shawl Collar
With a rounded, continuous neckline that extends from the collar to the shirt front, the shawl collar is considered sophisticated and refined. Taking its name from, you guessed it, the shawl, this type of collar is often found on cashmere, wool knit, and woven polo shirts.
Conclusion
With a seemingly endless variety of collar styles on the market today, choosing the right fit for you or your business is simply a matter of deciding on the look you want. The good news is, that we have a huge selection of polos for you to choose from, and using our Build a Uniform feature, you can quickly and easily choose the perfect polos, as well as get custom embroidery and screen-printed logos or lettering.
Explore our collection of high-quality American-made polo shirts today and read our guide on how to design a uniform to make the most of your shirt designs.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.