25 Types of Collars: Names, Styles & Outfit Ideas
Sometimes the smallest detail changes an entire outfit. The same fabric can feel romantic with a soft round collar, polished with pointed edges, or bold with a dramatic lapel. If you have ever wondered what to call the neckline on a dress, blouse, kurti or tailored jacket, this is your easy visual guide.
Explore 25 types of collars—from the rounded Peter Pan and broad Bertha to shirt collars, notched lapels and classic nautical styles. You will learn how to recognise each shape, what mood it creates and what to check before choosing an outfit. The reference photographs and illustrations below come from openly licensed collections; they are not product photographs.
How do you choose a collar that suits your style?
Start with the outfit you want to wear, not a complicated set of face-shape rules. A soft, rounded collar adds charm to a plain dress; a sharp pointed collar makes a top feel structured; an open collar often looks relaxed; and a wide statement collar brings attention to the shoulders. The most important checks are comfort, neckline depth and whether the collar stays in place as you move.
25 collar names: quick index
1. Bertha Collar · 2. Barrymore Collar · 3. Bermuda Collar · 4. Bishop Collar · 5. Buster Brown Collar · 6. Button-Down Collar · 7. Chelsea Collar · 8. Choir-Boy Collar · 9. Cloverleaf Collar · 10. Convertible Collar · 11. Johnny Collar · 12. Lapel · 13. Notched Shirt Collar · 14. Notched Suit Collar · 15. Peaked Collar · 16. Peter Pan Collar · 17. Pilgrim Collar · 18. Pin Collar · 19. Platter Collar · 20. Puritan Collar · 21. Sailor Collar · 22. Shirt Collar · 23. Spread Collar · 24. Swallowtail Collar · 25. Tab Collar
All 25 collar styles explained with outfit ideas
1. Bertha Collar
A Bertha collar is a wide, soft, circular collar that sweeps across the upper chest and shoulders. Lace versions appeared on historic occasionwear, but today's designers also use broad fabric flounces for a romantic effect. Because the collar itself makes the statement, this style suits an otherwise simple dress, gown or occasion blouse.
How to style it: Choose it when you want the neckline to be the focal point. Check how securely it sits and whether it gives you enough freedom to move your arms.
2. Barrymore Collar
Named after the actor John Barrymore, this is a dramatic turned-down shirt collar with unusually long, narrow points. It evokes vintage shirts and expressive 1970s dressing, although modern versions may be more subtle. The extended points create a vertical line around the face and upper chest.
How to style it: Try it with a plain blouse, sharply tailored trousers or a retro-inspired jacket. If you want an understated look, choose shorter points and a soft fabric.
3. Bermuda Collar
A Bermuda collar is a relatively narrow, flat collar with squared-off ends at the centre front. It is more angular than a Peter Pan collar, which has rounder tips. The quiet shape lends itself to smart casual dresses, simple blouses and neatly finished summer separates.
How to style it: Look for a crisp but comfortable finish. This is a good choice if you like a collared neckline without a deep or oversized shape.
4. Bishop Collar
In fashion terminology, a bishop collar is a broad, rounded collar with front sections that extend downward and have comparatively square ends. It is a historical, decorative shape that can make a plain outfit look more ornate without adding embroidery.
How to style it: A bishop-style collar works best when the rest of the neckline is uncomplicated. Do not confuse this fashion term with a clerical or band collar.
5. Buster Brown Collar
The Buster Brown collar is a medium-to-wide flat collar with rounded front edges, historically associated with vintage children's clothes and bow-tied blouses. On modern womenswear, its charming rounded outline gives a playful, nostalgic look without needing a large print.
How to style it: A contrast-colour collar can brighten a simple dress. Pair a statement Buster Brown collar with small earrings instead of a necklace.
6. Button-Down Collar
Here, button-down refers to the tiny buttons that anchor the two collar tips to the shirt—not simply a shirt with buttons down the front. It is a practical shape that helps the collar stay put during everyday wear. You will find this detail on casual shirts and some shirt-dresses.
How to style it: Ideal for travel, work or relaxed days when you want a tidy look. Check the actual collar tips in product photos, because many front-buttoned tops do not have button-down collars.
7. Chelsea Collar
A Chelsea collar frames an open V neckline with long, distinct, pointed ends. It has a slightly retro feel and brings a tailored detail to otherwise soft blouses, dresses or jackets. It can visually emphasise the V shape without needing extra accessories.
How to style it: Beautiful with delicate chains or small studs. Choose a neckline depth you feel comfortable wearing, especially if you plan to layer it for work.
8. Choir-Boy Collar
A choir-boy collar is a rounded, flat collar with a little more width or prominence than a tiny Peter Pan version. It gives soft structure to a dress or blouse, with rounded tips that soften a buttoned front. The name comes from historic garment styles rather than a required modern use.
How to style it: For an easy look, choose a blouse with the collar in the same colour as the body. A white contrast collar creates a sweeter vintage effect.
9. Cloverleaf Collar
A cloverleaf collar refers to rounded, curved edges at the collar-and-lapel junction, often seen in vintage tailoring. Rather than a sharp notch, the outline flows in soft, decorative curves. It can make a blazer or jacket look polished while appearing less angular than conventional tailoring.
How to style it: Wear it with a solid top or a simple dress. Look closely at jacket photographs: the rounded lapel shape is the key detail, not a literal four-leaf print.
10. Convertible Collar
A convertible collar is designed to look good with the neckline either fastened higher or worn open. Depending on its cut, opening the front can reveal a relaxed little lapel, making it useful for casual shirts and dresses. It is often related to camp-collar construction, though the exact patterns vary.
How to style it: If you like versatile clothes, look for a convertible collar on breathable fabrics: closed feels neater, open feels breezier. Check the garment's buttons and collar construction before assuming both positions work.
11. Johnny Collar
A Johnny collar is a small, often soft collar around a V or short open placket. It is especially familiar on knit polos and relaxed tops. It adds definition around the neck without feeling as formal as a structured shirt collar, which makes it easy for day-to-day outfits.
How to style it: Choose it for comfortable casual dressing. With an open V, a pendant necklace can work; with a patterned top, skip extra neckline decoration.
12. Lapel
A lapel is the folded-back extension along the front opening of a coat or jacket. Technically, it is not a complete collar on its own. Its width, angle and shape change how formal or relaxed an outfit appears; lapels are central to blazers, waistcoats and many tailored ethnic-inspired jackets.
How to style it: A narrow lapel tends to look quieter, while broader lapels draw the eye upward. Compare notched and peaked versions below before deciding on a jacket silhouette.
13. Notched Shirt Collar
A notched shirt collar has a visible break or notch where the collar meets the front opening. Many casual camp shirts and relaxed shirt-dresses use a related open-collar appearance. Unlike a formal notched jacket lapel, it usually sits on a light shirt rather than a structured coat.
How to style it: This open neckline feels especially easy for warm-weather outfits. Choose the fabric and neckline depth that fit your comfort level, and style with minimal jewellery.
14. Notched Suit Collar
More precisely called a notched lapel, this is the familiar jacket style where the collar and lapel meet in a small V-shaped cutout. It is common on everyday blazers and versatile suits. The angle can be quite subtle or fairly noticeable depending on the pattern and fabric.
How to style it: For a versatile jacket, a medium-width notch is easy to style with trousers, skirts or an occasion dress. Check that the lapel lies flat across the chest.
15. Peaked Collar
In jacket tailoring, this is usually called a peaked lapel: its pointed outer corners rise upward toward the shoulders. The shape can make a blazer or formal coat feel striking and dressy. It is distinct from a spread shirt collar or a pointed Peter Pan variation.
How to style it: Choose peaked lapels when you want a strong formal silhouette. Keep the top underneath simple if the lapel is oversized or sharply contrasting.
16. Peter Pan Collar
The Peter Pan collar is a small, flat collar with softly rounded ends that meet near the front of the neck. It feels youthful and charming, but can also look chic on a plain dress or blouse when the contrast is subtle. This is one of the easiest collar shapes to recognise in photos.
How to style it: For a timeless look, try a white Peter Pan collar on a solid-colour outfit. Let the rounded edges be the accessory rather than adding a bulky necklace.
17. Pilgrim Collar
A pilgrim collar is broad and lies over the shoulders, typically narrowing to pointed ends at the front. It shares some of the generous width of a Puritan collar but has its own noticeable front points. Today, this shape works as a vintage-inspired accent on dresses and statement blouses.
How to style it: Choose a softer fabric if you want the wide collar to drape. If you prefer a sharper outline, look for structured cotton or a neatly interfaced finish.
18. Pin Collar
A pin collar has small openings or eyelets that hold a collar pin or bar beneath a necktie, drawing the collar points together. It is a specialist formal shirt detail, different from attaching a decorative brooch to ordinary fabric. The hardware is intended to frame and gently lift the tie knot.
How to style it: This is a dressy choice for tailored styling rather than an everyday kurti detail. Look for purpose-made pin holes and comfortable hardware; do not pierce a regular collar casually.
19. Platter Collar
Also called a dog's-ear collar in some fashion glossaries, a platter collar features generously sized rounded lobes at the front. Think of it as a bolder cousin of a rounded flat collar, with more fabric forming the decorative edge. Its distinctive shape can make an understated blouse look vintage and expressive.
How to style it: If the collar is large, pair it with an uncluttered neckline and a plain skirt or trousers. It is best appreciated on garments with enough shoulder room.
20. Puritan Collar
A Puritan collar is wide and spreads out toward the shoulders, with broader front ends that may be more squared or pointed than a small Peter Pan collar. It has a restrained historical feel and can make a simple monochrome outfit look purposeful.
How to style it: Choose it on a plain kurti-inspired tunic, blouse or dress when you want a traditional-looking neckline. Check whether its edges lie neatly instead of bunching under a dupatta.
21. Sailor Collar
A sailor collar typically has a broad, square panel at the back and a V-shaped opening at the front, often highlighted by striped or contrasting edging. Its nautical identity makes it instantly recognisable, especially on classic dresses and relaxed separates.
How to style it: Choose a crisp cotton version for a playful everyday look. If the back panel is broad, wear hair up to reveal the outline and avoid bulky shawls over it.
Shopping idea: Love timeless collars? A solid-colour outfit gives a distinctive neckline more space to shine, while a heavily printed fabric may work better with a simpler collar.
22. Shirt Collar
This is the classic two-part collar found on many button-front shirts: a short stand supports the folded-over collar above it. Point length and spread can vary widely. Shirt collars are equally relevant to shirt dresses and many modern fusion outfits, not only menswear.
How to style it: Look for a collar that sits comfortably when buttoned and lies evenly when open. A well-shaped standard shirt collar is among the easiest styles to dress up or down.
Notice the difference: the illustration above shows a short band collar without the folded top section, so it is not exactly the same as the standard two-part shirt collar. This detail is useful when comparing ethnic kurtas with shirt-dresses.
23. Spread Collar
A spread collar is a shirt collar with the two front points set further apart than on a narrow point collar. This creates a wider open space at the throat and, on formal shirts, room for a tie knot. The size of the spread varies from moderate to dramatically wide.
How to style it: On an open-neck shirt, a moderate spread gives a modern, relaxed finish. When wearing a tie, match the knot scale to the collar opening.
24. Swallowtail Collar
The swallowtail style uses exceptionally long, tapered collar points. It is associated with dramatic vintage shirt shapes and is a more exaggerated treatment than an everyday point collar. The slim points produce a distinctive silhouette, particularly noticeable over contrasting fabric.
How to style it: Wear it when you enjoy experimental or retro-inspired outfits. Avoid layering bulky neckwear over the long points; check that they sit smoothly when you move.
25. Tab Collar
A tab collar has a small strip fastening between the collar points under a necktie. It gathers the points and lifts the tie knot slightly for a polished formal look. Unlike a button-down collar, the fastening is between the points rather than at their outer tips.
How to style it: Consider it for special-event shirting and tailored looks. It is designed mainly with a tie in mind, so check how the collar appears when worn open.
Collar style comparison: what feels right for your outfit?
| Your style preference | Collars to notice | Where they work |
|---|---|---|
| Soft & romantic | Bertha, Peter Pan, Platter | Dresses and charming blouses |
| Crisp & polished | Shirt, Spread, Button-Down | Shirt-dresses and smart separates |
| Easy & relaxed | Johnny, Convertible, Notched Shirt | Everyday shirts and casual dresses |
| Retro statement | Barrymore, Chelsea, Swallowtail | Vintage-inspired looks |
| Tailored & formal | Lapel, Notched Suit, Peaked | Blazers and occasion jackets |
Five smart things to check before buying
- Look at the full outfit photo. A close-up may make the collar look bigger or smaller than it is.
- Check neckline depth. Chelsea and Johnny collars can leave more of the neck visible than a closed shirt collar.
- Notice the fabric. Crisp cotton holds defined points; soft fabric may produce a more relaxed shape.
- Think about layering. A large Bertha or Puritan collar may compete with a dupatta, scarf or jacket.
- Consider comfort and care. Collar pins, tabs, interfacing and delicate lace may need more careful handling than a simple rounded collar.
Find a neckline you love at ClothsVilla
Ready to put these ideas to use? Browse outfit categories and compare neckline and collar details in each item's photos. A particular collar shape shown in this guide is not a guarantee that an identical design is currently available.
- Indian dresses for occasions
- Kurtis and everyday styles
- Salwar suits and ethnic sets
- Anarkali suits and dressy silhouettes
- Blouses for sarees
- Sarees and traditional drapes
If choosing fabric patterns is your next step, explore the 43 fabric pattern names and styling guide.
Collar styles: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Peter Pan collar and a Buster Brown collar?
Both have rounded edges. A Peter Pan collar is usually smaller and relatively narrow; a Buster Brown collar is traditionally broader, sometimes accompanied by a bow. Product naming varies, so look at the actual collar proportions in photos.
Is a button-down collar the same as a button-front shirt?
No. A button-front shirt closes with buttons down its front. A button-down collar specifically has buttons fastening the collar tips to the shirt.
What is the difference between a shirt collar and a band collar?
A standard shirt collar has an upright base and a folded-down top. A band collar is a short upright band without the folded-over collar points; it is a popular neckline finish on kurtas and some shirts.
Which collar looks good on a casual kurti or dress?
A modest shirt collar, Johnny-style neckline, Peter Pan collar or relaxed convertible collar can all work. Choose what feels comfortable with your preferred neckline depth and sleeve style rather than following strict styling rules.
Which collar is most suitable for a formal blazer?
A notched lapel is versatile; a peaked lapel creates a more dramatic formal impression. A cloverleaf variation gives the lapel a softer retro edge. Check proportions and fit first.
Are all 25 names common on clothing product pages?
No. Several names are historic or specialist tailoring terms, and retailers sometimes describe similar shapes differently. Use this guide to recognise the look, then confirm the actual neckline in product images and descriptions.
Can the same collar be styled with both Western and Indian outfits?
Yes. Shirt collars and small rounded collars appear on fusion tunics, shirt dresses and blouses as well as Western garments. The final look comes from the fabric, overall silhouette and accessories—not the collar label alone.
Make the neckline part of your style
A collar is more than a finishing detail. It can soften a look, lend structure, add vintage charm or bring an outfit into focus. Save the names that catch your eye, compare shapes when you browse, and choose the style that makes you comfortable and confident. Explore Indian dresses and kurtis to discover more outfit inspiration.
Image credits and usage
All the reference images in this guide come from Wikimedia Commons and carry permissive open licences or CC0 dedication. Each image is labelled with its creator or institution and a link to its original file and licence. The images are educational references, not ClothsVilla product photography, and do not imply that the featured garments are available for sale. This is an independently written fashion guide.