To all our shirt scouts: it's time to review the basics.
The collar, the distinctive sign of this supreme garment, is as unique as you: there are an infinite number of them.
Hop, a little history
It appeared in the 15th century, as an extension of the upper part of the shirt which was worn as underwear and was therefore intended to be invisible. Then, a person who probably ran the first version of “La Chemise Club” in a small town, said to himself that wearing the hidden shirt was too boring , and made the collar visible.
Sometimes worn by Protestants, Catholics, and nobles, and used to distinguish leaders from workers during the interwar period, the collar became popular in the mid-20th century.
Our favorite passes
(all photos given as examples are clickable)
• The button-down collar: appeared in the 19th century in England, it was designed for polo players. This was attached with buttons so as not to disturb during games. It can be worn for a casual outfit or at work, but should be avoided for special occasions. Please note: it is worn without a tie.
• The classic collar, also called French collar: it is surely the most widespread, with very precise measurements: 6 to 7 cm high with an angle of 9 to 10 cm. Whether you are a team tie, bow tie or bare collar, it will delight you, and can be worn with any type of style: suit, jeans, sneakers or your best little leather shoes, it is everyone's ally.
• The Italian collar, called cut away : similar to the classic collar, it is more open. Of Italian origin and proud of it as our chief blouse, it was popularized in England during the 18th century. Worn alone to round out your face or with a thick tie, it can only accentuate your already present charisma.
• The Mao Pass: As its name suggests, it was popularized by Mao Zedong when he led the People's Republic of China. However, it was already worn by Chinese officials several centuries before, during the Qing dynasty. As much as its name, its style is quite controversial, because the fact that it goes up on the neck is not appreciated by everyone. But for a casual style, to try it is to adopt it.
• The officer collar: similar to the Mao collar, it is differentiated by a button at the collar band and two overlapping panels. As its name suggests, it is a collar which has a military origin and which was present on certain uniforms. It can be worn with both a casual look and a formal look, it's up to you to find your preference.
• The pie shovel collar: an era that we all love for its patterns, its colors and its Saturday night fever , the 70s saw the birth of this collar which owes its name to its shape: with its very large buttoned flaps, it looks just like two pie servers! So if you're a fan of bell bottoms and platforms, it will be your best friend.
• The club collar: appeared during the 19th century, it was an integral part of the uniform of the elitist and very expensive “Eton” school. A symbol of elegance, it had its heyday during the 1920s. With its rounded edges, it can be worn casually or chicly, and buttoned all the way up!
• The ascot collar: originally, the ascot is a tie similar to a bow tie. A scarf whose dimensions can reach 1.60m, it takes its name from the Duchess of La Vallière (mistress of Louis XIV, no less) since painters began representing this tie towards the end of the 19th century. Favored by artists, students and left-wing intellectuals, this accessory simply finished on the club's most chic models.
• The Claudine collar: popularized by the heroine Colette in her novel “Claudine at School”, it is then visible in Peter Pan and also on Audrey Hepburn's famous red blouse. Printed, plain or even with sequins, it can be worn with all styles, bringing a touch of originality.
• The collarless collar: well, in reality, this name does not exist, but it is simply: the collarless shirt. We don't have much to say about this one, except that you'll find some great ones at the club.
In history, the shirt and its collars were, for the most part, attributed to men. At the Club Shirt, you will find your favorite collar whatever your gender, to shine brightly.
Our article on the history of the gendering of shirts can be found here!
