Collar stays are thin strips that you slide into the collar of a shirt, so the points lie flat and sharp. They help prevent the collar points from curling or sticking up, and come in metal, plastic and magnetic versions. Take them out before washing, slide them in before putting the shirt on and choose a length that suits your collar.
What are collar stays?
A collar stay is a small, flat strip that is slid into a pocket on the underside of the collar points. It keeps the point straight and sharp, even under a blazer or a cardigan. With soft collars, the points can move more while wearing. A stay gives extra support.
They are especially useful with shirts that you wear without a tie. Then the collar stands visibly open and every crease or curl stands out. With a tie, the collar is held in place by the knot and the tie, but even then a stay helps for a sharp point.
Types of collar stays
| Type | Properties | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Metal | Sturdy and thin, keeps its shape | Formal shirts, daily use |
| Plastic | Light and flexible, inexpensive | Daily use, travel |
| Magnetic | Keeps the collar closed against the shirt | Smart casual with an open collar |
| Brass | Heavy and strong, often engraved | Occasions and gifts |
Choose the length based on your collar. Most stays are around 5 to 7 centimetres long. If it fits the pocket exactly, it sits firmly. If it is loose, it slides back and forth and forms a bump.
How to use collar stays
- Check the collar. Look at the underside of the collar point to see whether there is a small pocket or seam where the stay can go.
- Slide the stay into the pocket with the wide side outwards, until it lies flat.
- Iron the collar with the stays in, so that it keeps its shape. Use a low setting.
- Take them out before washing. Metal can rust or damage the fabric in the machine.
- Store them together in a small box, so you do not lose them.
Is your shirt suitable?
Not every shirt has collar pockets. Always check this on the inside of the collar before you buy stays. With a shirt with an Italian collar, such as the Hamilton in white, first check whether collar pockets are present. The Hamilton in light blue and the Hamilton in light blue striped are also 100% cotton. You can find more shirts under men's shirts.
Depending on weave and finish, cotton can feel firm or softer. Read more about the properties on our page about cotton.
Other ways to keep a neat collar
- Iron the collar on the inside first and then on the outside, from the points to the middle. That way no fold forms at the point.
- Do not fold the collar over when storing. Hang the shirt on a wide hanger and fasten the top button.
- Use starch or ironing spray sparingly. Too much makes the collar stiff and can leave white marks.
- Have a worn collar turned. A worn collar can be turned by a tailor, so the good side comes outwards.
- Rotate your shirts. Alternating reduces the wear on each shirt.
Combining with a blazer or cardigan
A neat collar looks best under a jacket or cardigan. The Maximilian cardigan in beige is made of 100% wool and has a business cut. The collar of the shirt lies calmly over it, without shifting. Wear it with the Vincent trouser in black (33.5% viscose, 31.6% polyamide, 29.1% polyester and 6.8% elastane) or with the Ulysses in taupe grey (66.7% polyester, 31.5% viscose and 1.8% elastane). This creates a calm business combination.
Common mistakes
- Stays that are too long. They stick out of the pocket and prick your neck or push through the fabric.
- Stays that are too short. They slide around and still let the point curl.
- Forgetting to take them out. A metal stay in the washing machine can damage the fabric and leave marks.
- Ironing wrongly. Never iron directly over a metal stay, because the heat can make the fabric shine.
- Using stays in a soft, washed collar. With collars that are deliberately meant to be loose, a stay can feel unnaturally stiff.
Collar shape and stays
Every collar shape reacts differently. A classic point collar benefits most from stays, because the points are long and curl up easily. A short spread collar needs shorter stays. A button-down collar, where the points are fastened to the shirt with buttons, usually does not need them. An Italian collar falls soft and relaxed, so many wearers choose a loose, natural line instead. It depends on how formal you want to keep it.
Caring for the collar
The collar gets a lot of friction. Wash the shirt according to the label and only use a suitable stain treatment. Dry the shirt according to the drying symbol on the care label. You can find more care tips in our care instructions.
When do you really need them?
If you wear a shirt without a tie and want a sharp line, collar stays are a small effort with a visible result. For a relaxed summer look, the collar may fall soft and open. It is up to you: sharp and business-like or relaxed and casual. But know that this small tool exists, and that collar stays can be a useful tool if you want a sharper collar point.
Shop the look
Hamilton: cotton shirt with Italian collar, white
Hamilton: cotton shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Hamilton: cotton shirt with Italian collar, light blue striped
Maximilian: wool cardigan with business cut, beige
Vincent: slim-fit trouser, black
Ulysses: slim-fit herringbone trouser, taupe grey
Frequently asked questions
What are collar stays?
Thin strips that you slide into the collar points of a shirt, so the points stay flat and sharp.
Should I take collar stays out of the shirt before washing?
Yes. Always take them out, especially metal ones, to prevent damage to the fabric and to the washing machine.
Do all shirts have collar pockets?
No. Check on the inside of the collar whether there are pockets or seams before you buy stays.
Which type of collar stay is best?
Metal is sturdy and thin, plastic light and flexible. Choose based on how often you wear the shirt and how formal it is.
