What's the Difference Between Point, Spread, and Button-Down Collars?

By LogoSportswear

Collars may be a small detail, but they're a distinctive feature that helps define a dress shirt's overall look. When choosing dress shirts for your team, knowing the difference between collar styles like point, spread, and button-down can help you determine what they should wear for various occasions. In this article, LogoSportswear explains each type so you can easily decide which one best fits your team's needs.

What is a Point Collar?

A point collar, also known as forward point collar or straight-point collar, is a classic and traditional collar style with narrow, pointed ends that angle downward. The small gap between each end allows for smaller ties and tie knots, which ensure a snug fit when you wear them.

• Standout features - Narrow, pointed ends and a small space in between
• Style - Classic and timeless, mostly seen in formal dress shirts
• Best worn with - Smaller ties, small knots like the four-in-hand
• When to wear - Formal office settings, important meetings, and events where a polished and professional appearance is required

LogoSportswear Recommends:

The UNTUCKit Las Cases Special Long Sleeve Shirt is an excellent choice if you want your staff to look put together. It's made with 100% woven cotton and has a wrinkle-free finish, so you won't have to worry about unsightly creases even when you move around a lot. It also features a point collar with a navy blue packet and a collar and cuff lining.

What is a Spread Collar?

The spread collar is a popular and versatile collar style with a wider set of points that are slightly angled downwards. It offers a more contemporary look while still allowing it to be formal and flexible when it comes to styling.

• Standout features - Wider points that are slightly angled downwards
• Style - Modern formal but can also be casual if worn without a tie
• Best worn with - Ties made of thicker material, larger tie knots like the Windsor
• When to use - Best for formal events, modern work environments, relaxed office settings where a tie is not needed

LogoSportswear Recommends:

Does your staff need to switch between dressing up and going casual for work frequently? The Blue Generation Men's Superblend Untucked Shirt offers the flexibility of both professional and business casual attire. This long sleeve shirt features a tapered fit and shorter length, which means it looks good even when untucked. It also features stain-release and wrinkle-resistance, has a spread collar, a left chest pocket, pearlized buttons, and inverted back pleat, making it a perfectly apt business casual outfit.

What is a Button-Down Collar?

A button-down collar is the perfect collar style if you're going for a neat, casual look that isn't too formal. It features two buttons near the tips, which help fasten the collar to the shirt.

• Standout features - Small buttons that keep the collar in place
• Style - Neat, laid-back yet polished look
• Best worn with - No tie, casual outfits, a sweater or blazer for a preppy look
• When to use - Casual Fridays, workplaces with a relaxed environment, team building events, and team outings

LogoSportswear Recommends:

Keep outfits casual yet stylish with the Port Authority® Men's Long Sleeve Easy Care Shirt. This wash-and-wear long sleeve shirt is very comfortable to wear, perfect for laid-back work environments that don't have a strict dress code. It features a button-down collar, adjustable cuffs, dyed-to-match buttons, left chest patch pocket, and back box pleat that make wearers look neat, polished, and professional that balances out the casual vibe it brings.

Choosing the right collar style for your team ensures that they look put together. By understanding the differences between point, spread, and button-down collars, you can feel confident that your team will always maintain a professional appearance, no matter the work setting or occasion.