How to choose a collar and cuffs for your shirt

Although convenient, off-the-peg shirts are limited to two predominant types of collar – the traditional point and the button-down. However, if you go the bespoke route, you can choose something that complements the contours of your face. As a simple rule of thumb, men should avoid shirt collars that closely resemble the shape of their face. Here’s a quick guide to what your ideal fit might be.

Cuff

Cuffs are largely an aesthetic decision and should be selected relative to the design of the shirt as well as what occasion the shirt will be worn for. For example, for a more formal occasion go for a double cuff or French cuff, to pair with a handsome set of cufflinks. For a more casual affair go for a normal, more durable single cuff.

If you have a round face like Jack Black: Narrow point collars help to thin out a round face. Stick to button-down or narrow point for a fashionable look and collar tab for a more formal style. Avoid spread collars like the plague, as they’ll make your face look wider.

If you have a triangular face like Keith Urban: The most suitable collar for a
pointed chin is an average or wide spread collar. This does a good job of balancing things out.

If you have an oblong face like Ryan Reynolds: Oblong faces tend to appear
long with a U-shaped jawline. You need collars with a wider distribution to give your face the appearance of fullness. Choose medium spread collars for every
day and wide spread collars for a formal look. If you are Ryan Reynolds, don’t worry – you look great whatever you wear.

If you have a square face like Jon Hamm: People with a square jawline
should consider a more traditional point collar shirt for versatility, a narrow point collar for a fashionable look and a button-down or hidden-button collar for a sporty look. A tab collar would also be ideal for any formal occasion.

If you have an oval face like Ryan Gosling: Oval-faced dudes are lucky because they can wear any style of collar. So guys with an oval face can enjoy traditional collars for an everyday look, collarless shirts for a sportier look, a tab collar to look dapper and a widespread collar for a formal affair. Basically an oval face is the equivalent of having ‘O-negative’ blood type. It works universally.