Pin Collar Shirt

What exactly is a Pin Collar you ask? It is a style of dress shirt collar that was popular decades ago and has since been long forgotten. The Pin Collar is specifically made so one can pin a tie pin or tie bar through the collars to hold up their tie. The tie pin typically resemble an everyday safety pin except classier. The tips of the collar can be straight or angled, depending on personal style.

This type of collar is quite convenient for businessmen who would want their ties looking their best. However depending on how elaborate the pin is, it can be distracting and divert attention away from the face. The style of the collar is also not suitable for all face shapes. It’ll be best to avoid them if you have a diamond shaped face.

Wearing this type of collar requires a tie. It doesn’t matter what knot you use, but the thinner Four In Hand will probably have the best results. If you don’t plan on wearing a tie, the collar will only look out of place with two holes. An alternative to this collar is the Tab Collar. Instead of pins, the Tab Collar lifts up the tie with a button extending on a strip between the two wings of the collar. Although both aren’t as common in stores, they both definitely bring your overall look to a new level.

The Pin Collar is a rarity nowadays. Most men still stick with the Classic Collar, although more and more are turning to Two Button Collars and sometimes even Three Button Collars. Try playing with the shirt model at www.ShirtsMyWay.com and see which collar style fits you best.

Floral Dress Shirts

In the midst of last month’s Fashion Week that showcased many nature inspired palettes, these vibrant dress shirts from Etro really caught my eyes. Florals are great. They bring excitement and brightness to the room. They are perfect for weekend yacht getaways and late night lounge parties.

Unfortunately these patterns are only appropriate for the runways, parties, and never for the hallways of large corporations. But luckily fabric comes in all sorts of patterns, weaves and textures. The following are some low-key, office safe alternatives to the extravagant florals of the Spring 2010 runway.

Patterned Dress Shirt Fabrics

These patterns are much, much more subtle, though still quite unique. Like the floral prints, these different types of weaves such as Fil-a-Fil, Herringbone, Twill and Dobby too create patterns and shades that tingle the senses (just without leaving room for any wild fantasies). Although they aren’t as extravagant as colorful flowers, they no doubt still make you stand out from your plain shirted coworkers by giving you plenty of texture and depth.

The buttoning of this shirt really draws the eye… if it does so in a good way is another topic.

Though for a slightly bold fashion statement this shirt will do the trick. Not quite my personal choice, but nevertheless interesting use of asymmetry with the buttons.

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The black shirt… yes its simple, yes its nothing extraordinary, but how can you be a shirt enthusiast without one? This black shirt in particular has grasped the essence of style. The shirt is almost entirely standard in style except for the french cuffs and slim fit. As with all shirts the fit has so much to do with it, and this cut is no exception.

Full Circle Chocolate

This weeks shirt is Full Circle Chocolate. I am a big fan of this brown based men’s shirt from Franz. The contrasting color in the fabrics is wonderfully simple yet tasteful. It is also a unique and clean look. What do you think about this shirt of the week?