A collar is an item of clothing that is a strip of fabric. It borders and decorates the neckline. The collar is always in sight and is of great importance, because it plays an important role in creating a harmonious image.
The history of the collar in Russia
In the past, this accessory was an indispensable part of any costume. In Russia in the 18th century, almost all types of collars were sewn separately from clothing. And at the right moment they fastened themselves. The standard collar of that time was let out from under the clothes by two fingers, so that it bordered the back of the head.
Prosperous people could afford to decorate this piece of clothing with gold and silver buttons, inscriptions embroidered with gold threads, pearls.
Poor people's collars were decorated with copper buttons.
Appears in Europe
In European countries, this element of clothing appeared after the Crusades.
The first models were made on wire frames, such as a voluminous stand-up collar. It appeared in the fashion world in the 14th century and became an integral part of men's suits.
Time passed, everything changed, the shape of collars also changed.
In the 16th century, collars began to be made more comfortable, in addition, they became a permanent attribute of various women's clothing.
Main types of collars
This little piece of clothing can safely be called a fashion informant, because its shape and size directly depends on the latest trends.
However, not only fashion trends dictate the rules for choosing this element. A lot depends on the structure of the figure, the oval of the face, the chosen material and the direct purpose of the collar.
Depending on fashion trends, collars can be of various types: small narrow, rounded, very large, with a stand, flat, openwork, knitted and others. But if we consider from the point of view of the cut, then they are divided into set-in, one-piece and removable.
Variety of collars
Set-in is much easier to make than whole-cut. The latter are used when the error in the execution of parts is not of particular importance, and also in cases where simplified processing is required. Shift collars are usually made on light blouses, casual dresses.
There are quite a lot of styles of set-in collars, among them the most famous types: with a straight stand, reclining, tied, flat, collar slightly behind the neck, shirt type, stand-up collar.
All these species are conditionally divided into 4 main groups:
- Standing.
- Stand-up turndown.
- Flat-lying.
- Dress.
Stand collar
Standing collars give things austerity and conciseness. Often they are found in the decoration of outerwear, which is designed for the cold season, such as jackets, coats. You can also find this neck trim in business clothes, for example, various types of shirt collars.
- High stand-up collar - tightly wraps around the neck and is shaped like a pipe. This style also includes varieties: polo collar, mandarin collar, funnel collar and others.
- "Mao" is a stand-up collar that has a vertical slit without rounded edges.
- "Collar" - a soft collar that lies in the form of soft folds.
- "Stuart" - this model, which has a lace decoration at the top.
Italian, shark, batten down styles are also popular. The last three details are united by the fact that they give the men's shirt a strict and concise look. The neck, which is framed by such a collar, catches the eye, pulling all the attention away from the rest of the clothing.
More standing collars usually decorate outerwear: jackets, windbreakers, coats. They are designed not only as a style, but also perfectly protect from wind and cold.
Stand-up collar
The stand-up collar is quite versatile. It is used both in the design of women's and men's clothing, and in children's. Use this design to create elegant models and for everyday decoration.
They are constructed from two parts - flyaway and rack. Tathe part that is hidden inside is called the rack, and the one that is outside is called the flyaway.
There are the following types of stand-up collars:
- shirt type. It is available in a variety of flyaway configurations with both pointed and rounded edges;
- The polo trim is a small collar with two or three buttons.
One of the most striking examples of a stand-up collar is a shawl collar.
Flat collar
They are also called turn-downs.
The neck of this design is processed by turning. Usually the neck is attached to the garment so that the collar is between its edge and the facing. Otherwise, the collar is sewn to the facing, and the collar is attached to the neck.
Common turndown collar styles:
- Peter Pan, named after the literary hero of the same name, is a small round collar.
- "Bertha" is a large collar that covers the shoulders. Very often made of lace.
If a woman is considering different types of collars on a dress, then you can’t imagine a turn-down collar with rounded edges.
A striking example of this look is the white collar that complements the old school uniform - the dark brown dress of Soviet students.
Jacket Collar
This type is usually seen on coats, jackets, raincoats.
Popular styles of this type:
- English collar is one of the most popularstyles for finishing classic-style outerwear, such as jackets or coats.
- Apache - differs in that it has wide lapels and at one time appeared in the fashion world, denoting a symbol of male freedom. If the garment has an apache collar, then the tie in this case is considered superfluous.
Fantasy Collar
Fancy collars can be distinguished as a separate group, which are difficult to attribute to any existing species. These pieces feature a designer neckline and can be filled with the most unexpected details.
These are the perfect types of collars for dresses, blouses and blouses.
One of the most striking examples is the bow, which was invented by the famous Coco Chanel. This exquisite piece of clothing consists of a double scarf tied at the neck. This accessory will give the female image originality and romance.
Also, the following types of collars can be attributed to the popular styles of this interesting group:
- Kokilye - finishing the neckline of dresses and blouses, made in the form of a flounce. Such a collar is cut in an oblique or in a circle and sewn into the neck;
- Jabot is a lace collar made of light fabric sewn into the neckline.
Create with your own hands
Every handmade item has a special value. Often, needlewomen prefer not to buy a finished product, but to create an original collar that no one else will have.
Naturally, all the types of collars discussed above can be knitted or crocheted. Just keep in mind that this is not easy to do. Before starting work, it is better to study the experience of people who have already de alt with knitting this piece of clothing. Decide on the model.
Today you can find a variety of workshops on how to knit collars. Photos with step-by-step and detailed explanations will give a complete picture of which side to approach the work from. This is a very useful experience that should not be ignored. There are also thematic forums where craftswomen share their experience. Here you can also ask questions that arise during knitting. As a rule, collars are knitted separately, and then sewn to the collar of the product. The most common types of knitted collars are a stand-up collar, a turn-down collar with rounded or pointed edges, a collar, a lace collar, a necklace collar.
Choosing a female collar according to the shape of the face
The shape of the product affects not only the appearance of clothing, but also the appearance of its owner. Since the collar is visually a continuation of the face, this detail will either help to visually smooth out the imperfections of the face oval, or, conversely, emphasize them. Therefore, when choosing this accessory, it is necessary to take into account the nuances of appearance, so that it really becomes an ornament.
There are some guidelines to help you choose a collar.
- Women who have an elongated face, classic and openwork styles with rounded edges are suitable.
- Owners of the round ovalfaces, it is better to opt for collars with pointed ends. Soft and smooth lines will emphasize the shape of the face.
- Those who have a long neck should give preference to stand-up collars or stand-up collars, for example, choose the Apache style.
- Those who have a short neck should avoid voluminous and fancy types of collars. It is better to choose such styles for owners of a pear-shaped body.
- Wide collars, fancy lapels that flare at the top will perfectly decorate the clothes of women with an A-shaped figure, which stands out with narrow shoulders and wide hips.
Emphasize male dignity
Men, like women, are sometimes scrupulous about their appearance. The issue is especially acute for people who work in the business sector and must comply with a strict dress code. It is desirable for such men to be able to distinguish a classic English collar from a stand-up collar.
If you know the simple rules, you won't have to worry about the wrong collar.
- A round and wide face can visually narrow a turn-down collar with long corners. In this case, you should avoid styles that have rounded ends with widely spaced corners.
- For owners of a long face, wide-spaced models with a large tie knot are well suited.
- A long neck is perfectly disguised by a stand-up collar or a high turn-down collar with buttons.
