Collar facts for kids
In clothing, a collar is the part of a shirt, dress, coat or blouse that goes around or frames the neck. A collar can also be a separate or detachable item worn around the neck. Collars are found on many types of clothes, from school uniforms to fancy dresses. They add style and can also make clothes more comfortable.
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What is a Collar?
A collar is a piece of fabric attached to the neckline of a garment. It can be a simple band or a complex, decorative shape. Collars are usually sewn onto the main body of the clothing. Sometimes, they are made to be removed and reattached. This allows you to change the look of an outfit easily.
Why Do Clothes Have Collars?
Collars serve several purposes. One main reason is for fashion and style. Different collar shapes can change the entire look of a shirt or dress. Collars also help to frame the face. They can make an outfit look more formal or casual.
Another reason is comfort. A collar can protect the neck from the sun or cold. It can also prevent the fabric of the main garment from rubbing directly against the skin. This makes the clothing more comfortable to wear for long periods.
A Look Back: Collar History
Collars have been part of clothing for hundreds of years. Their styles have changed a lot over time. Early collars were often simple bands of fabric. They were used to finish the neckline of a garment.
Early Collars
In the Middle Ages, people wore simple neckbands. These were often part of a tunic or gown. By the 15th century, collars started to become more noticeable. They were sometimes ruffled or pleated. These early collars were often made from linen.
Collars Through the Ages
During the 16th century, very large, stiff ruffs became popular. These were huge, pleated collars that stood out from the neck. They were a sign of wealth and status. Later, in the 17th century, ruffs gave way to softer, flatter collars. These were often made of lace.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, collars became more tailored. Men's shirts often had standing collars. Women's dresses featured various decorative collars. The 20th century saw a huge variety of collar styles. These included the classic shirt collar and the Peter Pan collar.
Different Kinds of Collars
There are many types of collars, each with its own look. They can be grouped by how they sit around the neck.
Flat Collars
Flat collars lie flat against the garment. They do not stand up around the neck. A common example is the Peter Pan collar. This collar is rounded and lies flat. It is often seen on children's clothing and dresses. Another flat collar is the sailor collar. This collar is wide and square at the back. It looks like a sailor's uniform.
Standing Collars
Standing collars stand up around the neck. They do not lie flat. The mandarin collar is a good example. It is a short, upright band collar. It does not have a fold-down part. These collars are often seen on traditional Asian clothing. They are also popular on modern shirts and jackets.
Rolled Collars
Rolled collars are a mix of standing and flat collars. They stand up slightly and then roll or fold over. The most common type is the turn-down collar. This is what you see on most dress shirts. It has a band that stands up. Then, the points of the collar fold down. The button-down collar is a type of turn-down collar. Its points are fastened to the shirt with buttons.
Special Collars
Some collars have unique designs. The shawl collar is a smooth, rounded collar. It extends from the back of the neck to the front. It is often found on tuxedos and cardigans. The notch lapel is another common collar style. It has a triangular notch where the collar meets the lapel. This is typical on suits and blazers.
Collars in Fashion Today
Collars continue to be a key part of fashion. Designers use them to create different looks. A simple change in collar style can update an entire outfit. Collars can be plain or highly decorated. They can be made from various materials. Collars help to define the style of many garments. They are a timeless feature in clothing design.
See also
In Spanish: Collar (desambiguación) para niños
