ALPHA MALE: How to Pick the Right Collar for Your Face

Thursday, June 07, 2012

Marc Streisand, GoLocal Men's Style Expert

Some men spent countless hours and infinite dollars on their appearance. Take a look at the aesthetic maintenance of one’s head and face; think about the regular haircuts, daily shave, moisturizers, and numerous hair gels or product a typical man uses to keep a neat appearance. As clothiers, we also are aware of the impact clothing has on the attractiveness of one’s face. Everyone knows that a well-played line up of the right size, color, and shape will enhance one’s appearance. However, a little known secret to most is the importance of one’s collar. The right collar will frame one’s face, while the wrong collar may show off your worst features.

Go for contrast

Often, people order shirts online and fail to even think about the impact a collar has one’s appearance. Even experienced clothiers often look past this detail. As a general guideline, wear a collar that is not shaped like your

face. For example, the pointed shirt collar is the most common style on the market. If you don’t know what we mean, pull 5 shirts out of your closet and 4 of them will have a pointed collar. This collar is long and of course, pointed. If you have a long slender face, it will only make your face look longer and more slender. Wear a spread collar or a cutaway to round out your face.

Likewise, if your face is round and well…fat, you should not wear a spread collar or cutaway. These styles will only make your fat face look fatter. Think about contrast; the pointed collar that was no good on the slender face will work perfect. It will give the illusion of slenderness to your face.

We always tell our clients that just because a piece of clothing works on a model, it may not work for them. Our advice is to get an honest opinion; either from a clothier or a good friend who will feed you the truth. Figure our your face type and then, match it with the collar that is best for you.

Marc Streisand is president and owner of Marc Allen Fine Clothiers, and takes the custom clothing business very personally. Having enjoyed a successful career in the clothing industry since 1985, Marc brings his clients extensive specialized experience in menswear. Prior to taking over the Marc Allen store in March 2005, he cultivated his knowledge of luxury male attire in New York and his home state of New Jersey, where he began his vocation at Wallach's Specialty Stores. Nothing gives him greater pleasure, he says, than seeing raw cloth transformed into a custom outfit that can directly impact his customer's lifestyle.