Wing collar shirt

Origin of the wing collar shirt

This shirt had its heyday in the early 20th century, during the golden age of formal menswear. We all have this image in mind: this collar worn by high society men in the 1920s, usually accompanied by a glass of brandy and a cigar. However, this collar gradually lost its popularity with the arrival of more comfortable turndown collars. That being said, this change in our dress habits hasn't relegated the wing collar to obscurity: it remains a classic to be worn at more formal occasions.

What is a wing collar shirt?

The wing collar shirt has a rather short, straight collar with horizontally folded points. These triangular points form a very pronounced and rigid fold on the collar, which is why it's called a "wing collar." It's very formal and is only taken out of the wardrobe rarely (or more often, for the more daring!). It's not necessary to have an entire collection, so it's essential to get one made from very high-quality double-twisted fabric to be at the height of masculine elegance for a formal event.

How to wear a wing collar?

This collar is ideal if you like small accessories. To enhance your shirt, pair it with a bow tie or an ascot tie and your outfit's elegance will be at its peak! There are several types of bow ties, but which one should you wear with a wing collar?

The self-tie bow tie is what we recommend for a wing collar shirt. You can shape it as you want and adjust it to your liking, for an authentic and elegant result.

Regarding the pre-tied bow tie, it can also be worn with a wing collar shirt. You can adjust it as you like and won't waste time trying to make THE perfect knot. Thus, for all your formal occasions or ceremonies, opt for the bow tie with your wing collar. However, if you want to give a retro look to your outfit, you can choose to wear an ascot tie with your wing collar shirt.

Some style tips

Reserved exclusively for special occasions, the wing collar can be paired in several ways, either with a tuxedo, a tailcoat, or a three-piece suit. Feeling lost with all these choices? Let's look at several outfit ideas together:

- If you're invited to a ceremony, to be the most elegant of all, we suggest a black tuxedo, a timeless choice, under which you'll wear a wing collar shirt with a pleated bib: this will add an elegant touch to your appearance. Don't forget to wear a pair of black leather dress shoes to perfect your look.

- Let's change the atmosphere, this time, you're the king of the evening. Yes, it's the big day, you're getting married! Want to impress your guests and display a refined appearance? Go for a wing collar shirt that you'll accessorize with a silk ascot tie. Choose a solid color that matches your suit and don't forget to put on your finest leather shoes. You're all set, they can only say: YES!

- The modern man is also someone who travels a lot and likes to feel comfortable in the clothes he wears, without neglecting the French elegant touch. The ideal outfit for a business meeting? A cigarette-cut suit pants in which you tuck a white poplin Mandarin collar shirt and over which you slip on your suit jacket. Add a pair of derby shoes to your feet and the modern businessman look is complete!

For which occasions should you wear a wing collar shirt?

This type of shirt is worn for special occasions, ceremonies, formal dinners, or weddings. When the dress code calls for 'formal attire,' don't hesitate... The wing collar is the perfect choice. Indeed, the wing collar, being more formal, is associated with evening dress shirts. While a classic collar worn with a suit is undeniably elegant, the wing collar will multiply this feeling, ensuring all eyes are on you! You can also wear this shirt to a wedding if it's very formal - you'll undoubtedly receive many compliments, but if you're not the groom, be careful not to steal the spotlight!