Difference Between Point Collar and Spread Collar

Collar is one of the most important aspects in selecting shirts for men since it enhances the facial features. Point collar and spread collar are traditional dress shirt options and two of the most popular collar styles used. Collar points on both styles are exactly the same in length.  The key difference between point collar and spread collar is that point collar is a collar style in which the collar points are approximately 3’’ apart from one another, making the distance between the collar points narrow whereas spread collar is a collar style in which the collar points are wider, approximately 5’’ apart from one another.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Point Collar
3. What is Spread Collar
4. Similarities between Point Collar and Spread Collar
5. Side by Side Comparison – Point Collar vs Spread Collar in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is Point Collar?

Point collar is a collar style in which the collar points (tips of the collars) are approximately 3’’ apart from one another; thus, the distance between the collar points are narrow. This is a comparatively classic collar style compared to spread collar. Point collar helps to create the illusion of a slimmer face; thus, they are more suitable for rounder face shapes. With a point collar, there is less room for a wider tie knot since the space between the collar points is limited. As such, the Four-in-Hand tie knot better complements this collar style due to its longish narrow shape.

What is Spread Collar?

Spread collar is a collar style in which the collar points are wider, approximately 5’’ apart from one another. Spread collar is a relatively modern collar style compared to point collar. Since the spread collar can visually widen the wearer’s face, this collar style is more suitable for men with an angular face shape and a narrow chin. The appropriate tie knot for spread collar is the Full Windsor or Double Windsor which is has a wider triangular knot that accommodates the wide space between collar points.

A variation of spread collar named as the semi-spread collar is also available. In this style, the distance between collar points is narrower than that of spread collar but wider than that of the point collar. Half Windsor tie suits the semi-spread collar; this collar style is ideal for men with oval shaped faces.

What are the similarities between Point Collar and Spread Collar?

• Both point collar and spread collar have the same collar band height and same collar point length.
• Both point collar and spread collar are made using a firm interlining.

What is the difference between Point Collar and Spread Collar?

Summary – Point Collar vs Spread Collar

The difference between point collar and spread collar mainly lies in the distance between the collar points. Collar style with a limited spread is named a point collar while a spread collar has a wider spread. The suitable collar style can be chosen according to the shape of the face to enhance facial features. Tie knots should also be selected based on the collar style in order to present an appealing look.

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References:

1.”Spread Collar vs Point Collar.” Proper Cloth Reference. N.p., 13 Feb. 2014. Web. Available here. 16 June 2017.
2.”Choose the Shirt Collar That’s Right For Your Face.” The Compass. N.p., 10 Dec. 2016. Web. Available here. 16 June 2017.
3.”How to Choose The Right Tie Knot and Shirt Collar Style.” Effortless Gent. N.p., 17 Jan. 2017. Web. Available here. 16 June 2017.

Image Courtesy:

1. “business man with shirt and black tie” by Markus Spiske (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “1136968” (Public Domain) via Pixabay