Collar Stays

Invented in the 1950s, shirt collar stays alleviate the age-old problem of untidy dress shirts that lose their shape, structure and sharpness. Quite simply, shirt collar stays are two smooth pieces of solid material that are inserted into the front portion of your collar on either side to stabilise the collar’s points. The collar stay ensures that your shirt collar lies flat against your collarbone while giving the material extra weight and crispness that keeps it in place.

Regardless of whether you have a plastic, stainless steel, brass, or magnetic collar stay, this innovative accessory creates a flat-lined look that ensures your collar does not curl. Also known as collar sticks, tabs and stays, only collared dress shirts have the capacity to hold a collar stay, and most shirts come with an insertion slot on the underside of either collar.

Whether you’re searching for a magnetic, plastic, or stiff collar stay, the team at Woolcott St Sydney has all the suit accessories you need to refine your everyday style and maintain a sleek and suave aesthetic. If you can’t find a men’s collar stay that suits your collection of bespoke shirts, our expert tailors can create a custom collar stay that fits seamlessly and sits securely in place.

Simply book a virtual consultation with our team today, and we’ll work with you to create a bespoke design that flatters your silhouette and complements your everyday style. If you’re revamping your workwear wardrobe, we can also create custom-tailored suits and custom-designed smart-casual suits.

While they’re relatively straightforward to place and secure, be wary of putting the correct end in first. Each shirt collar stay comes with a front and back end, with one side being far more narrow than the other. The narrow end must be inserted first to ensure easy gliding through the seams. Follow the below steps to ensure you’ve entered your stiff collar stay correctly.

• Step one: Fold up both sides of your collar and locate the plastic or magnetic collar stay slits on the underside of the fabric.
• Step two: Once you’ve found the correct opening, gently slide the narrow end of your shirt collar stay through the fabric, so it extends evenly across the width of the collar.
• Step three: Push the stiff collar stay forward to the front of your collar towards your chin. Make sure it is entirely inserted to prevent your shirt collar stay from falling out or taking on an uneven and unnatural shape.
• Step four: Take your other collar stay and repeat the same process on the other side of your collar.

Step five: Fold down your collar and adjust the shape to where you’d like it to sit. If you are using a metal or magnetic collar stay, bend the ends slightly before snapping and securing them into place.

To avoid damage and keep your shirts in premium condition, remove your men’s collar stays before washing and ironing your shirts. If you leave a plastic collar stay inside your shirt during the washing, drying or ironing stages, it may bend or lose its original shape, meaning your business shirt will no longer maintain its crisp and sharp aesthetic. Although metal collar stays are made from a sturdier material, they tend to rust in the wash and may damage your dryer. So to preserve your garment for many years to come, it’s best to remove your shirt collar stays before washing your clothing.

Magnetic collar stays contain small magnets that are affixed under the points of the shirt collar to keep it secure and in place. Easy to use and a great way to ensure your shirt looks dapper and crisp, magnetic collar stays come in a variety of shapes and sizes — so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect fit for your dress shirt.

Magnetic collar stays are also available in different lengths, so you can choose a size that suits your bespoke garments. To use a magnetic collar stay, simply place them inside the collar of your shirt and wait for them to adhere. Once they’re in place, you’ll be able to move freely without worrying your shirt collar will shift.

Yes. Regardless of whether you’re wearing a tie, custom or magnetic collar stays are a must-have for any well-dressed man who takes great pride in his aesthetic. A stiff collar stay will keep the structure and sharpness of your collar intact and will help you maintain a professional appearance.

While it depends on the shirt and whether it’s custom made to fit your figure, most men’s collar stays will generally be around 2.5 to 2.75 inches in length. For casual tapered shirts with a more narrow collar, they may be under 2 inches in length. Ultimately, it’s best to experiment with the length of your magnetic, plastic or stiff collar stays to find what best suits you and your style.