Most men wear a standard traditional point or button down collar dress shirt, either out of habit or because stores do not offer other choices. The problem is that these collars may not flatter the shape of your face. Here is a simple guide to help you decide which collar style looks best on you.

Round Face

You have full cheeks with a rounded jaw line. Narrow point collars help to thin and elongate a round face. The best collar styles for you have straight points with a traditional or narrow spread. Stick to a traditional point for versatility, button down and hidden button down for a sportier look, narrow point for a fashion look and tab collar for a formal, dressy look.

Best Collars: Standard Point, Button Down,Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, and Tab Collar

Avoid spread collars; they make your face appear wider and fuller.

Worst Collars: Medium Spread, Wide Spread, and Varsity Spread

Square Face

You have a square jaw line, which gives your face a broad, square, angular appearance. Square faces look best wearing traditional point collar shirts for versatility, narrow point collars for a fashion look, button down and hidden button down for a sporty look and tab collar shirts for a formal look.

Best Collars: Standard Point, Button Down, Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, and Tab Collar

Avoid spread collars; they make your face appear wider and fuller.

Worst Collars: Medium Spread, Wide Spread, and Varsity Spread

Triangular or Diamond Face

You have pronounced cheekbones and a narrow, pointed chin, which gives your face a "diamond shape." To make your jaw line appear wider, choose shirts with a medium spread to wide spread collar.

Best Collars: Medium Spread, Wide Spread, and Varsity Spread

Avoid narrow spread collars, including button down collars; they make your jaw line appear weak.

Worst Collars: Button Down, Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, and Tab Collar

Oblong or Rectangular Face

Oblong faces tend to appear long with a u-shaped jaw line. You need collars with a wider spread to give your face the appearance of fullness. Choose medium spread collars for everyday and wide spread collars for a formal look.

Best Collars: Medium Spread, Wide Spread, and Varsity Spread

Avoid narrow spread collars, including button down, hidden button down and tab collars; they make your face appear long and narrow.

Worst Collars: Button Down, Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, and Tab Collar

Oval Face

You are fortunate because you can wear any collar style. Enjoy wearing traditional collars for an everyday look, button down collar shirts for a sportier casual look, tab collars for a neat, dapper appearance, or wide spread collars for a formal look.

Best Collars: Standard Point, Button Down, Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, Tab Collar, Medium Spread, Wide Spread, and Varsity Spread

Ask for Advice and Help

To determine your face shape, ask a family member or friend. You may also seek the opinion of a men's clothing store specialist or ask an image consultant.

Don't be afraid to try something new! Learning about and choosing collar styles that look great on you will enhance your appearance and get you tons of compliments—it could even help you get ahead in your career.

Where to Find a Good Selection of Shirt Collar Styles

Department stores usually carry only the basic styles. You will be better off shopping at a men's specialty store or finding a custom tailor who specializes in dress shirts. If you still can't find the right collar style for you, check on line. It may be only a click away!

A Custom Made Shirt May be Your Best Option

You will be amazed how affordable custom made shirts can be. Custom made shirts allow you a better selection of styles and fabrics. They will fit your budget as well as your body!

Copyright (c) 2008 Janine Giorgenti