A Guide to Collar and Cuff Options for Tailored Shirts

When it comes to tailored shirts, the devil is in the details. The choices you make for the collar and cuffs define the shirt’s character — and dictate its suitability for every occasion from a boardroom to a black-tie evening.

6 min read

May 6, 2026

When it comes to tailored shirts, the collar and cuffs are where character lives. The choices you make for these two elements can define the shirt’s overall aesthetic and dictate its suitability for everything from the most conservative boardroom to the most formal black-tie occasion. Understanding your options is the first step to making each shirt a considered, deliberate expression of who you are.

Collar Styles: The Gateway to Elegance

01

The Classic Point Collar

The hallmark of professional attire. Its narrow spread is designed to complement most tie knots, making it a versatile choice for business settings. The point collar frames the face and draws attention upward — particularly flattering for those with rounder facial features, and correct in virtually any formal or professional context.

02

The Spread Collar

With its wider collar points, the spread collar is a modern favourite that suits a range of face shapes. It accommodates a more substantial tie knot — the Windsor, for instance — and works equally well worn open at the collar for a smart-casual look. It transitions effortlessly from a day at the office to an evening networking event.

03

The Button-Down Collar

Originating from the sport of polo, this collar fastens its points to the shirt with small buttons — preventing them from moving during activity. It carries a relaxed yet neat quality: ideal for weekend outings, casual Fridays, or as a considered smart-casual ensemble when worn beneath a blazer. Not appropriate for formal business or black-tie settings.

04

The Wing Collar

The wing collar is the epitome of formalwear — its small, standing points designed to peek from beneath the lapels of a tuxedo jacket, providing a clean horizontal line that complements the bow tie. Reserved exclusively for black-tie events. Not suitable for business or daytime wear, but irreplaceable when the occasion demands it.

05

The Mandarin Collar

Also known as the band collar, this contemporary style stands without collar points — offering a clean, minimal aesthetic that works well in casual and semi-formal settings. It pairs exceptionally with a well-fitted jacket or cardigan and signals an individual, considered approach to dressing. Popular in warmer climates and creative industries.

"The right collar not only complements your outfit — it enhances your overall presence. A well-chosen collar elevates a tailored shirt from simply functional to a statement of taste and attention to detail."

Cuff Choices: The Finishing Touch

01

Button Cuffs

The quintessential everyday cuff — offering simplicity and functionality. Available in various profiles (rounded, angled, or square-cut) and fastened with one or two buttons, they provide a neat, clean finish without requiring additional accessories. The go-to for most business and casual shirts.

02

French Cuffs

The pinnacle of cuff elegance. French cuffs fold back and fasten with cufflinks — adding a decorative, deeply personal element to your attire. Ideal for formal events, weddings, and upscale business meetings, they offer the opportunity to express individual style through your choice of cufflinks. The most formal cuff style available.

03

Convertible Cuffs

Designed for versatility — convertible cuffs can be fastened with buttons for an understated look, or with cufflinks for added distinction. The ideal choice for those whose day demands the ability to transition from a relaxed morning meeting to a more formal evening event without changing their shirt.

04

Barrel Cuffs

A contemporary take on the button cuff. When fastened, they form a neat cylindrical shape around the wrist — a subtle yet distinctive detail that adds quiet personality to business casual and everyday shirts without drawing undue attention. A considered choice for those who notice the small things.

05

Cocktail Cuffs

Also known as turnback cuffs — these fold back on themselves and fasten with a button, creating a result that is more dressed-up than standard button cuffs but less formal than French cuffs. A nod to vintage glamour, well-suited to occasions that call for stylish distinction without full formality.

Mixing and Matching for the Occasion

Business Casual

Balances formality with ease — allowing a transition from a relaxed daytime look without a tie to a sharper evening style with cufflinks.

Traditional Business

The standard in conservative industries such as finance or law. Communicates reliability, precision, and respect for professional convention.

Formal Social Events

For weddings and formal dinners — the spread collar accommodates a broader knot, while French cuffs allow sophisticated cufflinks to add a personal note.

Black-Tie Occasions

The only pairing for a tuxedo. The wing collar sits cleanly beneath the jacket lapel; French cuffs with formal cufflinks complete the picture.
Your choice of collar and cuff is a subtle yet powerful way to express individuality and attention to detail. Whether you are dressing for a boardroom meeting or a black-tie gala, understanding these options ensures that your tailored shirt is not just a garment — but a statement of personal style, crafted deliberately for the life you lead.

Commission Your Shirt

Every Detail Chosen by You

Our tailor will come to your preferred address across Switzerland with an extensive range of Alumo fabrics and every collar and cuff option — guiding you through each decision from first conversation to final fitting.
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