5 Best Metal Collar Stays

Collar stays are small pieces of metal (or plastic) that are inserted into the collar of a dress shirt to keep the collar stiff and in place. [8] They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but most commonly they are thin, rectangular strips. Most dress shirts come with removable collar stays, which is handy because you can take them out when you want a more relaxed look or feel. And if you lose one, no big deal-you can just buy a new one. But what if you want something a little more permanent? That’s where the metal collar stays come in. Metal collar stays are exactly what they sound like-small pieces of metal that you insert into your shirt collars to keep them stiff and in place. Unlike removable collar stays, metal collar stays are not meant to be taken out, which means they’re a little more of a commitment. But if you’re looking for a sharp, polished look that will last all day (and night) long, metal collar stays are the way to go.

Removable Collar Stays vs. Sewn In Collar Stays

There are two different types of collar stays – removable and sewn in. [9] Which type you choose is entirely up to personal preference, but there are some advantages and disadvantages to each.

Removable collar stays are just that – they can be removed from the shirt whenever you want. This means that you can wash your shirts without having to worry about damaging the collar stays. They’re also very easy to replace if they get lost or broken.

On the other hand, sewn in collar stays are permanently attached to the shirt. This gives them a much cleaner look, but it also means that you have to be careful when washing your shirt so as not to damage the collar stay. Additionally, if one of your sewn in collar stays breaks, you’ll have to get the shirt repaired.

Overall, it’s really up to personal preference as to which type of collar stay you choose. If you’re someone who likes to be able to remove their collar stays, then go for removable ones. However, if you prefer the cleaner look of sewn in collar stays, then that’s what you should choose. Whichever type of metal collar stay you choose, make sure that you buy high-quality ones so that they will last a long time and keep your shirt looking sharp.

Collar Stay Types

There are many different types of metal collar stays available. The most common are:

• Plastic: Plastic collar stays are the cheapest option, but they are also the least durable. If you’re looking for a temporary fix, plastic collar stays may be a good choice. However, they are not as effective as metal collar stays and will need to be replaced more often.
• Stainless steel: This is the most popular type of metal collar stay. It is durable and will not rust or tarnish over time. Stainless steel collar stays are also hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
• Brass: Brass collar stays are less common than stainless steel, but they offer a unique look that can add a touch of class to your shirt. Brass is a bit softer than stainless steel, so it may bend more easily if you’re not careful.
• Gold: Gold collar stays are a luxury option. They are not as durable as other types of metal collar stays, but they can add a touch of elegance to your shirt. Gold collar stays may also tarnish over time, so you’ll need to be careful when storing them.

There is more detailed information on each type of metal collar stay in the sections below.

Plastic Collar Stays

We’ll start with a brief overview of plastic stays. Plastic collar stays are the most common type of stay you’ll find. They’re cheap, they’re easy to find, and they come in a wide variety of sizes.

Plastic stays have several disadvantages, however.

First, they’re not as durable as metal stays.

Second, plastic stays don’t always give your shirt the best look. They can make your collar look lumpy and uneven, which is definitely not ideal. Finally, plastic stays can sometimes cause skin irritation if they’re not made from a hypoallergenic material.

If you’re looking for a more durable, better-looking alternative to plastic collar stays, metal collar stays are a great option.

Stainless Steel Collar Stays

If you’re looking for a quality set of metal collar stays, stainless steel is always a good option. Stainless steel collar stays are strong and durable, and they won’t rust or tarnish over time. They’re also quite affordable, making them a great choice for budget-minded shoppers.[6]

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for stainless steel collar stays. First, be sure to check the thickness of the stays. Thicker stays will be more durable and less likely to bend out of shape, but they may be less comfortable to wear. Second, consider the finish of the stay. Brushed or matte finishes are more understated and can be worn with any type of shirt, while polished finishes have a more formal look.

Finally, pay attention to the overall quality of the stay. Look for stays that are well-crafted and have smooth edges. Avoid stays with rough or sharp edges, as these can be uncomfortable to wear and may snag on your shirt.

Brass Collar Stays

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and brass collar stays are made from sheets of this metal. They’re then cut to size, shaped, and polished. Brass has a yellowish color when new but will develop a patina over time.

Brass is a relatively soft metal, so it’s easy to shape. And because it’s an alloy of copper and zinc, it’s also corrosion-resistant. That makes a brass collar stays a good choice for everyday wear.

Another advantage of brass collar stays is that they’re less expensive than other metals like stainless steel or titanium. But they still provide a nice weight and feel to your shirt collars.

If you’re looking for an affordable option that will still give you the quality and feel you want, brass collar stays are a great choice.

Gold Collar Stays

Gold collar stays are a great way to add a touch of class to your shirt. They come in various sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect set for your shirt. Gold collar stays are also a great gift for the man in your life.

There are two main types of gold collar stays: solid gold and plated.

Solid gold collar stays are more expensive, but they will last longer and look better over time.

Plated gold collar stays are less expensive, but they may not last as long or look as good over time.

When choosing gold collar stay sets, keep in mind the style of your shirt and the occasion you’ll be wearing them for. For example, if you’re wearing a button-down shirt for a formal occasion, you’ll want to choose a set of solid gold collar stays. If you’re just wearing a casual shirt, plated gold collar stays will do the trick.

How To Choose The Right Size Of Metal Collar Stays

Now that you know the different types of metal collar stays, it’s time to choose the right size for your shirt. Metal collar stays come in a variety of sizes, so you’ll need to measure your shirt’s collar to find the perfect fit.

If you’re not sure how to measure your shirt’s collar, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with our handy guide:

• To measure your shirt’s collar, start by placing the tape measure at the center of the neckline.
• Run the tape measure down to the point where the collar meets the shoulder seam. Make sure that you keep the tape measure parallel to the ground as you do this.
• Write down this measurement and compare it to our sizing chart to find the perfect size metal collar stay for your shirt!

Now that you know how to choose the right size metal collar stay, it’s time to learn about the different ways you can use them.

How To Wear Metal Collar Stays?

Assuming you’ve made the decision to improve your style with metal collar stays, the next logical question is “how do I wear them?” The good news is that it’s not as complicated as you might think. In fact, once you get the hang of it, using metal collar stays will be second nature. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Make sure your shirt is ironed before inserting the stays. This will help them stay in place and keep your shirt looking sharp all day long.
• When inserting the stays, start with the top button of your shirt undone. This will give you some wiggle room and make it easier to insert the stays without damaging your shirt.[7]
• For best results, insert the stays into the seam between the collar and the shirt body. This will ensure that they stay hidden and do their job of keeping your collar in place.
• Once you’re satisfied with the placement of the stays, button up your shirt and enjoy your sharp new look!

As you can see, there’s nothing complicated about using metal collar stays. Just a few simple tips and you’ll be on your way to looking sharp and stylish. If you’re still not sure, there are plenty of helpful videos online that can show you exactly how it’s done.

How To Take Care Of Your Metal Collar Stays?

To keep your metal collar stays in good condition, it is important to take care of them properly. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Store your metal collar stays in a dry place. If they get wet, they can rust and become unusable.
• Be careful when handling them. They are sharp and can easily break if you’re not careful.
• If you drop them on the floor, they can dent or bend. So try to avoid that!
• Keep them away from chemicals or anything that could damage them. This includes perfumes, lotions, etc.
• When not in use, store them in a safe place where they won’t get lost or damaged. A good option is a collar stay box.

Following these simple tips will help you keep your metal collar stays in good condition for a long time.

Why You Should Use Metal Collar Stays?

If you’ve ever had a shirt with limp, wilting collars, then you know how frustrating it can be to try and keep them looking sharp. But using metal collar stays is an easy way to fix this problem.

Plus, they’re not just for dress shirts – you can use them on casual shirts, too. So if you want to keep your collars looking sharp, no matter what you’re wearing, metal collar stays are the way to go.

Still not convinced? Here are five more reasons to start using metal collar stays:

• They’re easy to use. Just pop them into your shirt collars and you’re good to go.
• They last longer than other types of collar stays. With proper care, metal collar stays can last for years.
• They help keep your collars from fraying. The stiffer material helps prevent wear and tear, so your collars will look newer for longer.
• They’re less likely to pop out. Have you ever had a plastic collar stay pop out in the middle of the day? It’s not fun. Metal collar stays are much more secure, so you don’t have to worry about them falling out.
• They’re more versatile. You can use metal collar stays on all kinds of shirts, from dress shirts to casual button-downs.

So if you’re looking for a way to keep your collars looking sharp, metal collar stays are the way to go.

FAQ

Should I remove collar stays?

If your shirt has plastic or metal stays, you can remove them before washing. However, if your shirt has sewn-in stays, you should leave them in to prevent the fabric from stretching out of shape.

To remove collar stays, simply pull them out from the slot in the collar. If they’re stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to gently tug them out. Once they’re out, store them in a safe place until you need to put them back in.

Should you use magnetic collar stays?

If you’re looking for the most versatile and easy-to-use collar stays, then magnetic collar stays are the way to go. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect set for your needs. And because they’re magnetic, they’ll stay in place all day long – no need to worry about them falling out or shifting around.

Magnetic collar stays are also great for travel. If you’re worried about losing your metal collar stays while on the road, simply stick them to a magnetized surface like your hotel room’s refrigerator door. They’ll be right there when you need them, without taking up any extra space in your luggage.

Finally, magnetic collar stays are an affordable option. If you’re on a budget, you can find sets of metal collar stays for under $20. That’s a small price to pay for the convenience and peace of mind that come with knowing your collar stays will stay put all day long.

So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use, versatile, and affordable option, magnetic collar stays are the way to go.

Do you wash shirts with collar stays in?

Collar stays can be washed with shirts, but it is important to remove them before putting the shirt in the dryer. Otherwise, they can warp or melt.

To clean collar stays, simply rinse them under warm water and mild soap. You can also use a toothbrush to remove any stubborn dirt or stains. If your collar stays are particularly dirty, you may need to soak them in a solution of warm water and vinegar for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Once they are clean, dry your collar stays thoroughly before storing them away or inserting them into your shirt collars.

How long should collar stays be?

This is probably the most common question we get asked and it really depends on your collar size. If you have a small or narrow collar, you’ll want to go with shorter stays, around two inches. For a standard or medium-sized collar, three inches is a good length, and for a large or spread collar, you’ll want something closer to four inches.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule and ultimately it comes down to personal preference. We recommend trying out different lengths to see what works best for you.

Another thing to keep in mind is that metal collar stays can be trimmed down to size if needed, so don’t be afraid to buy longer ones if that’s all that’s available.

How do I keep my collar from flaring?

The best way to keep your collar from flaring is to use metal collar stays. Metal collar stays are thin, stiff pieces of metal that you insert into the collars of your dress shirts. They help to keep the collars from flaring out and give your shirt a more polished look .

Who invented collar stays?

Collar stays were invented by a man named John Brooks in the early 19th century. He was a tailor who lived in Boston, Massachusetts. His invention was patented in 1845.

Collar stays are small pieces of metal or plastic that are inserted into the collar of a shirt to keep it from collapsing. They were originally made of bone or ivory, but nowadays they are most commonly made of metal or plastic.

Most collar stays come in two sizes: short (about .75 inches long) and long (about .875 inches long). Short collar stays are typically used for dress shirts, while long collar stays are usually reserved for casual shirts.

Useful Video: 2 Secrets To The Perfect Shirt Collar

Conclusions

So there you have it, everything you need to know about metal collar stays!
We hope this guide has been helpful in answering any questions you may have had, and given you some useful tips on how to use them.

Thanks for reading!

References:

1. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CPWBE4C
2. https://www.amazon.com/Metal-Collar-Stays-Divided-Box/dp/B07QMY9VGJ
3. https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Collar-Stays-Shirts/dp/B008L422BW
4. https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Metal-Collar-Stays-Plastic/dp/B00X1URS4C
5. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K00Z6R2
6. https://www.otaa.com/blogs/gentlemans-guide/what-are-the-best-collar-stays
7. https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/collar-stays-dress-shirts/
8. https://www.cufflinksdepot.com/cufflinks-blog/collar-stays-wear/
9. https://boltandstone.com/2021/08/12/all-you-need-to-know-about-collar-stays-a-quick-and-dirty-guide/