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Ever wondered why some shirts sit perfectly while others look limp at the collar? Collar stays—also called collar stiffeners—are the tiny heroes that keep your collar sharp, structured, and photo-ready. They might be small, but they change how your whole outfit reads. Think of them as the scaffolding for your shirt’s most visible feature: the collar.
Not all collar stays are created equal. The choice of material affects stiffness, longevity, and the overall look. Let’s walk through the popular options and what they offer.
Plastic stays are inexpensive, lightweight, and common as a starter option. They usually range from about 1 inch to 2.5 inches in length, fitting most standard collars. While they do the job, they can warp over time if exposed to heat. If you prefer something disposable or need a spare set for travel, plastic is a practical pick.
Stainless steel stays are for people who want durability and a crisp edge. They’re slightly heavier than plastic—often a fraction of an ounce per stay—but they keep collars rigid without bending. Many UK menswear brands offer them, and they’re ideal if you want a long-lasting investment that won’t melt in a hot wash.
Brass and copper adds a vintage flair and can develop a unique patina with time. They’re firm and stylish but might require a little polishing now and then to keep that metallic sheen. If you like accessories with personality, these are worth a look.
For the luxury enthusiast, mother-of-pearl and horn stays bring elegance. They’re smooth, lightweight, and often hand-finished. These are the kind of collar stays you pair with bespoke shirts from higher-end retailers in London’s tailoring scene.
Magnetic stays pair with small magnets placed inside the collar or shirt placket to hold the collar down perfectly. They’re great when you want a “pinned” look without obvious pins. Bear in mind you’ll need the complementary magnets or shirts designed to work with them.
From high-street to bespoke tailors, the UK has plenty of places to buy collar stays. Here are reliable retailers and stores where you can pick up quality stays or full sets tailored to your needs.
Charles Tyrwhitt is known for shirts and accessories aimed at office dressers. Their collar stays are usually metal and come in packs, perfect for keeping a professional wardrobe sharp. They sometimes offer sets with spare stays, which is handy if you rotate shirts regularly.
TM Lewin offers a broad selection of shirt accessories, including metal and plastic stays. Their products cater well to business wardrobes, and you’ll often find stays sold alongside shirts for a coordinated look.
Hawes & Curtis focuses on classic British tailoring. Their collar stays lean toward the finer end, with options that complement their formal shirts. If you shop here, you’ll likely find stays that fit traditional dress shirts and a few more luxurious alternatives.
John Lewis stocks a variety of shirt accessories from multiple brands, so it’s a good place if you want to compare materials and prices before choosing. You can often find both affordable plastic sets and more premium metal or mother-of-pearl options.
M&S caters to everyday shoppers who need practicality. Their collar stays tend to be affordable and reliable—ideal if you want something that works well with your daily shirts without breaking the bank.
Next is another high-street option where you can pick up collar stays alongside casual and smart-casual shirts. Their price point is reasonable, and they offer a good variety for the average wardrobe.
If you’re after bespoke shirts or luxury accessories, Savile Row tailors and brands like Turnbull & Asser supply premium stays—often mother-of-pearl or specially treated metals—to match their hand-crafted shirts. Think of these as the Rolls-Royce of collar accessories.
Online marketplaces like Amazon UK and Etsy are useful for variety and specialty items. Amazon is great for bulk buys or trying magnetic or stainless steel sets, while Etsy often showcases handcrafted or unique materials like horn or engraved metal stays.
Getting the right size is crucial. Most collar stays fall between 1 and 2.5 inches. Narrow collars need shorter stays—around 1 to 1.5 inches—while spread collars often require stays closer to 2 to 2.5 inches. Try measuring an existing stay or the collar pocket from the tip of the collar to the opening using inches to find the perfect fit.
Rounded ends are less likely to poke through fabric and are safer in shirts with a softer collar. Pointed ends offer a sharper silhouette but can sometimes press against fabric more. Choose rounded for gentle everyday wear and pointed if you want a crisper edge under a tie.
Proper care keeps your stays performing and prevents damage to shirts. Remove stays before tumble drying—especially plastic stays—and store metal or luxury stays in a small pouch to prevent scratches. If a metal stay develops tarnish, a gentle polish can bring it back to life. For delicate mother-of-pearl, wipe with a soft cloth only.
We’re all guilty of skipping the little things. Here are mistakes to avoid so your collars always look their best.
Some stays, particularly plastic, can warp in hot water or tumble drying. Always check whether the stays are washer-safe and remove them if the manufacturer advises.
Too-long stays can bend collars awkwardly, while too-short stays won’t provide enough support. Measure in inches and test a few lengths if you’re uncertain.
Spare stays are a lifesaver. Keep a small set in your travel bag or desk drawer so you’re never caught with floppy collars on an important day.
A stiff collar affects how your tie sits, how your jacket lays, and how sharp you appear in photos. Want a strong, authoritative look for a business meeting? Choose metal stays and a pointed collar. Going for a softer, relaxed vibe? Rounded or plastic stays will do. Collar stays are a subtle tool to fine-tune your personal brand.
When you wear a tie, your collar supports the knot. Strong stays keep the collar points aligned and the tie knot centered. If you’re wearing a blazer, proper collar structure ensures the jacket sits right at the neckline, avoiding gaps or bunching.
Are premium stays worth it? It depends on how you dress. If you buy shirts infrequently and want a polished look without fuss, a pack of stainless steel stays offers great value and longevity. If you invest in bespoke shirts and appreciate artisanal details, mother-of-pearl or horn stays match the care you’ve put into your wardrobe.
For travel, compact and lightweight options win. Plastic or slim stainless steel sets fit into small cases and rarely add weight—usually under an ounce for a small pack. Keep them in a dedicated pouch or with your cufflinks so they’re easy to grab before you dress.
Pack at least two spare sets, a soft cloth for any wetting events, and a small tin or pouch for storage. If you use magnetic stays, carry the extra magnets separately to avoid losing pieces while in transit.
If you’re hunting for something unique, look to specialty menswear shops, local tailors, and online craft marketplaces. Bespoke tailors in London or handcrafted merchants on Etsy often offer custom lengths, engraving, or unusual materials—perfect if you want a personal touch.
Concerned about sustainability? Metal stays are reusable for years, making them a greener option compared with single-use plastic. Additionally, some craftsmen create stays from reclaimed materials like reclaimed horn or recycled metals. Choosing durable materials is a small step that reduces waste over time.
Before you click “buy,” ask yourself: What collar types do I wear most often? Do I need stays that survive hot washes? Do I want a visible style statement or something purely functional? Knowing your daily routine and shirt types helps narrow down the options.
Need a fast recommendation? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Stainless steel stays—durable, low maintenance, and stiff enough for most professional shirts.
Slim plastic or stainless steel sets that pack light and include spares in a small pouch.
Mother-of-pearl or horn stays to match high-end fabrics and bespoke tailoring.
Brass or stainless steel sets that balance style and function, and handle a variety of collar types.
Collar stays are one of those modest style investments that punch above their weight. They’re inexpensive, easy to swap, and make a noticeable difference in how your shirts present. Whether you shop high-street retailers like M&S and Next, specialist brands like Charles Tyrwhitt and TM Lewin, or bespoke suppliers on Savile Row or Etsy, there’s a perfect set out there for you.
Make measuring in inches part of your routine, choose the material that matches how often you wear and wash your shirts, and keep a few spares tucked away. That way, your collars stay crisp, your photo-ready moments multiply, and your outfits keep saying the right thing without a word.
Now that you know what to look for, why not take a quick look through a few retailers to compare materials and prices? A small change like swapping to sturdy stainless steel or a luxurious mother-of-pearl pair can give you that immediate sharpness you’ve been missing.
Happy shopping—and here’s to collars that stand tall when you need them to.
