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Ever wondered why some shirt collars look crisp all day while others flop after lunch? Collar stays — those tiny, often-forgotten accessories — are the secret. They keep your collar points sharp, maintain that polished silhouette, and subtly lift your whole outfit. Whether you’re dressing for a meeting, a wedding, or a night out, the right collar stays can transform a tired shirt into something that looks freshly pressed.
Collar stays, also called collar stiffeners, are slim inserts that slip into the small pockets on the underside of many dress and blouse collars. They come in a variety of lengths and materials, from flexible plastic to heavy-duty stainless steel, and even magnetic pairs that anchor the collar to your shirt. Think of them as the backbone for your collar — tiny supports that make a big visual difference.
Plastic stays are lightweight, inexpensive, and often included with shirts. They’re perfect if you want something discreet that won’t add weight. But if your shirt fabric is thick or your collar is wide, plastic may bend and lose shape. Plastic stays usually range from about 1 inch to 1.75 inches in length, so check your collar pocket before buying.
Stainless steel is the go-to for longevity and stiffness. These stays keep their shape and create a crisp line that lasts all day. They come in varying lengths — commonly from 1.25 inches to 2 inches — and are ideal for heavier collar fabrics or for anyone who wants a reliably sharp look. They’re slightly heavier than plastic, but that weight can be a plus when you want structure.
Brass stays add a touch of luxury and a warm tone that works especially well with brown or tan accessories. Brass is strong and resistant to bending, and it pairs nicely with leather cases or suits with classic styling. Metal alloys can also offer different finishes, such as matte or polished, to match your personal aesthetic.
Magnetic collar stays come in two parts: a stay that slips into the collar and a small magnet that sits under the shirt to hold the collar in place. They’re a favourite for those who struggle with collars that don’t sit flat. Magnetic pairs usually come in stainless or brass options and are slightly longer, often around 1.75 to 2.25 inches, to provide extra hold.
Yes, you can even get wooden collar stays. These are niche pieces for collectors or those seeking an organic look. They’re usually handcrafted and best for light to moderate use, as wood can warp if exposed to moisture. Other specialty materials include horn or carbon fibre for ultra-light strength.
If you live in the UK and want to shop in-store or online, several trusted retailers offer high-quality collar stays. Below are well-known names plus a few niche sellers worth exploring.
Charles Tyrwhitt is known for its dress shirts and accessories tailored for formal occasions. They offer brass and stainless steel collar stays in multiple lengths, often packaged with a handy case. If you like a classic British tailoring feel with modern details, this is a great place to start.
T.M.Lewin specialises in business shirts and has a selection of collar stays designed to match their shirt collar styles. Expect good value and sturdy metal options that suit heavier fabrics. They also sell multi-packs so you can keep spares in your travel bag.
John Lewis stocks a wide range of collar stays from budget-friendly plastic to premium metal and magnetic sets. The benefit here is variety — you can compare materials and lengths easily. Their online reviews also help you pick the stay that fits your collars best.
M&S is a reliable high-street option with simple, practical stays that complement their own line of shirts. If you prefer shopping where you buy your shirts, M&S makes matching accessories convenient. Look for stainless or robust plastic stays in their accessory section.
If you prefer bespoke tailoring, many Savile Row shops and independent tailors sell high-end collar stays, often made from brass, horn, or gold-plated metal. These options are about craftsmanship and finishing touches, and they’re perfect if you want your shirt details to match a tailor-made garment.
For sheer selection and price variety, Amazon UK and eBay remain go-to marketplaces. You’ll find everything from ultra-cheap plastic packs to polished stainless or brass sets with leather cases. The key here is to read reviews and check measurements — some packs include multiple lengths to suit different collars.
Etsy is ideal if you want custom, handcrafted stays — perhaps in wood, horn, or engraved metal. Small sellers often offer personalised options and unique finishes, making these stays great gifts or statement pieces.
Choosing collar stays is partly about science and partly about personal taste. Here’s how to make a confident pick.
Before you buy, measure the pocket on the underside of your shirt collar. Most pockets accept stays between about 1 inch and 2.25 inches. If you use inches, aim to buy stays that are slightly shorter than the pocket to avoid poking through — for instance, if a pocket is 2 inches deep, choose a 1.75-inch stay.
Thicker fabrics like twill or heavy poplin benefit from stainless or brass stays, while lightweight fabrics pair well with plastic or carbon fibre. Metal gives structure, plastic gives flexibility — choose based on how crisp you want the collar to look.
Longer stays work well with spread collars and shirts that have more surface area to support, while shorter collars or delicate blouses might need a gentler stay to avoid distortion. If you switch between dress shirts and blouses, a mixed pack with varied lengths is handy.
If you travel a lot, magnetic stays and sturdy metal sets are worth the investment because they stay put through a hectic schedule. For occasional use or costumes, low-cost plastic packs are perfectly serviceable.
Proper use and care keep your collar stays working and extend their life. Follow these simple steps.
Slide the stay into the pocket on the underside of the collar with the tapered end first. Ensure it sits flat and doesn’t stick out. If the stay causes a bulge or pokes, try a slightly shorter length.
Never put metal collar stays in the washing machine — they can bend, rust, or damage the shirt and other garments. Remove stays before laundering shirts and place them back after pressing or drying. Plastic stays can usually withstand a wash, but it’s safer to remove them.
Wipe metal stays with a soft cloth if they pick up dirt or oils. Store them in a small case or pouch to avoid bending and to keep matched pairs together. Many premium sets include leather or tin cases that also make travel easier.
Collar stays aren’t just for formal suits — they can be used in many styling scenarios. Here’s how to think about them for different looks.
For suits and ties, metal stays are ideal. They keep the collar flat and let your tie knot sit cleanly. If you’re aiming for a professional edge, a stainless set is a subtle but effective upgrade.
Even without a tie, a crisp collar looks intentional. Use shorter or slightly flexible stays for a relaxed collar shape that still reads tidy. Plastic or slim stainless options work well here.
Many women’s tops with collars can benefit from small stays. Choose short stays — often under 1.25 inches — designed for lighter fabrics to avoid puckering. Magnetic stays can also help keep collars lying flat against delicate blouses.
If you’re in a pinch, there are a few household hacks to keep your collar looking decent until you get proper stays.
Folded cardboard from a business card or a thin plastic loyalty card can temporarily stiffen a collar. It’s not as reliable as a proper stay, but it’s a quick solution for emergency situations.
Some people stitch a thin piece of fabric or interfacing into the collar for a permanent solution. This works well for vintage shirts where pockets are absent or if you prefer never having to insert stays again.
If you don’t have magnetic stays but want the anchor effect, small round magnets taped to a base can work under a shirt. Be cautious with magnetic setups near credit cards or devices, and don’t use them if you have medical implants affected by magnets.
Collar stays are available at every price point, and the right choice depends on frequency of use and preference for craftsmanship.
Plastic packs and inexpensive metal sets cost only a few pounds or dollars and are great for intermittent use. They often come in mixed-length packs and make sensible spares for travel.
Stainless or brass sets with a small case fall into the mid-range category. These offer better durability and a smarter presentation, which is useful if you wear dress shirts daily and want a subtle upgrade.
Handcrafted stays made from horn, premium brass, or gold-plated metals are for connoisseurs. They often come with personalised engraving and leather storage and are an elegant finishing touch on bespoke shirts.
Hunting for the best collar stays means comparing material, length, and seller reliability. Read product descriptions carefully for exact lengths (in inches), look at customer photos to gauge thickness, and check return-friendly retailers if you’re unsure about fit.
Always measure your collar pockets before buying, buy mixed packs if you own a variety of shirts, and consider magnetic pairs if collars tend to lift. Keep a small set in your travel kit and a spare in your closet for fast swaps.
Collar stays are one of those tiny details that can make a huge difference to your overall look. Whether you prefer the no-nonsense practicality of plastic, the dependable crispness of stainless steel, or the luxe touch of brass, there’s a set out there to match your shirt collection and lifestyle. Explore reputable UK stores like Charles Tyrwhitt, T.M.Lewin, John Lewis, and smaller boutique sellers for both variety and quality. A small investment in the right stays will pay off every morning you choose to look sharp.
Conclusion: Choose stays that match your shirt pockets, material needs, and personal style, and you’ll notice collars that behave — all day, every day.
