Tab Collar

Definition and Overview

A tab collar is a specification used for a shirt collar with a stand collar. By fastening a thin tab that extends from the back or inside of both collar points, the collar points are drawn together and the tie knot is made to look raised. The tab itself is usually tucked away in a position that is not easily visible when worn.

This is a collar style designed to be worn with a necktie, and if the top button is left undone, the tabs and fasteners become visible, making it harder to achieve the intended neckline. As a design for classic dress shirts, it is used for both business wear and smart casual outfits.

Parts and Construction

The tab is a narrow self-fabric extension sewn into the inside of the collar leaf, or attached near the collar point. The left and right tabs are crossed under the tie and fastened with a button and buttonhole, or with a snap button. The fastening position is set at a height that supports and lifts the knot.

The collar leaf needs moderate firmness. Depending on the type of collar interlining and bonding conditions, the way the collar points roll, the lift when the tabs are fastened, and the shape after washing will change. The length and width of the tabs, as well as the position of the fastener, are designed by considering the size of the tie knot.

• The tabs are fastened behind the tie knot.
• If the knot is too small, the effect of the tabs may be reduced; if it is too large, the collar points may open unnaturally.
• In the specification sheet, clearly stating the tab attachment position, length, type of fastener, and firmness of the collar interlining makes confirmation easier.

Materials and Finishing

The shirt body and the tabs are generally made from the same fabric. Shirts made mainly from cotton, or cotton-polyester blended fabrics, are also used, but with fabrics that are too thin or too soft, the collar points may not stay stable when the tabs are fastened.

Fusible interlining and similar materials are used for the collar and tabs to help them keep their shape. Differences in shrinkage between the outer fabric and interlining, or poor bonding, can lead to rippling, lifting, or twisting after washing, so checking including washing tests is necessary before mass production. In button-fastened styles, the thickness of the button and the way the thread is sewn also affect how neatly the neckline sits.

Coordination and How to Wear It

A tab collar is a collar style that works well with daytime suit styles worn with a tie, or jacket styles where a more dressed-up look is desired. When paired with a solid or understated patterned shirt, the dimensional look of the knot created by the tab stands out. A comparatively small tie knot helps keep the neckline neat.

On the other hand, in formal wear such as tailcoats and tuxedos, wing collars or dedicated shirt specifications suited to the outfit may be chosen. In settings including celebratory and condolence occasions, confirm the invitation requirements, venue, and local customs, and judge whether the tab collar matches the required formality and dress code.

Differences from Similar Terms

A pinhole collar is a collar style in which a collar bar or pin is passed through holes in the collar leaf to draw the collar points together. A tab collar differs in that it fastens a self-fabric tab on the inside of the collar, making the metal hardware less visible on the outside. A collar bar refers to a separate accessory used with a pinhole collar and similar styles.

A button-down is a style in which the collar points are fastened to the body of the shirt with buttons. While it shares the purpose of controlling the spread of the collar points, it does not have the structure of lifting the tie knot from below like a tab collar.

Frequently Asked Questions