Factors to be considered while designing collar

COLLAR:

A collar is added to the neckline of a garment in order to enhance its appearance. It is also serves to finish the raw edges of the neckline. Collars are made of double layers of fabric. Since collars form a background for the face, great care has to be taken in designing collar styles which suit the wearer.

Factors to be considered while designing collar:

1. Design of the fabric:

The collar design should harmonize with the fabric design. Fabric with large checks or stripes are more suitable for making straight line or square shaped collars than collars with round or curved lines. Similarly you should avoid floral designs and curved designs when making collars where straight lines are predominant.

2. Color and texture of the fabric:

There should be harmony between the collar fabric and dress fabric with regard to color and texture. Standing collar like the Chinese collar will look best if made out of firm material, while rippled collars call for a soft material. Take care to use pleasing color combinations without too much contrast or too much similarity.

3. Pattern of the garment:

The design of the collar should suit the pattern of the dress. For example, certain collars like rippled collar, peter pan etc. are suitable for dresses with frilled skirts, while straight line collars are more becoming on A lined or straight lined styles. The size of the collar should be proportionate to the size of the dress. The design of the collar should harmonize with other structural details (pockets sleeves etc.).

4. Purpose and use of the garment:

For school uniforms, casual wear, sports wear etc. select simple collar designs without decorative details. Flat collars are more comfortable than standing or roll collars and are therefore advised for garment like casual wear.

5. Sex and age of the wearer:

Certain collars like Peter Pan collar, rippled collars etc, give a feminine touch to the garment. Straight line collars are masculine in appearance and are more suited to men's garment. Sailor collar, cape collar etc., look effective and becoming only on children's garments. Older women should avoid collars in unusual shapes and sizes and collars with decorative details.

6. Appearance of the wearer:

Facial shapes, size of the neck etc., are important factors to be considered while designing collars. For example a round face will appear rounder in a very round collar, but a very pointed or squares collar also accents the roundness because of the marked contrast in shape. A medium oval shaped collar will be the best choice for this type of face. For people with thin long necks select standing collars or collars with slight roll and avoid low neck lines. Long pointed collars are flattering to men with broad faces and short necks. Whereas a collar with short points and broad spacing between the points is more suitable for a long slender face. (The broad spacing gives the impression of width desirable in the case).