Cutaway Collar vs Spread Collar

At first glance, the spread collar and cutaway collar look nearly the same, but these are two different collar styles with different suitability. Thus, to ensure that your style game is always on point, you need to learn the basic difference between cutaway collars and spread collars. 

To make it easier for you, below we have jotted down the key aspects of both of these collar types. Keep reading so you'd better know which one suits you better as per your face shape, dress code, and nature of the occasion. 

Cutaway Collar vs Spread Collar

• Spread collar

This is probably the most common collar style in dress shirts and as the name implies, it features widely spread collar points. In other words, the collar point of spread collars contains a considerable gap between them while pointing at 45 degrees in the opening. 

Based on the degree of the gap, spread collars are classified into several categories, such as low spread, medium spread, semi-spread, or full spread collars. 

Whatever the type of spread collar you choose, all of these feature enough gaps between collar points that are concealed by the lapels of your jacket. Yes, dresses and shirts with spread collars are mostly designed to be worn under suit jackets, with ties. The gap provides enough room to accommodate thick ties and bigger tie knots. 

Generally, spread collars make a great option for formal and semi-formal occasions while suiting almost all face shapes. It's one of those few collar styles with which you can never go wrong. It's extremely versatile, but since the collar points are spread horizontally, spread collar suits, heart, oval, oblong, and diamond face shapes are the most common. However, if you have a square or round face, you can also pull off this collar style in a medium spread. 

Speaking of the degree of formality of the spread collar, there is one rule of thumb according to which, the wider the spread, the more formal the collar is. In this way, full-spread collars are suitable for super formal or classically conservative settings, whereas semi-spread collars are great for everyday office looks. Likewise, full-spread collars always need to be worn, fully buttoned, with a traditional tie knot, whereas you can wear your semi or low-spread collar unbuttoned with a modern tie knot. 

• Cutaway collar

Cutaway collars also feature widely distanced collar points which point outward. The thing which makes a cutaway collar different from a spread collar is that its collar points come with an even wider spread and are angled 150-170 degrees. This extra widespread makes this collar style more formal and much more suitable to be worn under jackets, along with wide tie knots. 

However, one can also wear cutaway collar shirts without a tie, under a knit sweater, but remember that your outfit should always fall into the formal category. This collar style is also highly versatile and enough to grab the limelight at workplaces, family gatherings, black-tie events, and weddings. 

Considering the wider spread of cutaway collars, it looks more flattering on individuals with longer and slimmer faces. Apart from this, men with U-shaped or curved jaws also look handsome in cutaway collars. The spread balances out the proportions, making a long and slim face appear wide and broad. 

Summarizing the debate

Until now, you have read the key elements of cutaway and spread collar type. The basic difference between these two collar styles is the degree of spread. Cutaway collars feature an even wider spread, with collar points pointing 150-170 degrees outward. On the other hand, the spread collar features a narrower gap with collar points positioned 45 degrees in the opening. 

Since a wider spread means high formality, cutaway collars are more suitable for formal events and should always pair up with formal attire. On the other hand, a spread collar is more versatile and can be pulled off with equal alacrity to all kinds of events, be it casual, formal, or semi-formal. Likewise, cutaway collars are more flattering on oblong and slimmer face shapes whereas spread collars can be worn by almost all face shapes.

FAQs

If you are going to wear a thin tie with your cutaway collar shirt, make sure you make a thicker tie knot to balance the proportions. Generally, full Windsor and half Windsor tie knots are considered favorites to wear with a cutaway collar. 

If we compare between spread and cutaway collar then yes, spread collar is a less formal option.