Finally got a collar bar - (A new collar bar thread) - Post Links & Pics.

[robb]

Hi Everybody,
I joined a while back but never posted anything... but it seems like you all appreciate some nice old school touches. I apologize if my style does not quite fit into the traditional look you guys go for.

It seems like collar bars are seeing a bit of a revive in popularity.

Well probably over a year ago it became a bit of a mission for me to obtain a collar bar. There was an episode of Law & Order where some mafia-type guy was on trial and he had one on... and I thought... "What is that thing?! That looks cool!" There were also a few other shows and movies where I've seen people have them on.

After Googeling around I found out it's called a "collar bar" and found this thread on here: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=9025

After visiting nearly ever mens shop around here - most of the people working there knew (more or less) what I was talking about, but weren't able to offer any assistance in obtaining one. Some were dumbfounded. Others mentioned how it's accessory from the 50's and what-not, and hard to find these days.

Well I finally ordered two collar bars from www.wildties.com - http://www.wildties.com/browse/accessories/collar_bars

This one is the Cilindrico by Competition silver in a silver finish, straight bar with a three dimensional cylindrical design.

This silver finished bar - Bello by Competition features a flat bar design with intricate bead etching along the top & bottom borders.

I also noticed in a Dolce & Gabanna ad campaign that they featured a collar bar on one of their models for a suit. I actually got a skinny black tie to try and recreate this look (but I can't quite afford to spend the money for a D&G suit with the stitching on the lapels like this one. I'd really like to find this EXACT bar.

So here is my end result:

(mind you this pic was taken in the AM after being out all night so everything is a little... out of place)

A bit blurry pic after I got ready:

The tie is a Mimi Fong from Neiman Marcus and the suit I got at Mens Wearhouse (Jones New York)

This outfit definitely turned some heads - and I think people were very confused by what that "metal thing" was by my tie knot

The problems I had however, was the bar slipped off rather easily... and I had to bend it back on several occasions because the spacing between the bar and the rear tension bar kept getting too big.... seems like 2 1/2" is too narrow.

I also first tried a full windsor knot, but since the tie is pretty thick - it didn't work out quite that well when trying to put the collar bar on.

I'd like to find some that are a bit more sturdy and solid... and perhaps look into getting some shirts with eyelets made for the traditional pin-style.

Places to buy collar bars:

http://www.collar-bars.com/ They seem to have a good selection at reasonable prices... but they canceled my order after they couldn't meet the shipping deadline I requested... I will reorder from them possibly. The company, Broderick, seems to operate a lot of sites under different domains - they are sort of hard to navigate tho: http://www.charlottesville.com/x4/ElegantJewelry/90w.htm
http://www.panamerican.com/a/index.php?find=collar+bars&3LO.x=0&3LO.y=0

http://www.ties.com/b/b/collar-bars

http://www.neckties.com/collar_bars.bcml

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...arel&hvadid=1101413261&ref=pd_sl_32y7ywx4y3_e

http://www.tias.com/9066/InventoryPage/1742194/1.html <-- this place seems to have some good ones with a different type of clipping mechanism on the back

However, it seems like most of these places all carry the same ones/type/brand.

Let's keep this thread going! Post pics of your collar bar outfits and links, etc!

 

[robb]

And one more thing this whole search has led me to... I guess what you would call a collar-bar/in with a chain.

This place sells them and seems like they can make custom stuff: http://www.browbands.net.au/rider/pins.htm

Aside from the horse pendants that I don't really care for, this is really an interesting and sophisticated look

 

[Max Flash]

The chain version in your second post strikes me as a little OTT (and reminiscent of Joe Pesci in Goodfellas) but that's just my view. I like the look of a collar bar (especially in the D&G ad, although not so keen on the suit or skinny tie). However, in this day and age you have to be in a very dressed-up environment (or zoot-suit style) to pull it off.

 

[Feraud]

I am a big fan of the collar bar (or collar stay, as it is also called) and wear one whenever I can.
My only problem is finding an acceptable shirt collar to accept the piece.

 

[adamjaskie]

I was thinking of getting myself one of these (maybe two; one gold, one silver, as I assume one matches it with their belt buckle?).

Do you just wear it with the standard point collar dress shirt, but with no stays inserted?

 

[Dinerman]

Here, check out this thread- it's a little old, but it's got good photo references.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=9025

 

[robb]

I was thinking of getting myself one of these (maybe two; one gold, one silver, as I assume one matches it with their belt buckle?).

Do you just wear it with the standard point collar dress shirt, but with no stays inserted?

It seems like the pointed collar dress shirt with as narrow as spread as possible is the ideal shirt for a collar bar.... everything else just seems to have too much of a spread and the collar bar would be too narrow.

The collar in the D&G ad I posted seems to be a somewhat unique very designer... sort of a narrow spread but not quite very pointed either.

I will try it with a bit wider spread shirt... but i don't think it will work, will keep you posted.

BTW: I personally don't like wearing a belt with a suit (I prefer the pants to fit perfect or having the side-tabs to pull the pants tighter if needed).... but it would probably be best to match the collar bar with any other "metal accessories" you have on, whether it's cufflinks, watch, horse bit on your shoes, or belt buckle, etc.

I think a collar bar AND a tie bar would be a bit over the top and too "busy".

Today I wore one on an older cheap pointed collar dress shirts that I'm almost ready to retire. I didn't put the collar stays in - and it seemed like it felt more secure and didn't really have any issues with slipping. It seems like its a good idea to leave the collar stays out when wearing one... since they tend to pull the collar down too much and make the ends/edges too stiff.

It was definitely a good ice breaker with several people I talked to and ladies I struck up a convo with... even ran into a guy that works at the Nordstrom I shop at that always helps me out - he liked it too.