starched collar
Crisp formal neckwear
A starched collar is a shirt collar stiffened with starch to hold its shape crisply.
The term evokes formal dress and rigid propriety—the stiff white collars of businessmen, clergy, and professionals.
Someone described as starched collar is uptight or excessively formal: His starched-collar manner put everyone on edge.
- stiffNot easily bent
- stiff upper lipControlled emotional restraint
- formalFollowing strict protocol
- crispFirm and breakable
- pressedPushed or smoothed flat
white · Victorian · Downton Abbey · old money · butler · servant · uniform · detachable · celluloid · wing · upright · rigid · prim · proper · stuffy · gentleman · tuxedo · dress code
- collarsmandarin, Peter Pan, polo, ruff, button-down
- Renaissance Attiredoublet, jerkin, bodice, kirtle, farthingale
- neckwearscarf, scarves, tie, ties, necklace
- religious garmentshabit, robe, cassock, cowl, scapular
- court attirejudicial robe, barrister wig, court robe, ceremonial robes, black robe
formality/social register
starched collart-shirt
Casual pullover garment
casual wear · hoodie · polo shirt · sweatshirt · athleisure
starch, starched, starches, starching, starchy, collar, collars, collared, collaring