Omar Khalid
The first plastic collar was invented in the 19th century, with experimentation in the 1880s using celluloid, the first commercially produced plastic. Celluloid collars were a huge commercial success at the beginning of the 20th century, but their popularity was short-lived, and by the 1930s they were rarely seen outside of formal evening wear. The popularity of the plastic collar can be attributed to its low-maintenance qualities, as it did not need to be starched, washed, or ironed, unlike its stiff linen counterpart.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year plastic collars were worn by men | The first plastic collar was invented in the 19th century and gained popularity in the early 20th century. |
| Reason for wearing plastic collars | Plastic collars were introduced as a more convenient and affordable alternative to starched linen collars, which were time-consuming to maintain and uncomfortable to wear. |
| Social status associated with plastic collars | Plastic collars were initially worn by those of modest means who wanted to appear presentable. However, they were later considered a sign of bad taste among the wealthy and fashionable. |
| Decline in popularity | Plastic collars rapidly lost their popularity by the 1930s, as people preferred softer and more comfortable collar styles. |
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What You'll Learn
The first plastic collars
The invention of the plastic collar was part of a broader shift in collar fashion. In the mid-1400s, standing collars began to appear on shirts and undershirts in the Western world. This trend continued into the 16th century with the evolution of the neck ruff, a collar that was unattached to the shirt. The ruff was a pleated frill that was popular in Europe from the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century. The bigger the ruff, the higher the status of the wearer. However, by the 19th century, the ruff collar lost some of its popularity as it came to be considered more feminine.
The popularity of the plastic collar was driven by the fact that it did not need to be starched, washed, or ironed, unlike its linen counterpart. It was also a more affordable option for those who could not afford to frequently launder their shirts. In the 1800s, most collars were made of heavily starched linen, which was time-consuming to maintain. The detachable collar, invented in 1827, was another innovation driven by the desire for easier laundry.
By the 1920s and 1930s, the popularity of stiff collars was waning. Comfort became a theme in fashion, and the soft collar became increasingly popular, particularly among the youth. However, some men still opposed the change and campaigned for the stiff collar to remain a part of men's wardrobes. By the 1930s, there were few shirtmakers who still considered detachable collars as daily wear, and by the 1940s, the shirt collar had evolved to be attached to the shirt.
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Commercial appeal
The plastic collar, made from celluloid, was introduced in the late 19th century as a more affordable alternative to the starched linen collars that were popular at the time. The invention of the plastic collar was a significant development in the history of men's fashion and had a profound commercial appeal.
The emergence of plastic collars in the late 19th century filled a gap in the market by offering a more affordable and low-maintenance alternative to starched linen collars. This innovation targeted individuals who lacked the financial means or access to the labour-intensive process of laundering and starching required for traditional collars. The plastic collar's selling points, including its durability, ease of care, and resemblance to starched linen, appealed to consumers seeking a cost-effective and convenient option.
The commercial success of plastic collars can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, they were marketed as a time-saving solution, eliminating the need for starching, washing, and ironing. This was particularly attractive to young men with limited salaries who could not afford commercial laundry services. Secondly, plastic collars were positioned as a symbol of progress and modernity, tapping into the aspirations of those seeking to adopt the latest innovations. Additionally, manufacturers leveraged social prejudices and immigration debates of the time, associating the collars with anti-Chinese sentiment and exploiting the connection between Chinese people and laundering in their advertising campaigns.
The detachable collar, which could be made from plastic, played a significant role in levelling the playing field in terms of social status. The ability to detach and wash collars separately from the shirt body addressed the challenge of maintaining a pristine white collar, which had previously been a luxury afforded only by the wealthy. With plastic collars, individuals from a wider range of socioeconomic backgrounds could now present themselves in various settings, such as churches, courts, offices, and stores, without revealing their modest status through soiled or unkempt clothing.
The commercial appeal of plastic collars extended beyond their practicality and affordability. They also carried a symbolic significance, particularly in the context of occupational status. The stiff white collar, often accompanied by matching cuffs, became a defining feature of the "commercial man" in the 19th century. Clerks, shopkeepers, and other urban professionals adopted this uniform, signalling their non-manual labour occupations and aspiring to project an image of respectability and sophistication. The plastic collar, with its low maintenance and durability, facilitated the dissemination of this fashion trend, reinforcing its commercial success.
However, it is important to note that the popularity of plastic collars among certain demographics did not extend universally across all social classes. While they were widely embraced by those seeking a cost-effective and convenient option, the wealthy and fashionable elite often considered plastic collars as a display of bad taste. They viewed these collars as an imitation of the linen original and preferred the authenticity and prestige associated with starched linen.
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Decline in popularity
The first plastic collar was invented in the 19th century. These collars were made from celluloid, the first commercially produced plastic. They were designed to mimic the look of starched linen, which was a time-consuming process. However, despite their convenience, plastic collars were not widely adopted by the wealthy and fashionable, who considered them to be in bad taste.
In the early 20th century, celluloid collars became a huge commercial success, particularly among those who could not afford to launder a linen collar. This period marked the beginning of the end for detachable collars, however, as the invention of the washing machine meant that laundering clothes became faster and easier.
By the 1920s, men’s fashion was moving towards softer, more comfortable collars, and the stiff, rigid collars were falling out of favour. This trend was opposed by many, particularly in Britain, who did not want to see the American invention of the soft collar leading the fashion trend.
By the 1930s, there were few shirtmakers left who considered detachable collars as daily wear, and most had adopted the soft collar. Detachable collars became reserved for formal evening wear, and even then, it was becoming acceptable to wear a soft collar with formal attire.
Today, detachable collars are a rare sight, although they have not completely disappeared. They are still worn by some men who take an interest in traditional menswear, particularly Edwardian-era fashion.
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Class and status
The history of the shirt collar is deeply intertwined with social class and status. Standing collars first appeared on men's shirts and undershirts in the mid-1400s. However, it was in the 16th century that collars became a prominent marker of class and status. The neck ruff, an unattached collar with pleated frills, became a fashionable accessory. The larger and more extravagant the ruff, the higher the perceived social status of the wearer. This fashion trend was enabled by advances in starch, which gave clothing a crisp and neat appearance.
In the 19th century, men's white-collared shirts continued to signify class and status. Only the wealthy could afford to maintain a perfectly white shirt, as it indicated that they had multiple shirts and servants to launder them. This exclusivity prompted the invention of the detachable collar in 1827 by Hannah Montague, who sought to make it more accessible for people of varying social classes to wear white collars. The invention of the detachable collar led to its mass production, allowing more individuals to aspire to the status symbol of a white collar.
The late 19th century saw the emergence of celluloid plastic collars, which were marketed as a convenient alternative to laundering. These plastic collars were designed to appeal to less wealthy individuals, as they were easier to maintain than traditional linen collars. The advertising of these plastic collars, however, exploited prejudiced sentiments toward Chinese immigrants, who were closely associated with laundry services.
By the 1920s, collared shirts in men's fashion became softer and more comfortable, moving away from the stiff and rigid collars of the past. This shift reflected a broader ideological change in Europe, known as the Enlightenment, which favored simplicity and tastefulness over the gaudy extremes associated with the upper classes. While collars continued to hold class connotations, the focus shifted toward comfort and softness rather than the stark whiteness of previous eras.
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Comfort and practicality
One of the key advantages of plastic collars was their durability. Unlike traditional fabric collars, which could become worn and frayed over time, plastic collars maintained their shape and structure, even with frequent wear. This made them a cost-effective and low-maintenance option for men who wanted to look sharp without spending a lot of time and money on upkeep.
Plastic collars were also lightweight and breathable, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. This was especially advantageous during the warmer months, as they provided a more comfortable alternative to stuffy, traditional collars without sacrificing style or formality.
The smooth surface of plastic collars also lent itself to easy care and maintenance. Unlike fabric collars, which may require careful washing and ironing, plastic collars could be quickly wiped clean with a damp cloth, saving time and effort on laundry.
In addition to their practical benefits, plastic collars also offered a modern and unique look that appealed to men who wanted to stand out from the crowd. They became associated with a sense of futuristic fashion, as well as a rebellious departure from traditional, conservative styles.
However, it's worth noting that plastic collars may not have been as comfortable as some other fabric options, especially for those with sensitive skin. The stiff material and lack of breathability could potentially cause discomfort, especially in hot or humid conditions. Nonetheless, for many men in the 1960s, the benefits of durability, ease of care, and unique style outweighed these potential drawbacks, making plastic collars a popular choice during that era.
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Frequently asked questions
Men started wearing plastic collars made from celluloid, the first commercial plastic, in the 1880s.
Plastic collars were invented as a way to mimic the look of starched linen without the need for laundering. This made them appealing to men who did not have the means to maintain a starched collar.
Yes, the popularity of plastic collars began to wane in the early 20th century. By the 1930s, they were rarely worn as daily wear. However, they continued to be used for formal evening wear.
