A Guide to Clergy Collar Styles

Nothing quite signifies a member of the clergy quite like a clerical collar, but, why are there different shapes and who gets to wear them?

A collar is worn to symbolize the permanence of Holy Orders, reflecting an enduring commitment to the calling. Any clergyman of any rank of any faith can wear any collar.

The History

Before the late 18th Century, there was no real way of identifying members of the clergy of any denomination other than by wearing a cassock. For lay and clergy alike, detachable collars started to grow in popularity among the populace as they were easier to clean and replace when necessary. Members of the clergy adopted the trend, creating the 'clerical collar', and continue to use them to this day. 

Their official use in shirts was brought about after the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) to make priests instantly recognizable when out of their cassocks. Anglicans, Methodists, Roman Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans and Eastern Orthodox churches moved from cassocks to collars as 'street wear' for ease around the 1960’s. Cassocks are still the traditional choice for many Religious Orders, of course, but the popularisation of the clergy shirt gave increased flexibility in the choice of everyday wardrobe.

Types of Collars

Each clergy collar style was borne through progression of the other, but the different versions are typically worn based on personal preference and individual wardrobe style (unless dictated specifically by Diocese Leadership).

Women's Custom Clergy Shirt with full collar.

The Tunic Collar, also known as the ‘Full Roman’ or the ‘Vicars' collar’, is a full white band that goes all the way around the neck, secured by a stud at the front and back. This tended to be the classic detachable collar style chosen by clergymen. Blessed John Henry Newman, leading figure of the Oxford Movement in the 19th Century, would wear one beneath his high-necked Roman cassock, which had a small opening in the front to reveal a small square of white from under the collar. 

This look would go on to influence clerical shirts more broadly, leading to the styling of the Tonsure Collar — also known as a ‘Roman collar’. This collar clips into the neckline and sits slightly above the shirt edge, framing the collar while also letting a ‘tab’ peak through the centre. This had the appearance of a Roman cassock neckline without the need for a cassock. 

Men's Tonsure Clergy Shirt

The Tunnel Collar, also known as the ‘Slip-in’ or ‘Tab Collar’, is the classic style that features a white rectangle peaking through the front of a clerical shirt. Over time the collar evolved to having a simple tab that could slip in and out of a shirt without the need for studs.

Men's Tab Collar Clergy Shirt

The choice of collar is entirely up to the wearer unless of course the Diocese specifies which is to be worn when serving. Some priests stick with a single style throughout their lives, while some choose the Tunic or Tonsure collar for services and formal occasions, and use Tunnel shirts for their everyday. 

Here at Wippells, we offer all 3 types of clerical collars, blending comfort and history perfectly with style. Whether you wear the Tunic, Tonsure, or Tab collar, just remember to wear it with pride.