A collar that flops when you want it to stand crisp can change the whole look of a blouse. Whether you want a one-time stand for a photo or a permanent fix, it comes down to giving the collar some body. Here’s how, from quickest to most lasting.
Quick fixes
- Starch and press. Spray starch on the collar and press it firmly into a standing shape with steam — the fastest way to stiffen a soft collar for the day.
- Collar stays. For shirt-style collars with a pocket, slide in plastic or metal collar stays to hold the points crisp.
- A hidden snap or button. A small snap at the back of the neck can hold a collar upright in place.
The permanent fix: interfacing
A collar stands because of interfacing — the stiffening layer sewn between the collar fabrics. A soft, floppy collar simply doesn’t have enough. To fix it for good, open the collar’s edge, slip in a layer of fusible or sew-in interfacing cut to the collar (and the collar stand, if it has one), fuse or stitch it, and close it back up. Match the interfacing weight to the look: crisp shirting wants a firm interfacing; a soft blouse, a lighter one. A row of topstitching around the collar adds extra structure and a tailored finish.
Frequently asked questions
Why won’t my collar stay up?
It lacks stiffening. The collar needs interfacing between its layers, or temporary help from starch or collar stays, to hold a standing shape.
What interfacing should you use for a collar?
A firm fusible or sew-in interfacing for crisp shirt collars, and a lighter weight for soft blouses. Match the interfacing to the body you want.
How do you make a collar stand up without sewing?
Spray it with starch and press it into shape with steam, add collar stays for pointed collars, or hold it with a small hidden snap at the back of the neck.
