The Timeless Appeal of The Winchester Collar

Colour clashing may be considered a fashion faux pas, but blending contrasting shades won’t always render you a style victim. The Winchester collar may just be the finest testament to this theory. By definition, a Winchester shirt is a coloured or patterned button down with a contrasting collar and cuffs. Traditionally worn as a dress shirt, a Winchester is both a sartorial statement and a safe-bet style designed so you’ll never blend into the crowd – the difference is all in the details.

Though many assume relation with the quaint English city of the same name, the shirt was actually named after the 52nd Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut, Oliver Fisher Winchester – a weapons manufacturer who began his business career making shirts in New York City throughout the mid-19th century. Since then, the Winchester shirt has time-travelled from the dandy get-ups of the Victorian era to the sophisticated styles of the 1930s and has been immortalised by the power suits worn by the Wall Street hot-shots of the 1980s.

An alternative to the usual dress shirts, a Winchester works best for a more formal occasion: think a day at the races or a summer garden party. The contrasting collar is the main event, so be sure to add a pair of our trusty collar stays so your Winchester remains sharp and pristine throughout the day. In keeping with tradition, a classic tie, fit for a high- class event, will draw attention to the contrasting collar design. Take cue from a recent Arena Homme + magazine editorial, which features our open weave dobby Winchester in subtle pale blue and white.

Need more inspiration? Try pairing with a plain woven silk tie, in a complementary dark navy or a luscious burgundy red for an effortless dapper ensemble that will put Wall Street’s Gordon Gekko to shame. Alternatively, our Regent End on End Winchester in a blue and navy striped pattern is the epitome of a statement summer shirt that’s fit for race day. Complete with a characterful accessory such as a polka dot silk woven tie or multicoloured enamel square Bengal stripe cufflinks to infuse your attire with a playful touch of eccentricity.