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The Tab collar is one of the great classics of the male wardrobe. Recognisable by its long, slightly spread points, it frames the face with authority and accommodates a tie as naturally as an open collar. It is the collar for special occasions, polished city dress, and men who know what they want without needing to announce it.
At Swann, the Tab collar shirt is cut to measure from your exact dimensions. The collar height, point length and spread are adjusted to your build and your preferences, because a collar that does not sit well can undermine an entire outfit.
The Tab collar is defined by long points (between 55 and 70 mm depending on the version) and a moderate spread that accommodates a tie knot without crushing it. Its height, generally between 21 and 36 mm, gives it a confident presence around the neck while remaining comfortable to wear all day. Unlike the Italian collar or the cutaway, whose points open widely, the Tab collar holds a straighter, more restrained line.
It is the reference collar in both British and Italian tailoring tradition. It works equally well with a silk tie or a wool knit, under a three-piece suit or with a sport blazer over jeans. Its restraint is precisely what makes it universal.
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The rounded Tab collar follows the same structure as the classic tab collar, with the same height (36 mm) and point length (70 mm), but its tips are rounded rather than tapered. This detail gives it a subtle retro quality, elegant and understated, reminiscent of British dandies from the early twentieth century. It suits those who want to step away from the standard collar without straying from the codes of traditional elegance.
Its defining technical feature is the bar between the points, which keeps the collar in place and showcases the tie knot. That bar does, however, require simple knots only — four-in-hand or small half-Windsor. Large knots will not pass through. A constraint that becomes an elegance, once you know how to wear it.
View the rounded tab collar
The Tab collar benefits most from smooth, structured fabrics. Egyptian cotton poplin, fine and luminous, is its natural companion for formal dress: it falls with precision and resists creasing. Twill adds a little more body and depth, ideal for office shirts worn beneath a suit. For a more relaxed take, Royal Oxford or chambray give the Tab collar an easier feel without compromising its character.
Every shirt is cut to order, in the fabric of your choice, to your measurements. No stock, no compromise. You build your Tab collar shirt from start to finish through our configurator, or during an appointment in one of our boutiques.
Customise my Tab collar shirt
Our advisors welcome you in our Paris and Bordeaux boutiques to take your measurements and guide you through the choice of fabric, buttons and personalisation options. You can also build your Tab collar shirt directly online, following our step-by-step measurement guide, and benefit from our first-order guarantee.
Customise my Tab collar shirt
The Tab collar is often confused with other pointed classic collars. Its main distinction from the standard collar lies in the collar bar that links the points together, giving it a more singular character. It is closest to the classic collar, set apart by this specific detail designed to carry the tie and lend a polished rigour to the outfit.
The Tab collar is paradoxically structured enough for formal occasions and precise enough for a professional daily routine. It is often the first collar men gravitate towards when building a quality wardrobe, and the one they keep the longest.
At Swann, all our collars are available made to measure. If you are unsure which to choose, our advisors can guide you based on your build, your dress habits and your occasions.
Our style recommendations by occasion and body type
| OCCASION | Pair with | Tie knot | Suggested fabric |
| Formal meeting | Navy or charcoal suit | Half-Windsor or four-in-hand | White or sky blue poplin |
| Wedding | Suit or dinner jacket, silk pocket square | Bow tie or slim tie | White poplin, batiste |
| Smart office | Suit or blazer with tailored trousers | Four-in-hand, open collar | Twill, blue Oxford, striped poplin |
| Business lunch | Navy blazer, grey or beige chinos | Open collar | Chambray Oxford, plain twill |
| By body type | |||
| Long neck | Choose a taller collar (38-40 mm) to balance proportions | ||
| Short neck | Opt for a lower collar (33-35 mm) to visually lengthen | ||
| Round face | Slightly longer points to refine and add structure | ||
| Long face | A slightly wider spread to balance proportions | ||
A well-cut Tab collar shirt does not go out of fashion. The codes of the Tab collar have been established for over a century and have not shifted, because they rest on proportions that naturally flatter the face and the male silhouette. It is a purchase you make once, with care, and wear for years.
At Swann, every shirt is made to order, with no overproduction and no unsold stock. Your measurements are saved in your customer account and each subsequent order takes only a few minutes. Made to measure becomes a simple habit, not a complicated luxury.
Book an appointment at one of our boutiques in Paris or Bordeaux, or order online. Your made-to-measure Tab collar shirt will be delivered within 4 weeks, cut and assembled to your specifications.