Dimples

[Guest]

Are they those small metal sticks that are placed between the shirt collars, under the tie?

Well, I hate them.

What do you think?

Giona.

[BenedictSpinola]

I thought these devices looked cool when I saw Eddie Murphy sporting them in "Beverley Hills Cop 2": I was about 9. Now I probably hate them more than you do.

[ccox]

Gentlemen;
I have always called those "sticks" "collar bars." I like them as an alternative to the tab collar; they perform the same function of elevating the knot of the tie to give it some visual interest. I have a couple from the 30s, and a few modern "pins" that fit through holes in the shirt collar.

A "Dimple"-- for my part-- refers to the indentation that you can form in the silk of a tie under the knot. A very elegant touch.


Regards,
CCox

[manton]

There are three ways to pin a collar:

1) Literally pin it, with big safety pin (this is what Astaire used, even with button-downs)

2) Buy your shirts with little holes sewn in the collar, as CCox suggests. Then you can either pin the collar with a real pin, or uses a little barbell-like device on which the ball at one end unscrews.

3) Use a clip that looks like pin.

Method one is not good for collars, over the long term. But it is probably the most elegant. Method 2 is more convenient, but maybe a little too "fussy." Method three is, well ...

I used to do #1 occasionally but stopped. I don't hate the look, I just thing spread collars suit me better. I may try it again someday.

[Guest]

Ok. So I misunderstood the term. Anyway almost none in Europe is usings pins ... will I be confuted?

[ccox]

Dear Mr. Manton;
I, too, have the "safety pins" that pierce the collar. I stopped wearing them since they tend to wreck the collar over the long haul. And I agree that they are more elegant, simply because they are less perfect -- I can never get them perfectly straight. Do you have an opinion about the little gold button that you can use to close the tabs on a tab collar? I'd hate to be seen as fussy, althougth it's probably too late for that.

Mr. Giona;
Collar pins are an "old-fashioned look." I don't run into many Americans who wear them any longer. Of course, from what I've seen of my fellow countrymen, we are one step away from doing without trousers for business wear... . Or leather shoes anyway. I say, wear a pin with pride!

Regards,
CCox

[manton]

CCox: I get my tab collar shirts made with two loops instead of a snap, and then I close the loops with a (faux-gold) stud. You can't see the stud, but knowing it's there makes me feel better dressed.

[ccox]

Thank you for your reply, manton. I have several RTW shirts that have that same loop and I use a (once) gold stud to fasten them, as well. Do you know where I might find one that is in better repair than the one I use currently? I guess that they were once used to fasten collars to shirt bodies?

Regards,
CCox

[manton]

I got a set of four very plain studs at New & Lingwood in London about 10 years ago for something like 10 GBP. Cheap formal studs, perfect for this purpose. I was in there earlier this month, and I saw a wide variety of studs and links ranging from the very cheap to the threshold of very very expensive.

In NYC, try H. Herzfeld. They have a lot of that old-time kit.

[ccox]

Thanks, manton. That gives me an idea. I've got some wonderful 2nd hand clothing stores here. I bet I can pick up a nice vintage set for next to nothing.

Cheers,
CCox

[rfwillis]

Giona,
I think I noticed that you asked this question on another forum. I'm sorry it wasn't answered.
The word "dimples" is most often used to describe the indentations in some peoples cheeks, as they smile. It is often observed in children and is often seen as attractive.

In the context in which it continually appears on the fora, it refers to the indentation under the knot of a good tie, apparently tied correctly.

Forgive me if I have misunderstood you and are stating things you already know.