stick-up collar

stick-up collar

A man adjusts his stick-up collar in the mirror.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A type of stiff collar: "stick-up collar" refers to a high, upright collar that stands up rather than lying flat against the garment. It is typically found on formal men's shirts or women's blouses and is often starched to maintain its shape.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • He wore a crisp white shirt with a stick-up collar for the wedding. (A stiff, upright collar that stands up.)
    • The vintage dress had a delicate stick-up collar trimmed with lace. (A collar that is designed to stand up, not lie flat.)
Advanced Usage
  • "To have a stick-up collar": to wear or possess a shirt with such a collar.
    • The butler's uniform featured a classic stick-up collar. (The collar was stiff and upright, typical of formal attire.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Collar (n): the part of a garment that encircles the neck.
    • The collar of his jacket was turned up against the wind. (The neckband of the jacket.)
  • Stiff collar (n): a collar that is made rigid, often through starching.
    • A stiff collar can be uncomfortable but looks formal. (A collar that does not bend easily.)
  • Standing collar (n): another term for a stick-up collar, especially in fashion contexts.
    • The Mao jacket has a distinctive standing collar. (A collar that stands up vertically.)
Synonyms
  • Upright collar: a collar that stands straight up.
    • The shirt had an upright collar that framed his face. (A collar that is not folded down.)
  • High collar: a collar that rises above the neckline.
    • Victorian fashion often featured high collars. (Collars that are tall or elevated.)
Related Idioms
  • "Stick up for": to defend or support someone or something (not directly related to the collar, but a common phrase using "stick up").
    • She always sticks up for her friends. (She defends them.)
  • "Stick-up" (n): a robbery or hold-up (slang, unrelated to clothing).
    • The bank was the scene of a stick-up. (A robbery.)

Note: The word "stick-up collar" is a compound noun and should not be confused with the phrasal verb "stick up" (to raise or protrude). It is a specific term in menswear and historical costume.