Darcy detachable collars - Washable Vs. Starched?

[Annixter]

Thanks for the input on Darcy collars everyone. I need a wing collar to officially complete my 1930's white-tie ensemble I'm wearing at my wedding this summer. I'm about ready to order one, and I'm going to go with the Darcy washable wing collar based off your input. I too have starched collars and stiff-front shirts before similar to yesteryear's process, and they are always a pain.

 

[F. J.]

To-day I received some collars and a box of studs I had ordered from Darcy.
They arrived packed flat in a plastic envelope and are quite stiff and very convincing.

“Washable Edwardian Wing Collar”
(which I think looks best with four-in-hand ties)

“Washable Wing Collar Extra High”
(which I think looks best with bows)

“Washable Spearpoint Stiff Collar”

Here is the “Washable Double Round Collar” compared to a limp club collar from Gentleman’s Emporium:

And the Edwardian wing with a limp wing from G. E.:

The “Washable Stiff fronted Dress Shirt” is next on my list to purchase from them.

 

[Yesteryear]

Very nice F.J., you'll look quite dapper with those. The quality difference compared to the ones from Gentleman's Emporium is like night and day.

 

[JAH]

I have one of the casual models, here's a quick selfie (with apologies for my unshaven neck). It's tall, 2.5" at the back.
Bruce
View attachment 24022

Is that the washable version?

 

[JAH]

Quick question, is the idea to remove the cuff button for use with cuff links? Thanks!

FWIW.... I've not yet dabbled with their separate collars, but I do have one of Darcy's washable evening shirts. This one:

http://www.darcyclothing.com/shop/shirts/sh2291.html

Looks great every time, and come outs of the washing machine as stiff as it went in. It's never been queried in the circles I move in (where a lot of folks really taked their white tie seriously and go full Edwardian or Victorian with it). I'd love to use the full on 'real thing', but I just can't justify the expense and hassle of going to Barkers every time I wear a shirt. I've also worn this one with black tie, great for a sort of twenties look, especially paired with a white tie waistcoat.

 

[Edward]

Quick question, is the idea to remove the cuff button for use with cuff links? Thanks!

I'm not sure why they refer to a cuff buton there - mine doesn't have one (though I imagine one could easily be sewn on if you wanted it) - just the two holes so that the single thickness cuff (correct for white tie) can be fastened with links. Presumably they mean you can order it with the button if you want?

FWIW, since last posting on this thread, I have also now acquired one of the separate-collar (daywear) shirts, with a washable Arundel collar (as worn in Peaky Blinders). Lovely thing to wear. It got a good, hard baptism of fire at the Chap Olympiad too. I followed their advice and ordered a collar a half size above the size of the shirt, and it's perfect. the washable collar is indistinguishable in look from a traditional stiff collar, but with a minimum of fuss and expense - I can put it in the washing machine.

 

[JAH]

I'm not sure why they refer to a cuff buton there - mine doesn't have one (though I imagine one could easily be sewn on if you wanted it) - just the two holes so that the single thickness cuff (correct for white tie) can be fastened with links. Presumably they mean you can order it with the button if you want?

Interesting. Just received mine and it does have cuff buttons... I'll have to just remove them I guess. Nice shirt though. Have you found it shrinking at all in the wash?

I wore one of their starched double collars to a friend's wedding last week - went down very well I think! Haven't tried any of their other shirts.

 

[Edward]

No shrinking problem on either of mine, though I do tend to cool wash everything.