Kent collar shirts by van Laack – the timeless classic for any occasion
The Kent collar is arguably the best-known collar style on a classic men's shirt – moderately open, harmonious in its proportions and compatible with virtually any tie. This versatility makes it the first choice for men looking for a collar that performs as confidently in the office as it does with a jacket on the weekend. Since 1881, van Laack has been crafting shirts with the ambition that every detail should sit correctly: from the cleanly worked Kent collar to the genuine three-hole mother-of-pearl buttons, the sturdy hand-felled seams and the reinforcing side-seam gussets.
Why the Kent collar is so popular
The Kent collar is the most balanced of all collar styles. Its moderate spread frames the face cleanly without becoming overstated, and it suits practically every tie knot – from the slender Four-in-Hand to a classic full knot. It looks just as composed worn with suit trousers in a meeting as it does open under a jacket or a cardigan. That makes it the natural choice for anyone seeking a shirt that works as well in everyday business wear as it does on private occasions.
High-quality weaves in the collection
A shirt lives through its fabric – and our Kent collar range features a selection of our finest weaves:
- Twill: diagonally woven, particularly supple in the hand and with a fine sheen – ideal for the classic twill shirts with a non-iron finish.
- Poplin: densely and smoothly woven, pleasantly cool on the skin – the timeless choice for formal appearances.
- Dobby: fine woven patterns in the surface lend the shirt subtle texture and understated elegance.
- Flannel: softly brushed and warming – perfect for the colder months, often in a checked design.
- Linen: breathable and temperature-regulating – the natural choice for summer occasions and a relaxed feel.
Special summer fabrics such as seersucker, with its distinctively crinkled surface, also appear in this collar style – a testament to the versatility of the Kent collar, which spans the full register from formal to easy summer wear.
The right fit for your silhouette
For a Kent collar shirt to reveal its full effect, the cut needs to match the figure. We offer two fits represented in this category:
- Slim Fit – close-fitting and modern, ideal for a sporty, slim silhouette.
- Tailor Fit – the balanced cut with a slight taper, universally wearable and especially recommended for the business look.
Frequently asked questions about Kent collar shirts
What is the difference between a Kent collar and a cutaway collar?
The Kent collar has a moderate spread and appears classic and restrained, whereas the cutaway collar, with its widely splayed points, has a more striking and formal presence. Anyone preferring a more elegant look paired with broader tie knots will find the right alternative in our cutaway collar shirts.
Which tie knot suits the Kent collar?
Thanks to its moderate spread, almost every knot harmonises with the Kent collar – from the narrow Four-in-Hand through the half-Windsor to the full Windsor for heavier ties. This flexibility makes it the ideal all-round collar.
Are Kent collar shirts also available in non-iron quality?
Yes – a large proportion of our twill and poplin models with a Kent collar come with a non-iron finish. You will find an overview of all easy-care styles in our non-iron shirts.
Discover our selection of Kent collar shirts – from non-iron twill and textured Dobby weave to summery linen designs – and experience what Quality is timeless® has meant since 1881.