The history of the detachable collar

In the ever-cycling world of high fashion, some traditions don’t just return—they are reborn. The detachable collar, once a 19th-century symbol of starch-stiffened labor and social rigidness, has found its modern savior.

The history of the detachable collar is a fascinating blend of household ingenuity and social status. While often associated with the stiff-collared "gentlemen" of the Victorian era, its origin is actually rooted in the practical labor of a woman.

The Invention (1827)

The detachable collar was invented in 1827 by Hannah Lord Montague in Troy, New York. Tired of scrubbing her husband Orlando's entire shirts when only the neck was dirty, she snipped the collars off and attached strings to tie them back on. This allowed the collars to be laundered, starched, and replaced more frequently than the shirt itself.

This innovation transformed Troy into the "Collar City," and the industry eventually gave rise to the term "white-collar worker," referring to office employees who could afford the upkeep of clean, stiff white collars.

When Women Started Wearing Them

This trend continued to evolve, with women incorporating detachable neckwear into their attire in various innovative ways. These were practical accessories for day dresses, allowing a woman to change her look or "freshen up" an outfit without owning multiple expensive gowns.

The Victorian Era (1860s – 1890s): Detachable collars became a staple for women. They ranged from small, flat linen bands to elaborate lace berthas (cape-like collars).

The "New Woman" & Edwardian Era (1890s – 1910s): This was the peak of detachable collar fashion for women. The rise of the "Gibson Girl" look featured severe, high-boned detachable collars made of lace or starched linen, often worn with a blouse called a "shirtwaist.

Key Materials

Through History

1. Linen & Cotton: The original standard; required heavy starching to stay upright.

2. Paper: Popular in the 1860s as a "disposable" option for those who couldn't afford laundry services.

3. Celluloid (Early Plastic): Introduced in the 1870s; these could be simply wiped clean with a damp cloth, though they were notoriously flammable and uncomfortable.

Why they disappeared

By the 1920s and 30s, the trend shifted toward "soft" dressing. The invention of the home washing machine made the labor-saving aspect of detachable collars obsolete, and comfort began to take priority over the rigid, starched silhouettes of the past.

The Return of the "Collar City" Chic

While Hannah Lord Montague invented the detachable collar in 1827 for the sake of laundry efficiency, Kristina Laptso has reimagined it for the modern woman’s lifestyle. Gone are the days of painful collar pins and the struggle of heavy starch. Laptso’s designs treat the collar not as a laundry hack, but as a jewelry-like centerpiece.

Her collections often bridge the gap between "Middle Ages" romanticism and sharp, modern silhouettes. By incorporating textures like velvet, lace, and even stone-fringed detailing, she has made the detachable collar an accessible luxury for every woman who wants to transform a simple knit or a minimalist dress into a high-fashion statement in seconds.