A clerical collar is the white band or tab at the throat that marks clergy of many Christian traditions, and it comes in more than one form: the tab collar, the full band "dog collar", the detachable neckband, the tunnel collar and the tonsure collar. I cut and finish clergy shirts in our Polish atelier, and the question I answer most often is which collar goes with which shirt — so this guide walks through every type, how it attaches, which traditions wear it and how to choose. If you already know the style you want, our clergy shirts are cut for standard tabs and full collarettes and collars; the rest of this article explains the differences.
What are the different types of clerical collars?
Five collar types cover almost everything worn today: the tab collar, the full band collar (informally the dog collar), the neckband collar, the tunnel collar and the tonsure collar. They differ in how the white element is shaped and how it attaches — some slide into the shirt, some fasten around the neck with studs, and some are built into the shirt itself.
| Collar type | How it works | How it attaches | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tab collar (Roman collar) | A small white rectangle at the throat | A stiff tab slides into a slot in the shirt collar | Everyday ministry; most common among Catholic clergy |
| Full band collar ("dog collar") | A complete white ring around the neck | Fastened with studs or buttons to a neckband shirt | Anglican and Protestant traditions; formal occasions |
| Neckband collar | A white band or strip circling the neck | Detachable; fastens with collar studs or buttons | Traditional settings; easy to clean and replace |
| Tunnel collar (slip-in) | A tab that slips into a fabric channel | Built into the shirt; the tab slides through the tunnel | More structure and coverage than a plain tab |
| Tonsure collar | Rises slightly above the shirt with a tab and peak | Part of the shirt's construction | Historical and ceremonial use; less common today |
Tab collar (Roman collar)
The classic look: a high shirt collar with a small slot at the front, into which a stiff white tab slides. The result is a small white rectangle at the throat — instantly recognisable, easy to wear and easy to swap. It is the most popular style worn by Catholic clergy today, and in our atelier it is the collar we cut most often for daily ministry.
Full band collar (dog collar)
A full band is a complete white ring that wraps around the neck, visible from every side. Most are made of plastic or cotton and attach to a neckband shirt with studs or buttons. The informal name "dog collar" stuck because of the shape, but the correct terms are full band or neckband collar. It reads as more formal than a tab and is strongly associated with Anglican and Protestant traditions.
Neckband collar
A neckband collar is a white band or strip that fastens around the neck, usually with collar studs or buttons, and belongs to a neckband shirt — a shirt finished with a simple band instead of a fold-down collar. Because it detaches completely, it can be removed for cleaning or replaced when worn, which makes it practical for daily wear under a waistcoat or rabat.
Tunnel collar (slip-in collar)
The tunnel collar works like the tab but with more structure: the shirt has a fabric channel around the neck, and the tab slips inside it. The extra coverage holds the collar crisply in place through long services, which is why some clergy prefer it for preaching and ceremony.
Tonsure collar
The tonsure collar rises slightly above the shirt line, showing a tab and a small peak around the top. It is a nod to historical clerical fashion and appears mainly in certain denominations or for ceremonial use — a distinctive choice rather than an everyday one.
Which clerical collar does each denomination wear?
Practice varies between traditions and even between parishes, but these are the patterns I see most often in orders that reach our atelier from around the world:
| Tradition | Most common collar | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic | Tab collar | The everyday norm; the full band is worn by some orders and regions |
| Anglican / Episcopal | Full band or tab | The neckband is traditional; the tab is common among younger clergy |
| Lutheran | Full band | Standard in Nordic and many European churches |
| Methodist | Tab collar | Widely worn with a suit or robe |
| Presbyterian | Varies | Some ministers wear collars, others preaching bands with the Geneva gown |
| Orthodox | Usually none | Priests normally wear the cassock rather than the Western clerical collar |
If your community wears both styles, the safe default is a tab for daily ministry and a full band for formal occasions — and it is always worth checking local custom before ordering a set. Colours are a separate question from types: our guide to the colours of clergy shirts explains what black, purple, red and white shirts signify.
How does a clerical collar attach to a shirt?
A tab collar needs a shirt with a slot cut into the collar, and the tab simply slides in; a full band or neckband collar needs a neckband shirt and fastens with two studs at the front. This is why shirts and collars are bought as a system: a full band cannot be fitted to a tab-only shirt, and a neckband shirt needs its matching ring collar. When you order from us, tell us the shirt style you already wear and we will match the collar to it — or cut the shirt to the collar you prefer.
Tab collar or full band: which should you choose?
Choose the tab collar for daily ministry, travel and long days — it is light, discreet and cheap to replace when a tab yellows or cracks. Choose the full band when visibility and formality matter: services, ceremonies and hospital or prison visits, where being recognised instantly is part of the ministry. Many clergy keep both: tabs for the working week, a full band for Sundays and feast days.
| Consideration | Tab collar | Full band collar |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday comfort | Lightest option | More material around the neck |
| Visibility | Discreet, front only | Visible from every angle |
| Maintenance | Tabs are inexpensive to replace | Clean as a unit; needs studs |
| Best for | Daily ministry, travel | Formal services, public ministry |
How do you care for clerical collars?
Plastic collars — most tabs and bands — should be wiped with a damp cloth and mild soap, and never soaked in hot water, which can warp them. Cotton collars can be hand washed cool and pressed while slightly damp. Keep a spare set: tabs and bands are small, and a fresh white collar is the fastest way to keep a well-worn shirt looking sharp. The same discipline that protects your shirts applies here — see our guide to measuring for a cassock for the neck measurement that keeps both garments comfortable together.
FAQ
How many types of clerical collar are there? Five main types are worn today: tab, full band, neckband, tunnel and tonsure. The first three cover almost all everyday use; tunnel and tonsure collars are specialist choices.
Is a Roman collar the same as a clerical collar? A Roman collar usually means the tab collar specifically, while "clerical collar" is the general name for all types — including full bands and neckbands.
Why is a full band called a dog collar? The name is informal, from the way the complete white ring circles the neck. The proper terms are full band or neckband collar.
Can I wear a tab collar shirt without the tab? Yes — without the tab it reads as a plain high-collar shirt, which is useful off duty. See our guide to clergy shirt colours for more on when clergy dress down.
Conclusion
Pick the system, not just the collar: a shirt cut for tabs with a set of spare tabs for the week, or a neckband shirt with a full band for Sundays and ceremonies. We cut and finish tab-collar and neckband clergy shirts to measure in our Polish atelier and ship worldwide, with matching collarettes and collars — write to us with your tradition and occasion and we will recommend the right combination.
Related reading
Continue with our guides to the colours of clergy shirts and their meanings, how to measure for a cassock and the vestments of a bishop. If you serve at the altar, our clergy shirts collection pairs with the cassocks and collars above.
