The Return of the Dagger Collar Shirt: A 1970s Men's Fashion Trend Revival

The Return of the Dagger Collar Shirt

In the ever-changing world of men's fashion, vintage styles seem to come and go in waves. And recently, one particular style from the 1970s has been making a major comeback: the dagger collar shirt.

Also known as the "cutaway collar" or "Nehru collar", the dagger collar shirt is defined by its distinctive wide, flat collar that angles upwards on either side of the neck. The collar points on each side often extend nearly to the shoulder seams, creating a dramatic, geometric look.

While this style has its origins in traditional Indian Nehru jackets, it became popularized in Western fashion during the freewheeling 1970s. Its rise to prominence coincided with the disco era, when bold prints, vivid colors, and exaggerated silhouettes were all the rage.

The Origins and History of the Dagger Collar

The roots of the dagger collar shirt can be traced back to Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister after gaining independence. Nehru commonly wore a closed-collar jacket that came to be known in India as the "Nehru jacket."

This style of jacket featured a flat, banded collar with narrow points extending toward the shoulders. It became a signature item for Nehru in the 1940s through the 1960s.

In the late 1960s, the Nehru jacket began gaining popularity in Western fashion as well. It was often made in vivid colors and psychedelic prints that aligned with hippie style. The Beatles and other rock bands started sporting Nehru jackets, leading to increased visibility.

Around the early 1970s, the Nehru collar evolved into the more dramatic dagger style. Collar points became even longer and wider, giving it a distinct geometric shape. By the mid '70s, dagger collar shirts were fully embraced by disco culture and mainstream fashion.

Dagger Collar Shirts in 1970s Fashion

During the height of its popularity in the 1970s, the dagger collar shirt took on a life of its own. The most fashion-forward designs often featured wild prints, like abstract florals, paisleys and animal prints. Shiny polyester fabrics provided an eye-catching sheen.

On the color palette, bright tones were favored, including turquoise, gold, purple, lime green and more. Disco music culture loved the dagger collar for its vibrant, flashy aesthetic. The extended collar points added movement for dancing.

Popular movies and TV shows of the era regularly showed leading men outfitted in dagger collar shirts, from John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever to Sonny Crockett of Miami Vice. This cemented the style as a symbol of 1970s fashion.

While most common in polyester, dagger collar shirts were also produced in rayon, cotton and other natural fabrics. Men wore them casually open over T-shirts, but also buttoned up for a dressier look.

How the Dagger Collar Got Its Name

The dagger collar shirt gets its edgy name from the sharp, angular shape of its collar points. Extending nearly to the shoulders at around 45 degree angles, they resemble the blades of daggers or knives.

Other names used for this collar style also refer to its geometric shape. The "cutaway" collar term evokes the look of the collar points being "cut away" from the shirt. "Nehru collar" directly connects it back to the style's Indian origins.

But "dagger" is arguably the most vivid descriptor, immediately conjuring up a dramatic, even dangerous aesthetic. In the rebellious 1970s, that dangerous appeal was part of the style's excitement and popularity.

The Dagger Collar Trend Returns

Like many vintage styles, the dagger collar shirt fell out of mainstream fashion by the early 1980s. For decades, it was relegated to the occasional retro party costume or theme event.

But suddenly, in the late 2010s, dagger collar shirts began popping up again in men's fashion. Early adopters were designers like Saint Laurent and Gucci, who introduced modernized versions on the runway.

Soon, more casual takes on the dagger collar shirt appeared at mainstream retailers like Topman and ASOS. By the early 2020s, the style was back in full force.

What's Fueling the Dagger Collar Revival?

There are likely a few factors contributing to the sudden return of the dagger collar shirt:

• 1970s vintage fashion has become hugely popular again in recent years
• The collar provides a unique, attention-grabbing silhouette
• Retro disco style resonates in today's party culture
• Bold prints and colors are on-trend in menswear
• It provides a funky, artistic statement piece

The combination of vintage appeal, showstopping shape and modern styling has made the dagger collar shirt feel relevant for today. Its confident attitude matches nicely with current fashion as well.

How to Style a Dagger Collar Shirt Today

One of the appeals of the dagger collar is its versatility - it can be styled dressy or casual. For a retro disco look, pair it with slim fit trousers and Chelsea boots. Or channel the '70s with flared jeans and platform shoes.

For a more modern take, wear it open over a plain white T-shirt and dark jeans. Let the collar make the statement. A dagger collar shirt can also dress up a basic suit for events or going out.

Stick to sleek, minimal pieces on the bottom to balance out the collar's dramatic silhouette up top. Avoid bulky layers like hoodies or jackets, which will overwhelm the shape.

The long collar points mean wide necklaces often won't work, but medallions and chains resting higher on the chest are a great accessory choice.

The Dagger Collar Shirt Is Here to Stay

Many vintage revivals are fleeting fads, but early indications point to the dagger collar shirt sticking around this time. Its versatility and artistic flair match up nicely with both retro and contemporary styles.

For the fashion-forward man looking to make a statement, the dagger collar delivers an eye-catching shape you won't find with typical collared shirts. Expect to see this '70s rock and disco staple continuing to make its mark on modern menswear.

FAQs

What is a dagger collar shirt?

A dagger collar shirt is defined by its wide, flat collar with extended points that angle upwards to the shoulders. It creates a geometric, dagger-like shape.

Where did the dagger collar shirt originate?

The roots of the dagger collar shirt can be traced back to the Nehru jacket, named after India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. His stand-up collar jackets evolved into the exaggerated dagger collar in the West during the 1970s.

Why did dagger collars become popular in the 1970s?

The bold, artistic style aligned perfectly with disco culture and menswear trends of the 1970s. Its vibrant prints and colors matched the free-spirited era.

How should you style a dagger collar shirt?

For a '70s look, pair it with flared jeans and boots. For modern styling, wear it over a plain tee with slim jeans. Keep accessories and layers sleek to balance the collar.

Is the dagger collar shirt just a fleeting trend?

Early signs point to the dagger collar being more than a passing fad. Its versatility and showstopping silhouette match up well with both vintage and contemporary fashion.