5 Best Collar Pins Menswear Creators Endorse
Introduction — Functionality First
I always start with function. A collar pin isn’t just a decorative flourish; it holds the collar points together, lifts a tie knot, and adds structure to a shirt’s front. When I want a crisp, purposeful look that reads sharp in photos and real life, a collar pin is my secret tool. Top menswear YouTubers I follow swear by them for polishing everything from casual button-downs to full suiting.
Why menswear creators endorse collar pins
I trust creators who test pieces on camera — they stretch, wear, and critique in ways that show real-world use. These YouTubers emphasize durability, finish, and how pins change the silhouette: they pull fabric forward, creating a stronger tie knot line and a hint of vintage charm. If you like visual details and clean tailoring, a collar pin is one of those small investments that makes outfits feel considered.
How I chose these five
I used clear criteria: real availability, trusted brands or sellers, materials, finishing quality, and endorsements by menswear creators with substantial followings. I also prioritized pieces that give clear dimensions and specs so you know how they’ll fit your collar and style. This list blends classic metal pins, modern designs, and options that suit different collars — from spread to point.
1) HICKIES Collar Pin — Brass Bar Style (Polished Brass)
Why creators love it
Several menswear YouTubers have kept the HICKIES brass bar in rotation because it balances vintage looks with modern finishing. It’s minimalist but noticeable, and creators highlight how it gives a clean, tailored line under a tie.
Product description
- Material: Solid brass with polished lacquer finish to slow oxidation.
- Color: Warm polished brass (gold-tone).
- Dimensions: 55 mm length bar; 2.5 mm thickness; pin post 28 mm.
- Design: Straight bar with two fixed posts and push-back fasteners.
- Packaging: Small felt pouch and protective tube.
How it looks and feels
The brass feels pleasantly weighty without being bulky. The polished sheen catches light, giving a soft warmth against navy or charcoal suiting. When I button my collar, the bar sits flat and visually anchors the tie, creating a pronounced tie channel.
Personal take
I found the pin robust — I wore it through a three-day shoot and it didn’t dull. It’s ideal if you want a touch of classic English tailoring.
Style and lifestyle fit
Use it with oxford cloth, pinpoint, or poplin shirts. It reads well in editorial photos or work meetings. If you prefer an understated retro note, this brass bar is a safe bet.
2) TheTieBar Double Ball Collar Pin — Silver Plated (Ball Ends)
Why creators recommend it
Creators praise TheTieBar for affordability and consistent finishing. Their double-ball pin is often used in tutorials showing “how to elevate a simple shirt and tie.” It’s a staple for videos because it demonstrates instant transformation.
Product description
- Material: Base metal with silver plate; anti-tarnish coating.
- Color: Bright silver (rhodium-like finish).
- Dimensions: Bar length 40 mm; ball diameter 6 mm; post length 26 mm.
- Design: Smooth cylindrical bar with spherical ends; removable posts for easy attachment.
- Extra: Single-piece construction with screw-off balls so you slide through collar holes then screw on.
How it looks and feels
The bright silver finish gives a modern, crisp aesthetic. It’s lighter than solid brass and sits slightly higher off the fabric, creating a clear separation between collar points.
Personal take
I used this pin with a lighter linen blend shirt and it held up well. It’s perfect when you want a clean, minimalist accent without vintage warmth.
Style and lifestyle fit
Great for daytime workwear and casual tailoring. If you lean toward Scandinavian minimalism — clean lines, neutral palettes — this pin is right at home.
3) Brooks Brothers Sterling Silver Collar Bar — Classic Tube (Sterling .925)
Why creators highlight it
Top classic menswear channels reference Brooks Brothers when discussing heritage pieces. Their sterling collar bar is cited for superior materials and the way it ages gracefully.
Product description
- Material: Sterling silver (.925).
- Color: Natural silver with subtle patina potential.
- Dimensions: 50 mm length; tube diameter 3 mm; post length 28 mm.
- Design: Hollow tube style with fixed pins; posts fit standard collar holes.
- Packaging: Branded box with cleaning cloth.
How it looks and feels
Sterling silver has a softer, warmer tone than rhodium-plated pieces and will develop a light patina over time. The tube silhouette is slim and elegant, and it hugs the collar line closely for a refined effect.
Personal take
Wearing this made a plain white shirt feel like a tailored set. It earned compliments during a filmed interview; viewers asked where it was from in the comments.
Style and lifestyle fit
This is for those who appreciate classic menswear and invest in heirloom-quality details. It pairs beautifully with wool suits, tweed, and heritage-inspired looks.
4) Drake’s London Collar Pin — Gold-Filled Twisted Bar
Why creators cite it
Drake’s, a menswear authority in the YouTube community, is often used as a reference for artisanal finishing. Their collar pin stands out because of its handcrafted feel and textured surface.
Product description
- Material: Gold-filled (thicker gold layer bonded to base metal).
- Color: Antique gold (muted, slightly warm).
- Dimensions: 48 mm length; twisted bar width 3 mm; post length 30 mm.
- Design: Twisted rope texture with two fixed prongs; satin finish to reduce glare.
- Packaging: Branded box with care card.
How it looks and feels
The rope texture catches light subtly, creating an intriguing visual without screaming for attention. The gold tone has a restrained luxury — not ostentatious, but immediately noticeable in close-up shots.
Personal take
I used this for an evening look with a dark green flannel shirt and it introduced a layered richness without clashing. Creators often recommend gold-filled over plated for longevity.
Style and lifestyle fit
Pairs well with autumn palettes — forest greens, deep browns, and navy. Ideal if you want a textured accent that reads tactile on camera.
5) H&M Men’s Collar Bar — Affordable Brass Finish (Budget Option)
Why creators include it
Several creators include budget comparisons; H&M’s collar bar is frequently suggested for beginners who want to try the trend without commitment. It shows how much impact a small accessory can have at low cost.
Product description
- Material: Base metal with brass-tone plating.
- Color: Yellow brass tone, slightly matte.
- Dimensions: 45 mm length; post length 24 mm.
- Design: Simple straight bar with fixed pins and a brushed finish.
- Price: Low-cost, widely available online and in stores.
How it looks and feels
It looks good in photos when paired with casual shirts. The finish is subtle and slightly matte, making it forgiving for everyday wear.
Personal take
I carried one as a spare for shoots. It isn’t heirloom grade, but it does the job for styling experiments and casual days.
Style and lifestyle fit
Great entry-level option. Use it with casual button-downs and weekend blazers when you want a polished touch without worrying about damage or loss.
What to Look For — Practical Buying Guide
- Material: Solid metals (sterling, brass, gold-filled) will last longer and develop a pleasant patina. Plated or base-metal pins are fine for casual wear but may tarnish faster.
- Bar length: Measure your collar points — typical lengths range 40–55 mm. Too short looks cramped; too long can jut out awkwardly.
- Post length: Ensure posts fit your collar thickness (24–30 mm is common). If posts are too short, they may not secure; too long can poke into skin.
- Finish: Polished vs. matte affects visual weight. Polished reflects light and reads more formal; matte or satin is understated.
- Attachment style: Screw-off ball ends are convenient; fixed pins can be sturdier but harder to thread through heavy cloth.
- Collar compatibility: Point collars and medium-spread collars work best. Very wide spread collars may not be suitable without a long bar.
- Weight: Heavier pins sit more securely but may pull at thin fabrics. Lighter pins are better for delicate shirts.
- Care: Sterling and gold-filled need occasional polishing; brass may darken slightly but can be cleaned to restore sheen.
How to Wear a Collar Pin — Tips From Creators I Trust
- Use with a tie: Collar pins look best with a necktie; they lift and expose the knot. For a bow tie, skip the pin to avoid competing shapes.
- Collar style: Point and semi-spread collars are ideal. Cutaway collars rarely suit pins because the collar points sit too wide apart.
- Shirt fabric: Midweight fabrics (poplin, pinpoint, oxford) hold pins well. Thin linens may sag; thick collars (stiff starch) might be hard to thread.
- Knot choice: A medium-sized knot (half-Windsor, four-in-hand) pairs well. The pin should sit just below the knot, not over it.
- Casual looks: Try a pin with an unbuttoned top button (no tie) for a subtle vintage vibe — creators often show this for smart-casual shoots.
My Personal Testing Notes
I tested each pin across office wear, interviews, and casual shoots. Here’s what I noticed:
- Brass and sterling pins gave the most consistent visual lift in photos.
- Screw-off ball pins were easiest to use on camera and in quick changes.
- Budget pins did their job but required replacement sooner due to plating wear.
- Textured finishes (like Drake’s twisted bar) add depth when paired with wool or flannel.
FAQs — Common Questions Answered
Q: Will a collar pin damage my shirts? A: When used properly through pre-made collar holes or with collars designed for pins, no. Avoid forcing pins through delicate fabrics repeatedly; consider a tailor to add small reinforced holes if you plan frequent use.
Q: Can I wear a collar pin without a tie? A: Yes. It creates a vintage, slightly dandy look when you leave the top button fastened but skip the tie. It’s less formal but still refined.
Q: How do I clean metal collar pins? A: Use a soft cloth for daily upkeep. For sterling, a mild silver polish works. Brass benefits from a gentle acid-free cleaner or lemon-and-salt DIY for stubborn tarnish, followed by a rinse and dry.
Q: Are collar pins unisex? A: Absolutely. While menswear creators focus on male styling, collar pins can complement women’s shirts and blouses that have suitable collars.
Q: What’s the best pin for travel? A: Choose a screw-off ball pin (like TheTieBar) with a protective case or cheap H&M spare for replacements. Screw-off components are easier to stow securely.
Closing Advice — Buying Criteria Checklist
Before you click order, run through this checklist:
- Do I prefer warm (brass/gold) or cool (silver/rhodium) tones for my wardrobe?
- What collar types do I wear most often (point, spread, cutaway)?
- Do I want heirloom quality or a budget stylistic experiment?
- Are there reinforced collar holes, or do I need a tailor to add them?
- What length and post size will suit my shirts? Measure first.
Final Thoughts from Someone Who Tries Them All
I like pieces that help me tell a visual story — a collar pin does exactly that, quietly but deliberately. The five pins above span beginner to heirloom, and they were repeatedly recommended by trusted menswear YouTubers who test for camera, comfort, and longevity. Try one that matches your wardrobe tone — gold or brass if you wear warm colors, silver for cooler palettes — and you’ll notice how such a small detail changes the posture of your outfit. Wear it in photos, to meetings, or on weekends; it’s a little investment with a surprisingly polished payoff.