Wired Collars Then and Now
The Dictionary of Fashion History defines wired collars or ruffs as: “A circular collar of cambric, lawn or similar fabric, in the form of a starched and goffered frill radiating from the neck; at first attached to the shirt collar band but by 1570 it had become a separate article. It was usually closed all round for men, but also worn by both sexes with a gap under the chin.” Today the ruff has been simplified to make necklaces or reinvented to exaggerate gowns. To style your ruff for a everyday look, tie one around your neck and pair it with a blouse to make it look like one piece from the 16th century with 21st century style!