Do you often think you would like to replace the flimsy collard stays that come with your new shirts? Or you got a set, but they just don’t fit? But you also think that paying top money for something that no one will see, and is perhaps the quality of the material is less important anyways? Well, those are exactly my thoughts. Read along if you also want to print your own collard stays. Or just download the collard stay models here.

Background story

I’ve got a 3d printer for about half a year, from this moment of writing. I really enjoy that a you can make anything that you think of, or replace something, without the need for having it being crafted overseas, and include all the shipping and handling, let alone, the amount of impact it has on the environment. I usually print in PLA (which is biodegradable, and works for most things.

While I in general, do not like plastics in my outfits, there are some places where I don’t mind much. One of them are collard stays. I currently have a nice set of metal ones, and perhaps I would like some in mother of pearl. But when I’m truthful, I usually do not mind what material these are made from. Most collard stays come with a new shirt, and I often take them out because they are too flimsy.

My usual metal set of collard stays will not fit all of my shirts. I’ve tried to find some collard stays that are not too expensive, and are from decent stiffness, but I found that either the money or having a set ordered from abroad is a step too far. So I decided to print my own.

3d printed collard stays

The result is pretty good. Due to the easy model, I made two thicknesses. I think in summer, I prefer something more flexible, for material like linen. But when i want to wear something tight, I prefer a good stiff set.

Print yours

I believe in sharing these models to have it available for anyone who wants to print their own.

Download this model at MakerWorld https://makerworld.com/en/models/903298#profileId-862803. If you like this model, consider giving me a “boost” if you have an account there.

Last week, it was finally time to visit Léon Klaver. That day, I had quite the schedule. I had to quickly sand the last part of a woodworking project before bringing it to the paint sprayer. Then, I had to visit a friend and get into the shower, hopefully to remove all the dust from everywhere.

I dressed up in my most formal attire to expose any gaps in my current wardrobe and knowledge. This would be part of a talk about what would be best for a first proper wardrobe suit. I rushed a little but was just on time. I parked my bike outside the store and went in.

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One of the things I’ve seen so many times here in the Netherlands is that many people are wearing their collars up, especially in summer. They do it with polos, shirts, and coats. A collar should be worn down; there’s no reason to point them up.

When should you actually wear your collar up?

When the weather calls for it, then you can pull up your collar to protect yourself from the weather. Simple.

One of the first and probably most important steps is finding a tailor whom you think is best for you. I have to admit, in the Netherlands, this is actually pretty hard. The bespoke tailors like Chifonelli, Anderson & Sheppard, Antonio Liverano, whom we see in videos in famous places like France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, are not found everywhere. (Pardon me if I forget to mention others.) Aside from that, buying my first suit on Savile Row may be a bit out of my league after owning two less-than-ideal off-the-rack suits. So I decide to find my tailor closer to home.

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This post will be the first in a series about getting my first suit. A suit looks so simple to the eye. Pay a few hundred euros, get one off the rack, and you’re all set, right? Or not? In this first post, I’m going to make a plan for my first suit and provide some insights into where I’m coming from.

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