Tunic Collars - Classic To Contemporary: Know How Your Looks Can Change | Explained

Think about it, how many times have you slipped into a tunic top, admired its colour, fabric or print, but felt something was slightly off? More often than not, it's the collar that decides whether an outfit whispers sophistication, screams casual chic, or carries timeless elegance. The collar is the unsung hero of a tunic. While sleeves and hemlines shift with seasons, the collar remains the frame that guides the eye upward, straight to the face.

In India, where a tunic easily travels from office corridors to wedding halls, collars adapt beautifully to different occasions. They can elevate everyday cottons into boardroom-ready pieces or add a regal finish to silks. With the right collar, even the simplest cotton kurta can command attention. This journey from classic to contemporary collars isn't just about fashion; it's about how something as small as neckline detail can change how you feel and how others perceive you.

Tunic collars range from classic to contemporary styles, and choosing different types can refresh your look dramatically—from vintage elegance to modern simplicity. Let's explore 10 collar styles, each one a chapter in the story of how tunics transform.

From the grace of traditional cuts to the sharpness of modern design, tunic collars carry stories stitched with culture, style and personality. Photo Credit: Pexels

Different Tunic Collar Styles and How They Transform Your Look 

1. The Mandarin Collar: A Straightforward Charmer

Neat, upright, and with a hint of discipline, the Mandarin collar has been ruling wardrobes for decades. Its origins trace back to Asia, but in tunics, it blends seamlessly with Indian fabrics and embroidery. Imagine a crisp cotton kurta with a Mandarin collar, suddenly, the look says “polished” without trying too hard.

The charm lies in its simplicity. No fuss, no drama, just clean lines that let the fabric shine. At weddings, a silk tunic with this collar and gold embroidery feels royal. At work, the same design in subtle hues signals sharpness. Many prefer this collar because it flatters almost every face shape by elongating the neckline.

Bollywood has also kept the Mandarin alive, with stars often choosing it for both casual and formal appearances. It's perfect for those who don't want to overthink but still want compliments to roll in. Think of it as the collar equivalent of cutting chai, reliable, satisfying, and always welcome.

2. The Round Neck Collar: A Timeless Everyday Friend

If comfort had a face, it would probably be wearing a round-neck tunic. This collar has been stitched into family photographs, street bazaars, and festive gatherings for generations. It doesn't shout; it gently blends in, letting patterns, embroidery, or jewellery do the talking.

The round neck works beautifully with dupattas, scarves, or chunky silver necklaces from Janpath or Colaba Causeway. It's the dependable design when someone just wants to get dressed and move without fuss. Soft cottons in pastel shades with this collar are a staple for daily wear, while sequinned or embroidered versions turn up the volume at functions.

What makes it special is its versatility across age groups. Teenagers find it fuss-free, working professionals appreciate its ease with blazers or stoles, and elders love its modesty. It's no wonder that tailors often suggest the round neck as the “safe bet”. Safe, yes, but also eternally stylish, because some classics never go out of fashion.

3. The V-Neck Collar: The Quiet Confidence Booster

There's something about a V-neck tunic that instantly lengthens the torso and makes the wearer appear taller. Perhaps that's why so many women reach for this style when they want to add a little drama without stepping outside their comfort zone.

The V-neck is subtle yet effective. At casual outings, a simple printed cotton with this collar feels breezy and approachable. At formal dinners, silk or chiffon tunics with a deeper V exude elegance. It also pairs beautifully with layered necklaces, making even a plain tunic look thoughtfully styled.

In hot climates, the V-neck feels like a blessing, giving just enough space around the neck to breathe. From daily commutes on crowded metros to evening walks in leafy parks, this collar style manages to be practical and chic. Think of it as the fashion equivalent of a trusted auto ride, always there to take you exactly where you want to go.

V-neck tunic tops flatter different body types and can boost confidence; Photo Credit: Pexels

4. The Keyhole Collar: A Touch of Playfulness

The keyhole collar is the wardrobe's little wink. With its small opening, sometimes secured with a button, sometimes left as is, it adds intrigue without being too bold. It's the kind of collar that makes people take a second look and think, “Oh, that's interesting.”

For festive occasions, keyhole collars often come with delicate embellishments or zari embroidery that draw attention right to the neckline. In everyday wear, simpler versions in cotton or georgette strike the perfect balance between modesty and charm. This design also allows tunics to stand out even without heavy jewellery.

The keyhole works especially well in youthful cuts, giving an outfit freshness. College students often prefer this collar for kurtis, as it feels stylish yet comfortable during long days of classes. It's playful, but never over the top, like the sweet surprise of finding ₹100 in an old jeans pocket.

5. The Shirt Collar: Borrowed From Formality, Owned By Style

There's something powerful about a tunic with a shirt collar. Borrowed from men's formal wear, this style brings authority and sharpness into ethnic wardrobes. Paired with straight trousers, it's boardroom-ready; worn with flowing palazzos, it suddenly feels relaxed yet elegant.

This collar speaks the language of confidence. Women in corporate roles often gravitate towards it because it carries the essence of professionalism while still celebrating traditional fabrics. A plain cotton tunic in pastel shades with a shirt collar can be accessorised with a smart watch, leather handbag, and block heels, instantly office chic.

But the shirt collar isn't confined to offices. At casual brunches or evening gatherings, a bold print with this collar creates a statement. It's a great reminder that fashion can cross boundaries, blending global cuts with local charm. Much like fusion food, where pasta finds itself happily tossed with masala.

Also Read: Cotton And Chiffon Tunics For Women That Work Through All Seasons

6. The Boat Neck Collar: Grace That Frames the Face

Elegant and quietly glamorous, the boat neck collar gently stretches across the shoulders, framing the face beautifully. Popular in both tunics and blouses, this style has a way of making the wearer look poised, almost effortlessly.

Boat necks are especially flattering for those who love wearing jhumkas or chandbalis. The wide neckline provides the perfect stage for statement earrings. In festive tunics, this collar is often paired with zari or mirror work that sparkles under the lights. In simpler cottons, it feels breezy and minimalistic.

For many, the boat neck brings back memories of family weddings, where cousins would compare who got the better tailoring done. It also carries a sense of nostalgia, many retro actresses in Indian cinema immortalised this look, making it forever aspirational. It's graceful without trying, like a melody that lingers long after the song has ended.

Boat neck tunic tops can frame the face beautifully; Photo Credit: Pexels

7. The Collared Kurti With Buttons: Casual Yet Charming

Sometimes, small details make the biggest difference. A tunic with a simple collar and front buttons creates an easygoing yet charming look. It's comfortable enough for daily errands and stylish enough for a friendly chai meetup.

This style works particularly well with cotton prints, think hand-block or kalamkari, where the buttons themselves become part of the design. At times, the buttons run halfway down, keeping things playful. At other times, they stretch all the way, giving the tunic a shirt-dress feel.

The buttoned-collar tunic is loved by students and working professionals alike because it pairs so well with jeans, leggings, or even skirts. It doesn't demand much but still makes you feel “put together”. Like grabbing a samosa on the go, it's quick, satisfying, and always a good idea.

8. The Cowl Neck Collar: Draped With Drama

When elegance decides to flirt with drama, the cowl neck is born. Its draped folds create a soft, cascading effect that feels luxurious, especially in fabrics like silk or satin. This collar transforms a simple tunic into something worthy of a special dinner or evening event.

Though less common in everyday wear, the cowl neck makes a strong style statement when it appears. It flatters the neckline, gives movement to the outfit, and often eliminates the need for heavy accessories. Many fashion designers experiment with this style on festive tunics, using sequins or beadwork to enhance the folds.

It's the kind of collar you reach for when you want to feel different, when you want your outfit to do the talking. Much like stepping out of your usual masala dosa order to try that fancy avocado toast, unexpected, but surprisingly delightful.

9. The High Neck Collar: Regal And Reserved

The high neck collar brings with it a sense of regal composure. Covering the neckline fully, it lends sophistication and an air of formality to the tunic. Often paired with heavy embroidery or zari work, this collar makes its presence felt at weddings and festive gatherings.

Velvets, silks, and brocades complement the high neck beautifully. In colder months, it doubles as both a fashion statement and practical warmth. The style looks especially striking with hair tied back, letting the intricate work around the collar shine.

While not everyone prefers its covered-up feel for daily wear, it's undeniable that the high neck commands attention. It's a collar that doesn't whisper, it speaks with dignity. Much like a classical raga, it may not be everyone's choice every day, but when heard, it resonates deeply.

High-neck tunic tops can make you look sophisticated; Photo Credit: Pexels

10. The Asymmetric Collar: Contemporary Edge

For those who like experimenting, the asymmetric collar is a playground of possibilities. It bends the rules, literally, by shifting lines away from symmetry. One side might be longer, a flap might cross over, or a cut might sit at an angle.

This collar instantly adds a modern edge to tunics. Designers love using it in fusion wear, where contemporary cuts meet traditional fabrics. It works beautifully for evening outings, fashion-forward gatherings, or even as a statement piece for creative professionals.

The asymmetric collar says, “I'm not here to follow the rules.” It's bold without being loud, experimental without being impractical. Like street art on a quiet alley wall, it surprises, delights, and leaves a mark. Perfect for those days when style feels like self-expression rather than routine.

Products Related To This Article

1. Anouk Rustic Ethnic Motifs Printed Shirt Collar Pure Cotton Kurti

2. Saro Jaipur Women Ethnic Motifs Printed Shirt Collar Pure Cotton Kurti

3. Nayam By Lakshita Ethnic Motifs Printed Shirt Collar Lace Insert A-Line Kurta

4. KANNAHI Women Ethnic Motif Printed Pure Cotton Short Kurti

5. Taavi Women Ikat Pure Cotton Handloom Kurti With Kimono Sleeves

6. Nayam By Lakshita Floral Printed Shirt Collar Pure Cotton Kurti

7. AURELIA Ethnic Motifs Printed Shirt Collar Kurti

Collars might seem like a small detail, but as we've seen, they can redefine an entire outfit. From the discipline of the Mandarin to the drama of the cowl, from the nostalgia of the round neck to the rebellion of the asymmetric, each style carries its own personality. Choosing the right collar is less about trends and more about how one wants to feel that day, confident, playful, elegant, or relaxed.

In a country where a tunic is not just attire but part of daily rhythm, collars help the outfit adapt, transform, and speak volumes. So the next time you buy tunic tops online, pause to notice the neckline. It may just be the difference between blending in and standing out.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.