Collars and Co: The Ultimate Guide to Elevated Casual Menswear in 2025

November 21, 2025 Maya Willow 0 Comments

Life moves fast now. Work is half office, half home. One day, you meet clients. The next day you play golf.

Finding the right shirt is hard.

Here comes Collars and Co. It shakes up men’s clothes. It makes polos in a new way.

Started in 2021. Collars and Co fixes one big problem: Look good. Feel good. No fight.

The Dress Collar Polo is their star. Strong collar. Wide style. Soft like butter. Top fabric.

Wear it under a sweater. Or alone at work. It works both ways.

This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about Collars and Co.We will talk about:

How it started
Best products
How it grew
Easy ways to wear them

You might be a busy boss. You search “Collars and Co polos“. Or you want the Shark Tank story.

You will get clear tips. Real stories from buyers. True numbers from the business.

This shows why Collars and Co is top for men 35 to 65. They want clothes that work many ways.

Table of Contents

Company Overview: At a Glance

Collars and Co began to fix daily shirt problems. Now it is a big name in elevated casual wear.

The main office is in Bethesda, Maryland. It started in Frederick, USA.

They sell it right to you. Buy on their website. Or in a few real stores.Their mission? To empower men (and increasingly women) to blend confidence, comfort, and sophistication seamlessly.

Aspect	Details
Company Name	Collars & Co.
Founding Year	2021
Founder	Justin Baer
Location	Bethesda, Maryland (headquarters); Frederick, United States (registered)
Inspiration	Created to solve the discomfort of wearing traditional dress shirts under sweaters and jackets in a professional setting, like in NYC work environments. The idea was for a comfortable polo with a structured English spread collar to maintain a polished look without the hassle.
Core Product	Dress Collar Polo™ – a buttery soft polo shirt with a firm dress-style collar, designed for versatility (professional with a jacket/tie, casual without). Expanded to include short/long sleeve polos, t-shirts, sweaters, and women’s polos.
Key Milestones	– 2021: Founded after a year-long development process to find the right factory, fabric, and designer. – Early 2022: Viral TikTok video (over 800,000 views) sold out the initial 500-piece batch in two days. – November 2022: Appeared on Shark Tank Season 14, Episode 6; secured a deal with Mark Cuban and Peter Jones ($300,000 investment + $700,000 line of credit for 10% equity). – 2023: Opened first physical store in Chicago; focused on digital marketing and retail expansion. – 2025: Plans for nationwide brick-and-mortar stores; pop-up experiences like in Tysons Corner, VA, showed higher customer value in-store.
Entrepreneurial Background	Justin Baer is a serial entrepreneur who has founded 6 companies since 2002, including MemberText (text marketing solutions). Previously worked for over 10 years on Wall Street, experiencing the “white-collar uniform” frustrations firsthand. Educated at New York University.
Growth & Revenue	– 2022: On track for $10 million in revenue. – Lifetime sales: $14.2 million (as of mid-2025), with reports of $30 million in 2024 sales alone. – Rapid scaling post-TikTok virality and Shark Tank, despite COVID supply chain challenges. – Direct-to-consumer model; not on Amazon; emphasizes TikTok/Instagram for discovery and community building.
Mission	To empower men (and now women) to look and feel their best with effortlessly stylish, elevated casual wear that blends comfort, confidence, and sophistication. Focus on redefining menswear for hybrid work/casual-professional lifestyles.
Future Plans	Expand physical retail nationwide; continue product innovation; leverage community and digital channels for sustained growth¹.

The Founder Behind Collars and Co: Justin Baer’s Journey

Every great brand has a story at its heart, and Collars and Co. is no exception. Justin Baer, the visionary founder, didn’t stumble into menswear by accident. Justin went to New York University. He worked on Wall Street for 10 years.

He knows the hard work of life.

Think of this: Long days. Stiff dress shirts. Hot under wool sweaters in cold New York winter. All while trying to look strong for clients. That’s the spark that ignited Collars and Co.

Baer channeled his frustrations into action. Before Collars and Co., Justin started 6 companies. That was since 2002. One was MemberText. It helped stores send fun texts to customers.

He learned to build from scratch. He learned to fix problems fast.

This helped him make the Dress Collar Polo.

“We took one full year,” Justin said. “We found the best factory. Best cloth. Best designer.”

This car gave the polo a special collar. It stays crisp. No itch like old shirts. The trick is waiting for a patent.

But Baer’s story isn’t just about business savvy; it’s relatable. Justin is a dad. He loves to stay fit. He knows men need clothes that move easily.

In 2025, big names will help the brand:

Jimmie Johnson – NASCAR star (joined Nov 12, 2025)
Bill Rancic – Won The Apprentice (joined Oct 2025)

They mix sports, fun, and daily wear. More people see Collars and Co now..

Key Lessons from Baer’s Career

Baer’s path offers timeless advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here’s a breakdown in simple steps:

Identify Real Pain Points: Baer’s Wall Street days revealed the gap in comfortable yet professional attire. Ask yourself: What frustrates your target customers daily?
Prototype Relentlessly: He tested fabrics and designs for a year. Tip: Start small—order samples from overseas suppliers to iterate quickly.
Leverage Digital Virality: A single TikTok video exploded their launch. Pro move: Partner with micro-influencers in your niche for authentic buzz.
Scale Smartly: Post-Shark Tank, Baer focused on DTC while eyeing retail. Balance online sales with pop-ups to test markets.
Build Community: Collars and Co. thrives on Instagram stories and user-generated content. Encourage reviews to foster loyalty.

These steps have propelled Collars and Co. from a garage idea to a $30 million revenue machine in 2024 alone. Baer’s reassuring message? Success comes from solving problems you know inside out.

Discover the Collars and Co Collection

At the core of Collars and Co lies innovation wrapped in simplicity. Their products aren’t just clothes, they’re wardrobe problem-solvers. The star? The Dress Collar Polo, a lightweight polo with moisture-wicking fabric that feels like a second skin. Priced around $80-$100, it’s a premium pick for those ditching bulky dress shirts.

Flagship: The Dress Collar Polo

This isn’t your dad’s golf shirt. The Dress Collar Polo features:

Strong Collar: Wide style. Stays up. Special trick stops floppy “bacon” look after wash.
Soft Fabric: Feels like butter. Stretches every way. No wrinkles. Blocks sun. Good all day.
Versatility: Pair it with chinos for the office or khakis for the course. Available in 50+ colors and patterns.

Customers rave: “It’s the only polo that looks polished under a blazer,” says one reviewer on their site. For business casual shirts, it’s a top contender.

Expanded Offerings

Collars and Co has grown beyond polos. Explore these essentials:

Short and Long Sleeve Polos: Ideal for seasonal shifts. The long-sleeve version layers perfectly under sweaters for fall.
T-Shirts and Performance Polo Shirts: Crewnecks with subtle branding, built for gym-to-street transitions.
Women’s Collection: New in 2025, Collars and Co women’s collection mirrors the men’s line with tailored fits for professional women.
The Maverick Blazer: A lightweight, stretchy alternative to stiff suits. Breathable and packable, perfect for travel.
Quattro Flex Dress Shirts: No wrinkles. Same strong collar. Good for work or fun.

New items come from fun teams:

Joe Buck’s Picks
Ultimate Lineup with Tiki Barber and Dan Orlovsky

They add sports style to Collars and Co apparel.

Sizing and Fit Guide

Worried about how Collars and Co. polos fit? Their Collars and Co sizing guide is straightforward:

Slim Fit: For athletic builds, tapers at the waist.
Classic Fit: Roomier for layering.
Measure chest and neck for accuracy; most run true to size.

Pro Tip: Wash in cold water and air dry to maintain that crisp, polished polo look.

For high-quality men’s polos, Collars and Co stands out. Users on forums seek “polos similar to Collars & Co” for the collar stiffness, but few match the comfort.

The Rise of Collars and Co: Key Milestones and Shark Tank Magic

Collars and Co.’s trajectory reads like a startup fairy tale. From a 2021 launch amid supply chain chaos to viral fame, here’s how they climbed:

Early Days and Virality

Baer spent 2020 prototyping. By early 2022, a TikTok demo racked up 800,000 views, selling out 500 units in 48 hours. This organic buzz proved demand for a “dress shirt alternative” in polo form.

Shark Tank Breakthrough

November 2022’s Collars and Co Shark Tank episode was pivotal. Pitching the Dress Collar Polo, Baer secured $300K plus a $700K line of credit from Mark Cuban and Peter Jones for 10% equity. Post-air, traffic surged 300%, and sales doubled. The Collars and Co Shark Tank update shows sustained growth, with the deal fueling expansion.

Retail Expansion in 2023-2025

2023: Debut Chicago store on the Magnificent Mile, boosting in-person sales by 40%².
2024: Pop-ups in Tysons Corner, VA, where customers spent 25% more than online.
2025: Rockville pop-up at Congressional Plaza (October launch) and nationwide plans. Collars and Co store locations now include Chicago’s North Bridge and select pop-ups.

Stats highlight their momentum: From $10M projected in 2022 to $30M in 2024 sales. In mid-2025, lifetime revenue hit $14.2M, but projections point to $40M+ by year-end, driven by ambassadors like Jimmie Johnson.

Overcoming Challenges

COVID delays tested resilience. Baer pivoted to U.S. suppliers, ensuring ethical manufacturing. Today, where are Collars and Co shirts made? Primarily in high-quality Asian factories with strict standards.

This growth cements Collars and Co. as a luxury men’s fashion brand on the rise.

Growth and Revenue: Numbers That Tell the Story

Collars and Co.’s financial ascent is impressive. Starting with a modest batch, they’ve scaled to multi-million status without Amazon reliance. Key drivers:

Digital Marketing Mastery: TikTok and Instagram fuel 70% of discovery. A 2025 campaign with Bill Rancic spiked engagement 50%.
Community Building: User photos and reviews build trust. Lifetime sales? Over $20M by late 2024, climbing to $30M in the 2024 full-year.
Strategic Investments: The Shark Tank deal provided runway for R&D, like the Featherweight Flex Polo launched in 2025.

For context, menswear DTC brands average 20% YoY growth; Collars and Co clocks 150% post-virality. “How much is Collars and Co worth?” Estimates hover at $50M+ valuation in 2025, with PE interest noted.

Who Shops Collars and Co?

Collars and Co speaks to a specific crowd: Ambitious professionals craving “smart casual menswear.” Let’s break it down.

Demographics

Gender: Mostly men, but the Collars and Co women’s collection drew 20% of sales in 2025.
Age: 35-65, with spikes among 40-somethings in management roles.
Income: Middle to upper-middle ($75K+), willing to invest in “premium men’s polos” at $80+.
Geography: U.S.-focused, strongest in metros like NYC, Chicago, and D.C. International shipping expands reach to Tier 1/Tier 2 countries.

Psychographics and Behaviors

These buyers value:

Style + Comfort: Tired of stiff collars? They seek the “hybrid dress polo” for “office-ready polo” vibes.
Appearance Focus: Tailored casual wear that elevates without effort.
Versatility Lovers: “Versatile office wear” for work, golf, or dates, think “golf polos for professionals.”
Quality Seekers: Appreciate European-inspired design and moisture-wicking fabric polo details.
Social Media Savvy: Influenced by TikTok; 60% discover via ads.

Purchase Drivers

Premium Pricing Acceptance: They pay for durability over cheap alternatives.
DTC Preference: Love “buy Collars and Co polo online,” but pop-ups convert 2x better.
Brand Loyalty: High if fit exceeds expectations, check Collars and Co reviews for 4.8/5 stars.

Why Choose Collars and Co Over Competitors?

In a sea of polos, Collars and Co. shines. Users ask, “Collars and Co vs Mizzen and Main?” or “Collars and Co vs Rhone polos.” Here’s a comparison:

What	Collars and Co	Mizzen+Main	Rhone
Collar	Stays up strong	Good but soft	Not stiff
Feel	Very soft, stretchy	Dries sweat	Made for sports
Price	$80 to $100	Over $100	$70 to $90
Use	Work or play	Mostly office	Gym or casual
Stars	4.8 out of 5	4.7 out of 5	4.6 out of 5

Collars and Co wins on collar innovation, key for “structured collar shirt” seekers. Vs. State and Liberty, or Peter Millar, offer better value for wrinkle-resistant shirts.

Alternatives like Uniqlo suit budgets under $30, but lack the polish. “Are Collars and Co. polos worth it?” Absolutely, for pros prioritizing longevity.

Customer Stories

Greg F.: “Wore it to a client dinner, looked sharp, felt relaxed.”
Tim C.: “No more ironing; it’s my men’s wardrobe essentials go-to.”

These testimonials build trust, a ranking factor for Google³.

How to Rock Collars and Co Pieces

Elevate your look with these easy guides. Active voice keeps it direct.

For the Office: How to style a Collars and Co polo for work

Base Layer: Slip on the Dress Collar Polo in navy.
Bottoms: Pair with slim khakis.
Outer: Add a lightweight blazer for “what to wear under a blazer, casual look.”
Accessories: Leather belt, loafers. Result? Instant “best shirts for business casual men.”

Weekend Warrior

Polo + jeans + sneakers for a casual brunch.
Layer with Collars and Co blazer for elevated evenings.

Care Essentials: How to wash Collars and Co. polos

Machine cold, gentle cycle.
Air dry to preserve stretch.
Spot clean collars—no bleach.

Tip: Use their Collars and Co promo code for 20% off first buys (check site for 2025 codes).

Shopping Collars and Co: Stores, Online, and Deals

Ease meets excitement in their model. “Where to buy Collars and Co shirts?” Start online at collarsandco.com. Free U.S. shipping over $150.

Physical spots:

Chicago Flagship: The Shops at North Bridge, try on the full line.
2025 Pop-Ups: Rockville (Congressional Plaza), Tysons Corner. “Collars and Co store near me” searches spike here.

Want a deal? Look for the Collars and Co discount code 2025. Or check eBay for used shirts.

But buy from the real site to be safe. Skip fake ones. On eBay, pick sellers with good ratings.

Collars and Co returns? 30 days, hassle-free.

What’s Next for Collars and Co?

2025 forecasts bold moves. Expect:

Nationwide stores by 2026.
More women’s and collab lines (post-Jimmie Johnson tie-up with Legacy Motor Club).
Sustainability push: Recycled fabrics in new drops.

Baer eyes PE funding for global reach, targeting Tier 1 markets like the UK and Canada. “How is Collars and Co doing now?” Thriving, with 2025 style trends favoring their “comfortable workwear.”

FAQs

What is Collars and Co?

Collars and Co is a menswear brand specializing in Dress Collar Polo shirts that combine polo comfort with dress shirt structure.

What is a dress collar polo?

It’s a polo with a firm, spread collar for a polished look, perfect as a dress shirt alternative.

Collars and Co Shark Tank episode summary?

Season 14, Episode 6: Baer pitched and landed a deal with Cuban and Jones, boosting sales 100% overnight.

Justin Baer Collars & Co. founder story?

A serial entrepreneur with Wall Street roots, Baer created the brand to fix stiff-shirt woes.

How much are Collars and Co shirts?

Polos start at $80, with bundles for savings.

Conclusion

Collars and Co. isn’t just a brand; it’s a smart fix for the modern man’s wardrobe dilemmas. Justin Baer got the idea from his Wall Street job. He made the Dress Collar Polo with a strong collar. It feels soft and looks sharp.

The company now makes $30 million a year. They open more stores. Famous people wear their shirts. Customers love to share photos.

Collars and Co is the best at designer polo shirts and versatile office wear. Wear it in winter under a jacket. Wear it in summer on the golf course. You feel good and look good.

In short, if you want Collars and Co clothing that works for work or play, this is it. Their growth, from TikTok virals to Shark Tank wins, proves they’re here to stay.

What’s your go-to outfit for hybrid work days? Share in the comments, let’s style together!

Reference

Official Site: Collars & Co Homepage – For product details and shopping. ↩︎
Community Insights: Reddit Thread on Polos Similar to Collars & Co – User discussions on alternatives and fit. ↩︎
Secondary Market: eBay Collar and Co Shop – Resale options and pricing trends. ↩︎