Collar vs. Choker — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 11, 2024
A collar is a versatile accessory that can be functional or decorative, often associated with clothing or pets, while a choker is a tight-fitting necklace worn around the neck, primarily as a fashion statement.
Difference Between Collar and Choker
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Collars come in various forms, serving as a part of clothing, accessories for pets, or even as fashion statements. They can range from the practical, like those found on shirts and jackets, to the symbolic, such as dog collars that signify ownership and control. On the other hand, chokers are specifically designed to be worn around the neck, fitting snugly and often serving as bold fashion accessories. They highlight the neck and can vary greatly in materials and designs, from simple fabric bands to elaborate jewelry pieces.
While collars can denote authority or professional status, such as those on military uniforms or clerical attire, chokers do not typically carry such connotations. Chokers are more associated with fashion trends and personal style, sometimes symbolizing subcultural affiliations or fashion-forwardness. Whereas, collars, especially in a professional or ceremonial context, often adhere to established norms and carry specific meanings.
The functionality of collars extends beyond mere adornment; they can indicate a pet's identity through tags and are essential for leash attachment. In contrast, chokers are primarily decorative, with their main purpose being to enhance an outfit or express individual style rather than serve any practical function.
In terms of fashion history, chokers have seen fluctuating popularity, often associated with particular eras or movements, such as the Victorian era or the gothic subculture. Collars, however, have been a consistent element in clothing design, evolving in shape and style alongside changes in fashion but always serving as a fundamental component of shirts, dresses, and jackets.
The choice between wearing a collar and a choker can also reflect one's personal comfort and style preferences. A collar, being a part of clothing, is often chosen for its fit and the way it complements the wearer's face and neck. A choker, however, is chosen for its aesthetic appeal and the statement it makes, with comfort sometimes being secondary to style.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A part of clothing or accessory for pets, serving functional or decorative purposes.
A tight-fitting necklace worn for fashion.
Functionality
Can indicate status, profession, or ownership; functional in controlling pets.
Primarily decorative, emphasizing fashion and style.
Connotations
Can denote authority, profession, or control.
Associated with fashion trends and personal style.
Variability
Wide range including clothing parts and pet accessories.
Mainly varies in design and material as a fashion accessory.
Historical Context
Consistent element in clothing, evolving with fashion trends.
Fluctuates in popularity, linked to specific eras and movements.
Compare with Definitions
Collar
Clothing component around the neck.
The dress had a high lace collar that framed her face beautifully.
Choker
Tight necklace.
She wore a velvet choker that complemented her dress.
Collar
Pet neckband for control or identification.
I attached a new tag to my dog's collar.
Choker
Fashion statement.
The pearl choker added a touch of elegance to her evening attire.
Collar
Symbol of authority or profession.
The judge's robe was distinguished by its unique collar.
Choker
Decorative jewelry.
The diamond choker was the centerpiece of her jewelry collection.
Collar
Decorative accessory.
He wore a detachable collar to add flair to his outfit.
Choker
Subcultural symbol.
The leather choker was a nod to his gothic fashion sense.
Collar
Functional garment part for warmth.
The coat's fur collar kept her warm in the winter.
Choker
Accessory for specific looks.
For the vintage look, she chose a lace choker reminiscent of the Victorian era.
Collar
The part of a garment that encircles the neck, especially when raised or folded.
Choker
A choker is a close-fitting necklace worn around the neck, typically 14 inch to 16 inch in length. Chokers can be made of a variety of materials, including velvet, plastic, beads, latex, leather, metal, such as silver, gold, or platinum, etc.
Collar
See clerical collar.
Choker
One that chokes or suffocates another.
Collar
A tight-fitting necklace.
Choker
A tight-fitting necklace.
Collar
A restraining or identifying band of leather, metal, or plastic put around the neck of an animal.
Choker
A high, tight collar.
Collar
The cushioned part of a harness that presses against the shoulders of a draft animal.
Choker
A narrow neckpiece of fur.
Collar
(Biology) An encircling structure or bandlike marking, as around the neck of an animal, suggestive of a collar.
Choker
A piece of jewelry or ornamental fabric, worn as a necklace or neckerchief, tight to the throat.
Collar
Any of various ringlike devices used to limit, guide, or secure a machine part.
Choker
One who, or that which, chokes or strangles.
Collar
(Slang) An arrest, as of a criminal.
Choker
One who operates the choke of an engine during ignition.
Collar
To furnish with a collar.
Choker
(slang) Any disappointing or upsetting circumstance.
I lost £100 on the horses today — what a choker!
Collar
To seize or detain.
Choker
One who performs badly at an important part of a competition because they are nervous, especially when winning.
Collar
To arrest (a criminal, for example).
Choker
A loop of cable fastened around a log to haul it.
Collar
Clothes that encircle the neck.
Choker
One who, or that which, chokes.
Collar
The part of an upper garment (shirt, jacket, etc.) that fits around the neck and throat, especially if sewn from a separate piece of fabric.
Choker
A stiff wide cravat; a stock.
Collar
A decorative band or other fabric around the neckline.
Choker
An unfortunate person who is unable to perform effectively because of nervous tension or agitation;
He could win if he wasn't a choker
Collar
A chain worn around the neck.
Choker
Necklace that fits tightly around a woman's neck
Collar
A similar detachable item.
Choker
A high tight collar
Collar
A coloured ring round the neck of a bird or mammal.
Collar
A band or chain around an animal's neck, used to restrain and/or identify it.
Make sure your dog has a collar holding an identification tag.
Collar
A part of harness designed to distribute the load around the shoulders of a draft animal.
Collar
(archaic) A hangman's knot.
Collar
A piece of meat from the neck of an animal.
A collar of brawn
Collar
(technology) Any encircling device or structure.
A nylon collar kept the bolt from damaging the surface underneath.
Collar
(rail transport) A physical lockout device to prevent operation of a mechanical signal lever.
Collar
(architecture) A ring or cincture.
Collar
(architecture) A collar beam.
Collar
(mining) A curb, or a horizontal timbering, around the mouth of a shaft.
Collar
(in compounds) Of or pertaining to a certain category of professions as symbolized by typical clothing.
Collar
(botany) The neck or line of junction between the root of a plant and its stem
Collar
A ringlike part of a mollusk in connection with the esophagus.
Collar
(nautical) An eye formed in the bight or bend of a shroud or stay to go over the masthead; also, a rope to which certain parts of rigging, as dead-eyes, are secured.
Collar
(slang) An arrest.
Collar
(finance) A trading strategy using options such that there is both an upper limit on profit and a lower limit on loss, constructed through taking equal but opposite positions in a put and a call with different strike prices.
Collar
(transitive) To grab or seize by the collar or neck.
Collar
(transitive) To place a collar on, to fit with one.
Collar and leash aggressive dogs.
Collar
(transitive) To seize, capture or detain.
Collar
(transitive) To preempt, control stringently and exclusively.
Collar
To arrest.
Collar
To bind in conversation.
I managed to collar Fred in the office for an hour.
Collar
(transitive) To roll up (beef or other meat) and bind it with string preparatory to cooking.
Collar
To bind (a submissive) to a dominant under specific conditions or obligations.
Collar
Something worn round the neck, whether for use, ornament, restraint, or identification; as, the collar of a coat; a lady's collar; the collar of a dog.
Collar
A ring or cincture.
Collar
The neck or line of junction between the root of a plant and its stem.
Collar
An ornament worn round the neck by knights, having on it devices to designate their rank or order.
Collar
A ringlike part of a mollusk in connection with esophagus.
Collar
A ring or round flange upon, surrounding, or against an object, and used for restraining motion within given limits, or for holding something to its place, or for hiding an opening around an object; as, a collar on a shaft, used to prevent endwise motion of the shaft; a collar surrounding a stovepipe at the place where it enters a wall. The flanges of a piston and the gland of a stuffing box are sometimes called collars.
Collar
An eye formed in the bight or bend of a shroud or stay to go over the masthead; also, a rope to which certain parts of rigging, as dead-eyes, are secured.
Collar
A curb, or a horizontal timbering, around the mouth of a shaft.
Collar
To seize by the collar.
Collar
To put a collar on.
Collar
To arrest, as a wanted criminal. Same as put the collar on.
Collar
A band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over
Collar
A band of leather or rope that is placed around an animal's neck as a harness or to identify it
Collar
Necklace that fits tightly around a woman's neck
Collar
A figurative restraint;
Asked for a collar on program trading in the stock market
Kept a tight leash on his emotions
He's always gotten a long leash
Collar
The act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal);
The policeman on the beat got credit for the collar
Collar
Take into custody;
The police nabbed the suspected criminals
Collar
Seize by the neck or collar
Collar
Furnish with a collar;
Collar the dog
Common Curiosities
Do collars have any cultural or symbolic meanings?
Yes, collars can have cultural or symbolic meanings, such as clerical collars in religious contexts or collars indicating rank in the military.
How should one choose between wearing a collar or a choker?
The choice between a collar and a choker often depends on the occasion, outfit, personal style, and the statement one wishes to make.
Can chokers be part of a formal attire?
Yes, chokers can be part of formal attire, especially when made of luxurious materials like pearls or diamonds, adding elegance to the ensemble.
How has the design of collars evolved over time?
The design of collars has evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in fashion trends, from elaborate ruffled collars in the Elizabethan era to the minimalist lines seen in modern design.
Can men wear chokers or are they only for women?
Men can wear chokers, and there are styles designed specifically for men, reflecting a broadening of fashion norms and personal expression.
Can collars be purely decorative, or do they always serve a function?
Collars can be both functional and decorative, depending on their design and the context in which they are used.
Are chokers comfortable to wear?
Comfort can vary with the design and material of the choker; some may find them comfortable, while others might find tight-fitting chokers restrictive.
Are there any practical considerations when choosing a pet collar?
Yes, practical considerations for pet collars include the size and strength of the pet, the collar's material, and any additional features like ID tags or GPS trackers.
Do chokers have any historical significance?
Chokers have historical significance, with their popularity waxing and waning over time; they were particularly fashionable in the Victorian era and have been associated with various fashion movements.
Are there any age considerations for wearing chokers?
There are no specific age considerations for wearing chokers; they can be worn by anyone who feels comfortable and confident in them, regardless of age.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
