Why Did Elvis Wear Big Collars? The Hidden Story Behind the Look
Elvis Presley’s style: More than just rhinestones and jumpsuits
When you picture Elvis Presley, what do you see? Slick hair, tight pants, hip-swiveling moves... and yeah — those massive collars. Like, seriously big. So what was up with that? Was it just fashion? A branding trick? Or maybe something more personal?
Turns out, it’s a mix of all that — with a dash of Hollywood magic and a pinch of good ol’ showbiz ego.
The rise of the Elvis aesthetic
In the late ’60s and early ’70s, Elvis made a comeback. And he wasn’t subtle about it. Bigger stage shows, custom-made outfits by his go-to designer Bill Belew, and yes — collars that practically had their own zip code.
Belew once said, “Elvis didn’t want to look like anybody else.” Mission accomplished, right?
Why were the collars so big though?
Framing the face — like a spotlight
One big reason? Those oversized collars framed Elvis’s face perfectly. On stage, under bright lights, the collar acted almost like a built-in spotlight — drawing eyes directly to his expressions. It’s kinda genius when you think about it.
Especially in the Las Vegas years, when the stage was huge and flashy. The collar gave him that extra pop — like a superhero cape, but for his jawline.
Hiding sweat (and double chins — maybe)
Okay, here’s where it gets a bit less glamorous. Those Vegas shows were intense. Like, crazy sweaty. The big collars helped hide perspiration stains on the neck and gave the illusion of a longer, sharper jawline — even if he was putting on a few pounds.
Not saying he was vain... but this is Hollywood. Appearances mattered. And Elvis knew how to work a look.
Influence from martial arts and capes?
Karate kicks and collars — connection?
Weird side note: Elvis was obsessed with karate. Like, black belt level. And many of his stage moves (the chops, the stances) came from that world.
Some fans and style historians say the high collars actually took inspiration from martial arts uniforms, which also feature stand-up necklines. Makes sense when you think about it.
The cape era — drama, baby
At one point, Elvis even added capes to the mix. The collars kept growing. It was theatrical, over-the-top, pure rock’n’roll opera. And people loved it.
He wasn’t just a singer anymore — he was a larger-than-life figure. A character. The King.
Legacy of the look: Still iconic today
Imitated but never quite duplicated
Every Elvis impersonator today? Giant collar — non-negotiable. It’s become shorthand for “Elvis,” right along with the curled lip and the pelvic shake. Without the collar, it just feels... wrong.
Even pop stars today — from Harry Styles to Bruno Mars — have rocked vintage-inspired looks that owe a little something to Elvis’s bold style choices.
Pop culture moments
Remember that Lilo & Stitch moment when Stitch dresses as Elvis? Huge collar. Even cartoons get it.
Final thoughts: So, why did Elvis wear big collars?
Honestly? For attention. For flair. For confidence. For performance. For Elvis.
The big collars weren’t just fashion — they were part of his persona, his branding, and his own quirky mix of insecurity and showmanship.
They framed his face, hid a little sweat, added drama, and made him unforgettable.
And in the end, that’s kind of the whole point of being a star, isn’t it?
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Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
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Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.