kerah

Kerah is the Indonesian term for the collar or neckline of a garment. It refers to the portion that encircles the neck and helps define the garment’s silhouette and level of formality. The kerah is a fundamental element in shirt, jacket, and coat construction and is produced in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different aesthetics and uses.

Common kerah styles include kerah bulat (round or polo-style collar), kerah berdiri (stand collar), kerah mandarin (short stand collar), kerah V (V-shaped neckline produced by the collar), and kerah lipat (fold-down shirt collar). Polo shirts typically use kerah polo, while formal shirts often employ more traditional or tailored kerah designs.

In Indonesian fashion, kerah choices reflect both cultural preferences and global trends. Batik shirts, for example, often feature modest collars that suit the fabric and occasion. The kerah is also an important consideration in garment manufacturing, pattern making, and sewing, where its shape, interfacing, and stitching influence fit and appearance.

Etymology and usage: The term kerah is standard in Indonesian and Malay for collar; it is a native term that is used alongside Western loan terms in fashion contexts.