Justin Baer Transformed a Dress Shirt Into a Polo Shirt. TikTok (and Mark Cuban) Went Crazy for It.
In an extraordinary journey inspired by his daughter’s suggestion to start posting on TikTok back in 2021, Justin Baer turned his clothing company Collars & Co. from a viral sensation into a smashing Shark Tank success story.
It all started with a simple video explaining his innovative Dress Collar Polo, which turned into dozens of other viral videos like this one:
@collarsandcoclothing This shirt is going viral! Wait for it! Dress Collar Polo! 🔥🔥🔥 #mensfashion #mensstyle #mensstyletips #menswear #fyp #foryoupage ♬ Pop Smoke candy shop – EZD
And just like that, Baer’s ingenious take on the traditional dress shirt struck a chord with millions of viewers who struggled with the same issue he did: standard button-downs are hot, uncomfortable, and difficult to layer under sweaters, jackets, or blazers.
The beauty of the Dress Collar Polo is that it gives you that same crisp, professional dress shirt look, but with the comfort and breathability of a golf polo
After seeing the overwhelming response on social media, Baer knew the Dress Collar Polo was worth millions. Naturally, he decided to take it to Shark Tank, where he impressed investors Mark Cuban and Peter Jones, securing a million dollar deal.
Fast-forward a few months, and Collars & Co. has skyrocketed to success. In a recap video published just a few months after Baer stepped into the Shark Tank, Baer shared that with the help of Mark Cuban and Peter Jones, he’s grown Collars & Co. into a $25 million business…and he’s just getting started.
There are countless reasons why customers are stocking their closets with the Dress Collar Polo, but there are three main features we can’t shut up about: the crisp collar, the easy-breezy feel, and the effortless layering ability. Let’s dive into those:
No More Bacon Collar: A Collar That Stands on Its Own
There’s nothing worse than a floppy collar. That’s why the Dress Collar Polo features a meticulously-crafted, sturdy collar equipped with built-in collar stays to maintain a crisp, polished appearance all day long.
It’s available in four unique collar styles: the bestselling Semi-Spread Collar, the original English Spread Collar, the Button-Down Collar, and the Cutaway Collar—as well as a wide variety of colors and patterns.
And the best part: even with regular machine washing, the collars keep their shape for years, making them a reliable choice for long-term wear.
Breathable, Cooling Fabric for Sweat-Free Comfort
The Dress Collar Polo provides more than just impeccable style—it’s comfortable as all-get-out. Designed to feel like a golf polo, the ultra-breathable, moisture-wicking fabric allows for airflow (meaning no sweating, and no dreaded pit stains).
Whether you’re on the golf course or heading to the office in the middle of summer, the Dress Collar Polo will help you keep your cool all day long.
The Perfect Fit for Effortless Layering
Trying to make a button-down look good under a sweater is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It just doesn’t work. The end result is lumpy, uncomfortable, and you’re constantly adjusting the sleeves all day.
The Dress Collar Polo, on the other hand, features a comfortable short-sleeved design that provides a streamlined look, effortlessly elevating any layered outfit (though it looks terrific on its own too).
Whether you’re rocking a sweater or a sports coat, you can confidently layer the Dress Collar Polo without worrying about it looking wrinkled or baggy.
We’re Thankful That Justin Baer Listened to His Daughter…
Because otherwise, we might have never discovered Collars & Co.—and that would be a damn shame. This company has completely transformed our relationship with dress shirts. We could go on forever about why we love the Dress Collar Polo, but we’re not the only ones gushing about it.
Just take it from Rocco:
Or Mike:
If you have dress shirts in your closet, we’re gonna need you to go toss those in the trash and head to Collars & Co’s website. Trust us (and Mark Cuban)—the Dress Collar Polo is a game-changer.