Me : hmm.. you know those things in the collar.. that make them stiff.. you know..those things!!
Clerk : What things?
Me : Well.. those things that are made of plastic and white in color.. you know…those things.
Clerk : Oh..Sir.. “those things” are called “Collar Stays”
Me : Thank you.. I feel enlightened now
BTW.. IMHO.. every gentleman should have some spare collar stays in his kit. And you can get them for cheap on Amazon.