Mandarin collar shirt
The mandarin collar is part of the short stand-up collars and originates from Asia, as its name indicates. Minimalist and modern, this collar is strictly worn without any neck or bow ties, giving off an elegant nonchalance.
Mao-collar shirt: a different take on men’s elegance
With its short collar and open neckline, the Mao-collar shirt puts a fresh spin on the traditional shirt. Without fold-over points or a tie, it brings a contemporary touch to menswear. Discover The Nines’ men’s Mao-collar shirts, which work just as well with dress pants as with a more casual outfit.
The Mao collar: from Chinese origins to menswear
Long before it found a place in Western fashion, the Mao collar appeared on various traditional Chinese garments. Recognizable by its upright band of fabric without fold-over points, it owes its current name to its association with clothing popularized during the Mao Zedong era.
Over time, this clean-lined collar made its way into Western menswear. Today, it offers a different take on the shirt, far removed from traditional collars designed to accommodate a tie.
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The Mao collar: a shirt without a tie
The Mao collar has one defining feature: it stands on its own. With no fold-over points or space for a tie, it leaves the neckline open and changes how a shirt is worn. Its construction gives it a cleaner look while retaining the structure of a traditional shirt. An appealing alternative for those looking to move away from conventional dresswear.
How to wear a Mao-collar shirt
With its open neckline, the Mao-collar shirt works with a range of looks, from casual to dressy.
- With chinos: pair a Mao-collar shirt with beige or navy chinos for a simple, clean-lined outfit.
- With pleated pants: tuck your Mao-collar shirt into high-waisted pants to accentuate your silhouette and play with tailoring conventions.
- Under a jacket: wear a poplin Mao-collar shirt under a suit jacket, without a tie, for a fresh take on a traditional combination.
Other categories: band-collar shirt, reverse-collar shirt, French-collar shirt, Italian-collar shirt.
A question about our collections?
The Mandarin collar stands out for its minimalist elegance and short, banded design without flaps. It is typically worn in a casual style but can also adapt to more formal outfits depending on the context. Here are some tips for wearing it:
- Casual look: Pair a Mandarin collar shirt with chinos or jeans. Leave the collar slightly open for a relaxed and casual style.
- Formal style: For a more sophisticated look, button the shirt all the way up and wear it with dress pants or a tailored jacket. The Mandarin collar adds a modern touch while remaining elegant.
- Accessories: Avoid ties or bow ties, as they do not suit this type of collar. Opt for a watch or a discreet bracelet to complete the outfit.
The Mandarin collar, inspired by traditional Chinese clothing, is soft, minimalist, and often rounded, making it perfect for casual-chic or summer outfits.
The stand-up collar, originating from military uniforms, is more rigid and straight, with a structured design that gives a formal and elegant touch. It is better suited for dressy or semi-formal settings.
The Mandarin collar, with its minimalist and refined design, pairs well with jackets that complement its style without overwhelming it, such as:
-Light jackets or unstructured blazers: Choose a jacket without marked shoulders, in a relaxed style, like a linen or cotton blazer, which matches the simple elegance of the Mandarin collar.
-Straight or short jackets: A straight-cut jacket or minimalist bomber maintains balance with the Mandarin collar while avoiding overly bulky styles.
-Cardigan or overshirt: For a casual look, a lightweight cardigan or overshirt pairs well with a Mandarin collar for a comfortable, modern style.
-Collarless jackets: For perfect harmony, a collarless jacket or one with a slight stand complements the Mandarin collar while respecting its clean design.
Avoid jackets with bulky or overly detailed collars, such as wide lapels or hooded parkas, as they can overwhelm the outfit.
Yes, the Mandarin collar works well for business casual attire, especially in environments with a relaxed dress code. Its minimalist design adds a modern and elegant touch.
For an appropriate look, pair it with chinos or dark jeans and a lightweight blazer in a semi-formal context. Opt for high-quality fabrics and neutral colors to enhance the professional style.