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 shirts: minimalist and refined
Discover our collection of shirt collars. Among a wide choice of shirt collars you will find classic collars and others more modern, including the most original ones!
The origins of the Mao collar
The Mao collar is of Asian origin and more precisely Chinese. It was formerly called the Mandarin collar and was differentiated by the fact that it has no lapels unlike other shirt collars. First appearing in the 20th century, the straight collar adorned the "qiuipao," traditional robes worn by the king's courtesans. It was only when Mao Zedong, former leader of the Chinese Republic, appeared in public wearing a jacket with a Mandarin collar that it was renamed the Mao collar, gaining all its popularity.
For decades the Mao collar has been synonymous with simplicity and elegance. It can be found in all men's wardrobes. All occasions are good to take the Mao collar shirt out of the closet: it is timeless!
The features of this shirtHaving no lapels, the Mao collar is a simple collar stand: the two panels with rounded corners do not overlap, so it is worn slightly open. The Mao collar shirt is a true all-rounder that can be found in several fabrics, all as high-quality as each other: in poplin, linen or even flannel.
Short collars, like the Mao collar or the officer collar, are very appreciated for their modernity and flexibility in terms of style. Indeed, they fit into both formal and casual looks, which allows these shirts to be worn in professional settings as well as in private life. However, while we may agree on their similar stylistic qualities, you still need to know how to differentiate them! For this, nothing could be simpler: the officer collar has a button allowing it to be completely closed.
The stylistic flexibility and casual-chic look of the Mao collar shirt must however be sufficient on its own, because it cannot be accessorized as one wishes: the absence of lapels makes it impossible to wear with a tie or bow tie - unlike the wing collar shirt, which is perfectly enhanced with a bow tie.
You have a business meeting, but you don't want to waste time tying a tie? The Mao collar shirt is the solution! More exotic and original than the Italian collar, it will be your best choice under a suit jacket to ensure the elegance of your outfit.
Our styling advice on the Mao shirt?
The Mao collar shirt is common on the streets of France and particularly the Parisian streets, and has been for several years already, thanks to designer Pierre Cardin who democratized this shirt collar in ready-to-wear. Discover below our styling advice for the Mao collar shirt depending on the occasion:
- You're going away for a weekend in the south of France and want to adopt a chic but casual look in the image of the French Riviera? The white linen Mao collar shirt will be perfect to complete your look! Wear it slightly unbuttoned over navy blue chinos to accentuate its casual side and slip on a pair of loafers. You're ready for a day at sea. Don't forget your sunglasses!
- Still in a casual spirit, let's return to Paris, you're invited to brunch in the Marais on a sunny Sunday. The perfect outfit: a heather gray linen Mao collar shirt worn with beige chinos and white city sneakers. Your look will be elegant and casual, like a true Parisian!
- But the Parisian man is also a businessman who travels a lot and likes to feel free in what he wears without neglecting elegance. The ideal outfit for a business meeting: slim-fit suit trousers into which you tuck a white poplin Mao collar shirt and over which you put on your suit jacket. Add a pair of oxfords to your feet and the modern businessman look is complete!
The choice of material
Our Mao collar shirts are available in different materials, so you can vary the styles and textures. For choosing a casual Mao collar shirt with pleasant fabric for the summer season, we recommend the linen Mao collar shirt. This light shirt will be your best ally for summer since linen fibers allow better air circulation and therefore regulation of body temperature.
The Activewear Mao collar shirt is crafted following a clever blend of wool and linen obtained thanks to natural properties. Thanks to the properties of these natural materials, this wrinkle-resistant and thermo-regulating shirt developed by the Italian House Reda 1865 can be worn all year round without risking being too hot or too cold.
Other categories: reverse collar shirt, officer collar shirt, Italian collar shirt, French collar shirt, Mao collar shirt, English collar shirt, pin collar shirt, cutaway collar shirt, American collar shirt, wing collar shirt, bow tie 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 is a versatile option that fits various situations thanks to its minimalist and modern style. Here are some occasions where it is particularly suitable:
- Daily wear: Perfect for relaxed yet elegant outfits. Pair it with jeans or chinos for a neat but laid-back look.
- Evenings: For a dinner or outing, choose a Mandarin collar shirt with dress pants or a lightweight jacket.
- Professional settings: In a less formal work environment, the Mandarin collar can replace a classic shirt.
- Summer events: Ideal for weddings, garden parties, or summer events, especially in light fabrics like linen or cotton.
- Travel: The Mandarin collar is practical for travel due to its flapless design, making it easy to pair with different styles while staying comfortable.
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.