Elegant and audacious: The mandarin collar shirt

Where does this collar come from ?

The mandarin collar originated in Asia. It was the collar of choice for men's tunics and was also used on the silk robes worn by mandarins. This type of collar was also very popular among Chinese women who wore it (and still do today) in the form of dresses with slits running up both legs known as "qipao".  

Nowadays no longer known as the mandarin collar, it is called a Mao collar, named after the leader of the People's Republic of China until 1959, Mao Zedong, who made the collar world famous by appearing in it in some of his official photographs. Thereafter it appeared in France at the end of the 60s, made democratic by designer Pierre Cardin.

Characteristics

The big difference between mandarin collar shirts and other shirts is that they have no tabs. As a matter of fact, they consist of a round collar, without tabs, whose edges rise onto the lower part of the neck. Less severe than so-called classic shirts, this is an elegant shirt whose charm rests in its refined, minimalist aspect. In order to maintain harmony, the shirt's finishes are carefully looked after so as to ensure the left and right flaps delicately touch, but don't overlap.

The mandarin collar should not be confused with the stand-up collar, which is quite similar. Just like the mandarin collar, it features a round collar without tabs, but the flaps overlap and are fastened with a button.

What to pair it with ? 

The mandarin collar shirt is a chameleon shirt. Indeed, it goes well with countless outfits. It is more casual than a Shark collar shirt or a small collar shirt, but it's far more elegant and sleek than a polo or a t-shirt.

Even when worn without a tie, it is nonetheless an easy shirt to work with. All you need to do is pair it with a vest, a dressy trouser and elegant leather shoes and any office dress code will be adhered to, even when showing off a bit of originality and modernity.

When it comes to your free time, it can be worn, untucked, with trousers and countless articles of clothing. It can work with chinos or jeans with a matching pair of trainers or derby shoes, underneath a jumper, or even with Bermuda shorts when on holiday!