Shirts with a variety of collars are available in the market. They all help you achieve a unique style and enhance your look. Mandarin collar shirts are very trendy. People of all ages love wearing them for their comfortable and smooth feel.
Additionally, these collar shirts also find their relation with history. They have been in use for several decades. The shirt design originated in China and has become the main ingredient in modern fashion styling. If you don’t understand these shirts, don’t worry! I’ll discuss everything you need to know about these stand-up collar shirts.
Overview of Mandarin Collar Shirt
Mandarin collar shirts have stand-up collars. Unlike regular shirts, these colors don’t turn back or fold. From the shoulder, these collars are just 1 to 2 centimeters above. They are simple yet exquisite and stylish. These stand-up colors give these shirts a unique look.
These shirts are also known as standing collars, Nehru collars, and band collars. They are pretty different from regular shirts. Remember, Normal shirts come in a double-folded color. This means the collar stands up and then returns, making a sharp turn. Let me give an example.
Have you ever seen a person wearing formal outfits? The shirts used in such outfits are non-Mandarin. This means they have collars that fold back. If you unfold such collars, their sizes reach around 3 to 4 centimeters. Mandarin shirts are the opposite of these. They cannot fold and stay in one stand-up position.
As I said earlier, Mandarin collars are around 1 to 2 centimeters in size. In the past, only old people wore them; they were considered suitable for oldies. However, things have changed. You’ll see them being used and worn by people of different ages. Many tee shirts and jackets come with Mandarin collars.
History of Mandarin Collar Shirt
Mandarin collar shirts are not a new invention. Instead, they have a history dating back to the 1600s. They first originated in ancient China in the last few decades of the Ming dynasty. However, they were not very popular at that time. After the Ming, the Qing Dynasty started in 1644.
These shirts boomed in the Qing dynasty. Officials in the Qing dynasty wore them. At that time, they were considered a sign of elegance. Only prestigious people wore them. They became famous among scholars, administrators, and top-ranked government employees.
The word Mandarin itself was inspired by those Chinese Mandarins. These Mandarins were officials in the Qing dynasty who used to wear these shirts. However, this stand-up collar shirt quickly became famous throughout China. People started to wear them, considering it a sign of elegance. Soon after, these shirts became part of the culture of Chinese dress.
Its trend spread to the West as well. People in the USA and the UK also wear them. In the past, the British ruled the subcontinent. So, the British wore these shirts there as well. British army personnel’s official uniform also consisted of these stand-up collars. So, their trend in the subcontinent started. India’s popular leader, Nehru, used to wear these shirts.
Due to Nehur’s association, these shirts are known as ‘Nehru Shirts’ in India. Interestingly, they have become a part of fashion. Both formal and casual dresses rely on these shirts. Why? Because they are super comfortable and stylish. Along with China, these shirts are popular in the USA, UK, and many Asian countries.
Materials Used in Mandarin Collar Shirts
Different materials are used in Mandarin collar shirts. There is no restriction on what material should be used. In the past, cotton fabric was most commonly used for making Mandarin collar shirts. It is still one of the most used fabric materials. However, some people also like using blended cotton Mandarin shirts.
The reason is that blended cotton keeps the iron for a long time. The shirts don’t wrinkle easily. Above all, the collars also remain in an excellent stand-up position. The collars of shirts made with blended cotton don’t get loose quickly. Some men’s shirt manufacturers also use linen and silk to make Mandarin collar shirts.
Linen fabric is helpful for summer shirts. It is excellent in breathability, allowing air to pass through easily. You might see some of these shirts made of silk material. However, silk fabric is not very common when making Mandarin collar shirts.
Quick Highlight: I consider blended cotton the best material. It makes the shirts easy to wash, and their prices are lower than pure cotton shirts. You won’t have to iron the shirts multiple times to keep them in good shape. Additionally, you can wear such shirts in both summer and chilly weather.
Types of Mandarin Collar Shirts
In the early days, the standing collar shirts were associated with officials only. However, things have changed now. These shirts are made in a way that fits every occasion. There are two main types of these shirts, which are discussed below:
- Formal Mandarin Collars Shirts
- Casual Mandarin Collars Shirts
These types vary in terms of their fabric materials. Moreover, they are also suitable for different occasions. The formal Mandarin collar shirts are made with pure or blended cotton. They are ideal for attending any business meeting.
Generally, people wear waistcoats or jackets on these shirts. The casual mandarin shirts are made of linen materials. These types of shirts are relatively less expensive than formal ones. Why? Because linen fabric is more inexpensive than pure cotton. These casual mandarin shirts can be worn anywhere you go.
Advantages of Mandarin Collar Shirt
Mandarin collar shirts are not just a short-term fashion trend. It offers many unique perks you don’t get with other casual shirts. Let’s dive and discuss each of those advantages.
1- Versatile
The Mandarin collar shirts are super versatile. You can wear any type of these standing color shirts anywhere without worrying. These shirts are up for anything, whether you are going to attend a wedding or family event. They come in various fabrics, which enhance their usability. For business meetings, you can wear collared shirts made of cotton. Similarly, try casual shirts made with linen or silk material for any other occasion.
2- Comfort
The mandarin collar shirts are very comfortable to wear. They don’t fold and don’t bulk around the neck. Moreover, you don’t have to put on a tie when wearing these shirts. This makes you feel less restrictive and feel more at ease. Furthermore, these shirts are available for every season. For example, you can choose linen mandarin collar shirts for the summer season. On the flip side, thick cotton or silk suits winter’s seasons.
3- Acceptability
As I said, Mandarin collar shirts are part of universal fashion styling. You will see people wearing these shirts in every part of the world. Initially, these shirts originated from China. However, they spread to Western and Asian countries. You won’t feel awkward while wearing these Mandarin collar shirts. These shirts will remain stylish and close to transitional or cultural style.
4- Easy to Style Without Accessories
Generally, you have to wear different accessories with standard shirts. Those include ties, bowties, and brooches. Your look doesn’t feel complete without these accessories. Right? But you don’t need to wear these additional accessories with standing collar shirts. You look elegant just with the shirts. It has a general feel and associates you with specific fashion trends. You won’t need a tie even if you wear it for a business meeting.
How to Style with a Mandarin Collar?
There is no hard and fast rule regarding styling with mandarin collars. These shirts are evergreen, no matter when you wear them. In the section below, I will give you some styling ideas. But remember, what I say is my personal experience. You should follow what makes you feel comfortable.
1—Business Attire: Pure cotton mandarin collar shirts suit business outfits. You can wear contrast-colored pants with a jacket or waistcoat.
2—Casual Events: These shirts are ideal for casual outings. You can wear them with denim jeans. Remember, don’t choose cotton shirts for casual events. Instead, I recommend choosing linen mandarin collar shirts.
3—Wedding Events: These shirts are also suitable for attending a wedding event. If the weather is chilly, consider wearing a blazer with these shirts. It will give you a gorgeous look with updated fashion. I don’t recommend wearing jeans with Mandarin collar shirts for wedding events. Instead, you should go for trousers or pants.
4—Add Belt: Mandarin collar shirts are not only suitable for men. They are an excellent option if you want a feminine look. You can buy cardigans with stand-up collars. Moreover, some long Mandarin collar shirts are also available. They are a perfect fit for ladies. I recommend wearing a belt in the middle of these long shirts.
Quick Highlight: Some tee shirts are available in the market. They have stand-up collars and are made with thicker linen materials. You can buy these for casual home outfits. Wearing these tees with shorts will make them a comfortable combination. You’ll feel more relaxed at home with this outfit.
Conclusion
The mandarin collar shirts have a deep connection with ancient culture. It won’t be wrong that Chinese people love these shirts. But they have become popular worldwide, especially in Western countries. These shirts have unbent or stand-up collars that make them different.
In the past, these mandarin collar shirts used to be made with cotton only. However, the shirt manufacturers use many different fabric materials now. Both cotton and linen are trendy materials. Interestingly, these shirts can be worn at any event without losing the charm of fashion. In this article, I’ve explained every aspect of these mandarin collar shirts.