Mao collar and Officer collar, the differences
Temps de lecture : 3 minutes
The shirt collar
The history of the shirt collar
The shirt collar appeared in the 15th century, it was then exclusively worn by clergymen. It represents a symbol of purity and simplicity. It is then extended to the whole clergy. At the time of the Renaissance, the intellectuals and literate men seize it. Little by little, it appears within the nobility of the XVIIth century under Louis XIII.
It became a luxury accessory, decorated with lace, ribbons and ties. Its size varies according to fashion: it can be very wide to the shoulders or tighter around the neck.
During the nineteenth century, it becomes popular in particular within the working world. And at the beginning of the XXth century appear the famous blue collars for the workers and white collars for the office workers.
How to choose a shirt collar?
It is the collar that makes the shirt, more than its sleeves or its buttoning. The collar must be adapted to the style of clothing and to the shape of the face it is closest to. It must reach halfway up the neck to be flattering. It is composed of a collar stand, attached to the body of the shirt, and a collar fold that gives it its final shape and hold. Only Mao collars and officer collars do not have a collar fold, they are only made of the collar stand attached to the body of the shirt.
The Mao collar
The Mao collar or Mandarin collar is a type of shirt collar worn by Mao Zedong, President of the People's Republic of China from 1949 until his death in 1976.
The origin of the Mao collar
Straight from Asia, it comes from the traditional dress worn by the Chinese courtesans of the king. This dress called qipao is sewn in one piece with a split collar or mandarin collar. It is symbolic of the Republic of China in the early twentieth century and combines tradition and modernity.
In the 1950s, Mao Zedong appropriated this collar and popularized it. He practically wears only this collar during his official representations as a military officer. It is at this time that the Mao collar takes its name.
The characteristics of the MAO collar
The Mao collar is characterized as a straight and short collar that goes up along the neck without making a fold. Its two sides do not overlap, leaving a space between them. There is therefore no buttonhole.
Is the Mao collar popular?
The Mao collar shirt has become a must-have in the men's wardrobe. Timeless, it can be worn on all occasions, over a chino or jeans as well as under a suit but without a tie. Today it has more and more followers who like its dandy side but without overdoing it, its modernity, its minimalism. At the same time sought and simple, it adapts to all fabrics, which allows to match it with all styles.
It brings a touch of exoticism on a simple outfit, and conversely calms a sophisticated outfit.
It is still more casual than a pointed shirt collar. It is less strict because it is worn without a tie. It also frees the neck of any pressure, hence this alliance of elegance and character but also of casualness that changes the usual collars.
How to wear a Mao collar ?
Wear it over a shirt that is closed all the way to the top to highlight it on a neat outfit. It is associated with neutral colored pants and shoes, ankle boots or leather loafers depending on the season. For the fabric of the shirt: linen or cotton for a smooth look. It can also be associated with a jacket, but again no tie or bow tie. The result: a serious look but with a touch of originality despite everything.
In a more hipster style, it is worn over an open shirt (two buttons) cut in a chambray fabric for example, and taken out of the pants or jeans. A relaxed but chic style, ideal for a weekend with friends for example.
In the evening, choose very small patterns on dark pants: stand out with a cool and elegant side at the same time.
Choose sober colors and neutral tones that will highlight your shirt.
The Officer Collar
Less known than the Mao collar but easier to wear because more Europeanized, the officer collar is nevertheless more and more popular. It is very similar to the Mao collar, with the difference that its two sides overlap and are closed by a buttonhole.
History of the officer collar
Its name comes from military uniforms, and more precisely from the officers' jackets worn in the 19th century. It then gradually left the army and entered the world of fashion to join the men's wardrobes and decline on modern shirts.
Like the Mao collar, the stand-up collar is very elegant and can be worn with both smart and casual clothing. It is currently a real trend effect. Easy to assume, lighter than the classic collar, it allows you to have a clear head and brings a modern twist to your outfit.
How to wear an officer collar?
It adapts to all fabrics.
We choose chambray for a more casual style in the evening and on weekends, and we will associate it with a V-neck sweater or a cardigan, jeans or chino and sneakers. The shirt can be worn with pants for a nice look.
For a more formal look, cotton is the way to go, under a jacket and over dark pants.
Nevertheless this collar is particularly appreciated in summer, during evenings with friends or relaxed weekends. It is very pleasant to wear because you do not feel it. It can also be associated with shorts or Bermuda shorts for a 100% summer spirit.
In short, these two collars are vectors of character, elegance but also casual. Easy to combine with all occasions, the fault of taste is impossible. They bring you a modern and different style from the usual collars, while being easy to wear. A few important assets in your wardrobe!
