Who Needs Lapels And A Tie When You've Got a Mandarin Collar?

The Mandarin Collar is a style of jacket collar that is inspired by the cheongsam that the Mandarin people wore during Imperial China. In the mid-twentieth century, it was a style worn as an Eastern counterpart to the Western style suit. The short collar stands upright and does not overlap unless it has a button closure. Both men and ladies can wear a jacket with a Mandarin collar.

When you wear a Mandarin collar jacket, a dress shirt with a matching collar is worn. You do not need to wear a tie.

Just like a regular suit jacket, if you use a material with a classic pattern and colour to make your Mandarin collar jacket, it can be dressed up or dressed down to your desire. Black is a good option. Feel free to wear your favourite T-shirt underneath the jacket for a more casual Oriental-inspired urban look.

Kevin, pictured below, is wearing a black Mandarin collar jacket and white Mandarin collar shirt made by Balsam Custom Tailors.

(Mandarin Collar Jacket: polyester/wool blend $399 + HST, Mandarin Collar Shirt: poly/cotton blend $138 + HST)

Converse sneakers and jeans scream "URBAN!"

A necktie is not necessary when you're wearing a Mandarin collar shirt.

An unbuttoned jacket gives a very laidback look. But please feel free to button up your shirt!

Kevin looking so Orientally urban.

Kevin has French cuffs on his Mandarin collar shirt. It's a marvelous example of Eastern style meets Western style. With fashion, anything goes! (But a tie around a Mandarin collar is a big no-no!)

Here's a sample of my photography for this lovely couple. They were on their way to a wedding until I kidnapped them for a 20 minute photoshoot.

Photography by Cindy Wu Photography