Some styles don’t shout for attention, they command it quietly. The mandarin collar is one such silhouette.
Minimal, elegant, and rooted in history, the mandarin collar has journeyed from royal courts to modern wardrobes, adapting across cultures while retaining its understated charm. Today, it stands as a symbol of effortless sophistication, especially when paired with handcrafted textiles and artisanal prints.
At Tatvamasi Store, the mandarin collar isn’t just a design choice, it’s a canvas for art, heritage, and modern living.
The Origin of the Mandarin Collar?
The mandarin collar traces its roots back to ancient China, where it was worn by officials during the Qing dynasty. Unlike wide, folded collars, this style stood upright and close to the neck, a symbol of discipline, dignity, and refinement.
Its clean lines made it practical, while its structure conveyed status. Over time, the silhouette traveled beyond borders, evolving as it merged with different cultures and clothing traditions.
How India Made the Mandarin Collar Its Own?
India didn’t just adopt the mandarin collar, it reimagined it. As the silhouette entered Indian fashion, it blended seamlessly with a wide range of traditional and contemporary garments, from kurtas, bandhgalas, and achkans to tunics, shirts, dresses, and modern fusion wear. The collar resonated deeply with Indian aesthetics and ways of dressing:
- It worked beautifully with handcrafted fabrics and artisanal techniques
- It struck a balance between formal and relaxed, aligning perfectly with Indian lifestyles
Over time, Indian designers transformed the mandarin collar into an everyday essential, pairing it with breathable cottons, fluid silhouettes, and handcrafted prints. What once belonged to royalty and ceremonial wear slowly evolved into a timeless design language, embraced across wardrobes and occasions.
How Tatvamasi Reimagines the Mandarin Collar?
At Tatvamasi, the mandarin collar shirt is designed for people who appreciate quiet luxury and conscious fashion. Each piece is:
- Made using breathable cotton
- Printed using hand block techniques
- Crafted by skilled artisans
- Designed to move effortlessly from day to night
The silhouettes are relaxed yet refined, perfect for workdays, vacations, brunches, or evening gatherings. The mandarin collar adds structure, while the prints add soul.
No two pieces are exactly alike, and that’s the beauty of it.