Mandarin collar

The mandarin collar, also called Nehru collar, is a low stand collar without folded points. It originates in the Chinese Qing dynasty and was popularised in Western fashion by Indian politician Jawaharlal Nehru. Collar height is about 2 to 4 cm, often with slightly rounded front edges.

Structurally the mandarin collar consists of a simple fabric strip with interlining that sits vertically at the neckline. The front edges meet in the middle or overlap slightly and are usually closed with one or two buttons. It needs neither collar stays nor a fold.

Traditionally no tie is worn with the mandarin collar. It looks elegantly minimalist, is ideal for shirts in Nehru or Asian style, waiter and service shirts as well as modern business shirts without a tie requirement. It also appears in menswear jackets (the 'Nehru jacket') and in clerical shirts.

Compared to the cadet collar the mandarin is softer and lower, less military. It slightly lengthens the neck and is considered formal in many cultures without the strictness of a European turndown collar. The kimono collar differs by its continuous, folding shape.