Introduction

Here at FashionBeans, we love a micro-trend. Flying under the radar, and overlooked by the majority, they make it easy to individualise our looks in a stylish and modern way.

So, although the market may currently be saturated with high impact, statement-making items such as patterned trousers, floral bombers and mesh t-shirts, the humble band collar shirt is set to have a moment this season due to its prominence within SS14 collections.

Also known as a mandarin or granddad collar, the band collar is characterised by its short stand-up collar, which can be applied to shirts, tops, t-shirts and even jackets.

Historically influenced by the fashions of China and the Far East, it has now become more popular within the Western world. Subtle yet distinctive, the band collar will help add a point of difference to any man’s current shirting collection – yet, more importantly, in the era of the ‘air tie’ and open collars at formal events, is very much of-the-moment.

On the Runways

Turning our attention to the global fashion week previews, several designers included a wide range of band collar pieces without over-saturating their collections. Interestingly, this type of shirt was also popular at lesser known fashion weeks in countries such as India and Sweden, demonstrating the international appeal of the style.

In Paris, Lanvin sent two loose-fitting band collar shirts down the runway, combining the subtle styling with vivid colours and patterns.

One shirt featured a hot pink base with a contrast grey placket and collar, which was worn buttoned to the top and paired with an oversized black suit and monk-strap shoes. Similarly, a bright blue band collar shirt featuring an all-over pale yellow pattern was paired with a single-breasted tan suit and monk-straps.

Both Lanvin shirts were constructed from sheer materials which gave the illusion of flowing movement. This effect was accentuated by the oversized fits and viscosity – echoing the notion of the mesh trend recently featured on FashionBeans: