Mao Suit
The Mao Suit is a minimalistic tunic style suitcoat that is single breasted with four pockets on the front of the jacket; two on the breast and two at the hips. In addition to prominent pockets, the Mao Suit is also notable for its lack of a lapel, instead opting for a modified dress shirt styled collar that replaces the points with rounded off stubs that typically do not extend past the top button. When wearing a Mao suit no dress shirt is visible. The suit is also worn without a tie.
The Mao Suit rose to popularity in 1949 (though it existed long before) with the creation of the People's Republic of China, and was worn as a symbol of national pride by government leaders. The term Mao Suit is derived from Mao Zedong’s affinity for the style.
Today the Mao Suit does not enjoy the same popularity that it once did. Where at one point it was common for all males to wear this type of suit in mainland China, today it has been superseded by the traditional Western business suit. It is, however, still a popular dress item worn by Chinese government officials during state functions as well as a popular clothing option in North Korea perhaps most famously worn by Kim Jong-Il himself.
