Denim jackets with Chinese knots - Shanghai blue revisited

Discover our reinterpretation of the Shanghai jacket: unisex denim jackets, fastened with Chinese buttons and handcrafted in our Parisian workshop. Available in indigo blue, dark grey and light grey, this collection combines inspiration from Chinese menswear with Nabou’s signature denim craftsmanship.

Discover our workshop and try on the jackets
veste bleu de shanghai sur mannequin d'atelier

The buttoning of the Chinese blue as a starting point

The buttoning is the detail of the bleu de chine around which we imagined this collection. These buttons feature a knot on one side, and a loop on the other, formed by the same strip of fabric. They are called “Pankou” in Chinese, which comes from the combination of 2 characters: 盘 (pán), which means to roll up, and 扣 (kòu), which means fastener or button. These buttons have a dual function, both functional since they allow you to close the garment, but also decorative because the idea is to arrange the cord in a pattern.

veste bleu de shanghai dans l'atelier Nabou à Paris

A unisex collection for men and women

Our jackets are designed to be worn by both men and women, with no distinction between the collections. The choice of color, size, and accompanying clothing allows everyone to make them their own.

We offer the styles in 3 versions:

  • In indigo blue denim with navy blue and yellow buttons
  • In dark grey denim with buttons in shades of sky blue and coral orange
  • In light grey denim with buttons in shades of beige, yellow, and blue

ouvrier chinois portant un bleu de chine

What is a Shanghai blue?

The Shanghai blue, also known as Chinese blue, is a work jacket originating from the Chinese workers' wardrobe. Its straight cut, two front patch pockets and traditional Chinese buttoning make up a recognizable uniform, generally associated with a blue color.

At Nabou, this garment is the starting point of our new collection; we offer a denim interpretation, with Chinese buttons and three colors that give each model a different expression.

NABOU'S EXPERTISE

  • Products made in Paris

    Nabou garments are designed and made in our Parisian workshop using existing fabrics. This small-scale production allows us to oversee each piece throughout its creation, from fabric preparation to the final touches.  

    To try on the jackets in our workshop 

  • The Art of Denim

    We chose to revisit Chinese blue through a central fabric in the Nabou universe: denim. Originally used for its strength and durability, denim is a fabric that evolves over time and develops a patina through the years.

  • Our artisanal approach

    Each Nabou reimagined Chinese blue garment is handcrafted in our Paris workshop. From cutting and assembling the pieces to making the Chinese buttons, we oversee every step right through to the finishing touches.

    Learn more about our manufacturing 
Visit the workshop and try on the jackets

YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR SHANGHAI BLUE-INSPIRED MODELS

détail des boutons chinois sur un bleu de shanghai

What is the difference with Prussian blue?

These two terms are used to refer to the same family of workwear originating from China. The name may vary depending on the brand and usage. For this collection, Nabou has chosen the term "Shanghai" in tribute to the city where Hélène, the creator of Nabou, comes from.

Are the cuts suitable for men and women?

Yes, the products in this collection inspired by Chinese blue are unisex. To choose your size, it is best to refer to the garment's measurements and the fit you are looking for, rather than a correspondence between men's and women's sizes.

Are the jackets made in China?

No, all our products are made entirely in France. The collection is inspired by Chinese blue and certain elements of Chinese attire, but all the jackets are handcrafted in our workshop in Paris.

Each piece is made on a small scale, following the various stages of garment production: preparing and cutting the fabric, assembling the different pieces, construction, making and attaching the Chinese buttons, and then finishing. This method of production allows us to monitor each product throughout its creation and pay particular attention to detail.

What is the origin of Shanghai blue?

Also known as the Chinese blue, or "Shanghai jacket" in English, this type of jacket has its roots in Chinese workwear. This blue jacket, with its simple cut and traditional buttoning, is associated with the clothing worn by workers, peasants, and sailors.

It is part of a much older textile history: during the Qing dynasty, the majority of the Chinese population dressed in cotton cloth, unlike the silk clothing of the elites. In the 19th century, Jiangnan, the region around Shanghai, was already a major center for cotton fabric production. These elements shed light on its heritage, without allowing us to attribute a precise date of creation to it.

At Nabou, we draw inspiration from this work jacket to create new denim models with Chinese buttons, made in our workshop in Paris. We offer a reinterpretation, rather than an exact reproduction.