Traditional Chinese Clothing has a long and complex history. While there are many different regional styles, certain design elements are common to most Chinese garments. One of the most distinctive features of traditional Chinese dress is the use of bright colors and elaborate patterns. Bright yellow is usually used in royal dress. Red is also a popular color for special occasions, as it is believed to bring good luck. The color of wedding dress varies from dynasty to dynasty. In addition to colorful fabrics, traditional Chinese dress often features intricate embroidery or needlework. This attention to detail is indicative of the importance that Chinese culture places on refinement and elegance. Traditional Chinese female dress is not only beautiful, but it also reflects the vivid history and rich cultural heritage of China.
Qin and Han Dynasties
Qin and Han women wore clothing that was essentially the same as that worn by men, except for minor stylistic differences. The most notable difference was in the cut of the sleeves, which were narrow and close-fitting on women’s garments but wide and loose on men’s. Qin and Han women also wore their hair in a style known as the “palace bun,” in which the hair was pulled back from the face and gathered into a knot at the back of the head. Both men and women wore a garment known as a ru, which was essentially a rectangular piece of cloth that could be wrapped around the body in various ways. In general, however, women’s clothing tended to be more elaborately decorated than men’s, with myriad colors and intricate designs. As the Qin and Han dynasties (221BCE-220AD) progressed, however, there was a gradual increase in the differentiation between men’s and women’s clothing, culminating in the development of distinctively male and female fashion traditions.
Hanfu is the traditional clothing of the Han people. It is also sometimes called Huafu or Hanfu. The term Hanfu was first used during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE). During this period, the clothing style of the northern and southern dynasties began to diverge. The clothing of the southern dynasties was more ornate, while the northern dynasties favored simpler styles. In terms of structure, Hanfu consists of a yi (a narrow-cuffed shirt or jacket), a changshan (a wide-sleeved robe), and a ru Quju (loose pants). Jackets and pants are fastened with drawstrings rather than buttons. Usually, one piece of cloth is used to make all three parts of the outfit, but additional pieces may be used for decoration. Hanfu can be made from a variety of fabrics, including silk, cotton, and linen. It is typically decorated with intricate designs, embroidery, and bright colors. Today, Hanfu is enjoying a renaissance in China. Some people wear it as a fashion statement, while others see it as a way to reconnect with their cultural heritage. Regardless of the reason, it is clear that Hanfu has once again become a staple of Chinese culture.
Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties
In Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties (220 – 589), the style of women’s clothing was characterized by a close-fitting upper garment and a voluminous lower garment. The close-fitting upper garment was wrapping crossed at the front of the body. It fitted closely around the neck and had long sleeves. The voluminous lower garment was in the form of a tube or a cylinder. The length of the garments varied according to status and occasion, with court ladies wearing the longest garments. Both men’s and women’s clothing was made of silk, which was a symbol of wealth and status. In addition to silk, other materials such as hemp and linen were also used. Silk brocade and embroidery were used to decorate clothing. Court ladies wore elaborate headdresses, while ordinary women usually tied their hair in a bun or plait. Makeup was also an important part of women’s appearance. Powder, rouge and lipsticks were used to create a pale complexion, which was considered to be beautiful. Ornamental hairpins, earrings and necklaces were also commonly worn.
Sui Dynasty
The Sui dynasty lasted from 581 to 618 AD. During this time, Chinese women’s clothing underwent a radical transformation, evolving from the simple tunics of the earlier Han dynasty into elaborate and luxurious garments. Silk became increasingly popular, and lavishly embroidered gowns became fashionable among the elite. In addition, the use of color became more prevalent, with brighter hues becoming increasingly common. Although the Sui dynasty was relatively short-lived, it left a lasting impact on Chinese fashion, which can still be seen in contemporary clothing designs.
Tang Dynasty
The clothing worn by Chinese women during the Tang dynasty was distinctive and colorful. Tang-style clothing featured wide sleeves and a high-waisted silhouette, and was often made from silk or other fine fabrics. Women’s clothing often incorporated elaborate embroidery and other embellishments, and was often brightly colored. In addition to everyday clothing, Tang women also wore elegant robes for special occasions. The style of Tang women’s clothing had a profound influence on the fashion of other cultures, and helped to spread the popularity of Chinese silk around the world. Today, the Tang-style silhouette is still popular in many parts of Asia, and Tang-inspired fashion remains a coveted look among fashionable women worldwide.
Song Dynasty
While the earlier Tang dynasty had been characterized by relatively simple and unadorned dresses, the Song period saw a dramatic increase in the use of color, pattern, and embellishment in women’s fashion. Brightly colored silks and brocades became increasingly popular, and clothing was often intricately decorated with embroidery, beads, or other adornments. These changes in fashion were reflective of the increased wealth and prosperity of the Song dynasty, as well as the growing influence of foreign cultures on Chinese society. In addition to foreign influences, the Song period also saw the rise of a new class of educated women who were interested in fashion and eager to express their individuality through their dress. As a result, women’s clothing during the Song dynasty was both glamorous and highly individualized.
Yuan Dynasty
The Yuan dynasty saw a significant change in women’s clothing. Gone were the days of the confining and impractical Tang-style clothes. In their place, a more comfortable and relaxed style of clothing emerged. Loose-fitting tunics and trousers became the norm for both everyday wear and special occasions. Bright colors and patterns were also popular, with silk being the fabric of choice. While the wealthy could afford to be more extravagant in their dress, even ordinary women were able to enjoy a greater degree of freedom when it came to their wardrobe. This shift in fashion reflected the changing social role of women during the Yuan dynasty. No longer confined to the home, women were now taking an active role in society and needed clothing that would allow them to move about freely. The new style of dress was symbolic of the changing times and represented a new era for Chinese women.
Ming Dynasty
During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Chinese women’s clothing was characterized by its graceful and elegant style. Silk was the main fabric used, and garments were often decorated with intricate embroidery or delicate lace. The most common items of clothing worn by women were dresses, skirts, blouses, jackets, and trousers. Shawls and cloaks were also popular, and these could be made from a variety of different fabrics, including fur, velvet, and silk. Jewelry was also widely worn by women during this period, with many choosing to adorn themselves with pearl necklaces, earrings, and rings. Footwear was typically made from soft leather or cloth, and shoes were often decorated with embroidery or beads.
Qing Dynasty
While the clothing of Chinese women has varied greatly over the centuries, the Qing dynasty (1644-1912) is renowned for its distinctive style of dress. The most notable feature of Qing clothing was the use of bright colors and elaborate patterns. Silk was the primary fabric used for clothing, and it was often decorated with intricate embroidery or appliqué. In addition to silk, women also wore gauze, cotton, and linen. The basic garments worn by women during the Qing dynasty consisted of a blouse (ru), skirt (qun), jacket (ao), and sash (jiàn). Other key items of clothing included the dragon robe (longpao), which was reserved for special occasions, and the Phoenix crown (feng penis ), which was worn by married women. By contrast, unmarried women were required to wear their hair in a plait wrapped around their head. While the clothing of Chinese women has changed significantly in recent years, the unique style of dress from the Qing dynasty continues to be appreciated by many.
Qipao
The qipao, also known as the cheongsam, is a traditional Chinese dress that has been worn by women for centuries. The qipao first originated in the Qing Dynasty, and it was initially designed to be a loose-fitting garment that was comfortable to wear. However, over time, the qipao evolved into a more fitted and form-fitting dress. The qipao became particularly popular in the 1920s, when it became fashionable for women to wear dresses that showed off their curves. Today, the qipao is still worn by many Chinese women on special occasions. It is also frequently seen in movies and television shows set in China.
Today
China has a long history of traditional clothing, with each region and dynasty having its own distinct style. In the 20th century, however, Chinese fashion began to Westernize, influenced by film, television, and foreign visitors. Female clothing became more form-fitting and revealing, while men began to wear suits and ties. At the same time, traditional clothing continued to be worn for special occasions such as weddings and festivals. Today, Chinese fashion is a mix of traditional and modern styles, with many people expressing their personal identity through their clothing choices. Whether they are wearing a qipao or jeans, Chinese women are sure to make a stylish statement.
