Hanfu (汉服) is a style of traditional Chinese clothing for women, men, and children. The term Hanfu was originally used to describe the attire of the noble class during the Qing dynasty. However, nowadays it is generally used to refer to all types of traditional Chinese dress from all periods. There are many different styles of Hanfu, but most garments are based on a few key features: they have high collars, wide sleeves, and are typically made of brightly colored silk or satin. While modern day Hanfu enthusiasts largely focus on preserving and promoting the traditional art form, there are also efforts underway to create new designs that reflect modern aesthetics while still preserving the essence of traditional Hanfu. In any case, whether you’re interested in ancient history or just looking for an unusual costume idea, Hanfu is definitely worth checking out!
What is Hanfu and Where did it Originate from
The traditional costume of the Han nation began with the Yellow Emperor and was shaped in the Zhou Dynasty.
The earliest appearance of the Han costume must have been during the Yin and Shang dynasties, before there was any archaeological evidence to support it. About 5,000 years ago, in the Neolithic period of Yangshao culture, China produced primitive agriculture and textile industry, and began to use woven linen to make clothes, and the wife of the Yellow Emperor, Rayon, invented silkworms and silk spinning, and people’s clothes and dresses became more and more complete. People’s clothing was completed.
The Raw Materials of Hanfu
Hanfu is a traditional form of Chinese clothing that has been worn for centuries. Though the style of Hanfu has varied over time, it typically includes a loose-fitting shirt and pants or skirts. Hanfu is usually made from silk or cotton, though other fabrics may be used as well. The colors and patterns of Hanfu are also highly symbolic, with each element conveying a different meaning. For example, red is often associated with good fortune, while black represents mourning. As a result, Hanfu is not only a stylish form of clothing, but also a deeply meaningful one.
Hanfu Accessories
Hanfu accessories are comprised of a wide array of items that can be worn with the Hanfu, an ancient Chinese dress. These accessories serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, and they can be made from a variety of materials. Common Hanfu accessories include belts, headpieces, jewelry, jade decorations, and shoes. Belts are used to cinch the waist or secure loose fabrics, while headpieces can help to keep hair in place or add a touch of decoration. Jewelry is often worn to accentuate the neckline or add some sparkle, and shoes are typically chosen to match the color and style of the Hanfu. Normally, Chinese traditional jewelry and Chinese traditional embroidery shoes are also worn with Hanfu. By carefully selecting accessories, one can create a truly unique Hanfu ensemble that is both beautiful and practical.
The Different Styles of Hanfu
The Hanfu is a type of traditional Chinese clothing that was worn by the Han people. It is characterized by its loose, flowing silhouette and its distinctive yi, which is a long, rectangular piece of fabric that drapes over the body. Hanfu can be made from a variety of materials, including silk, cotton, and linen. Depending on the region and the occasion, Hanfu can be styled in different ways. For example, the ru (formal wear) style features a yi that is wrapped around the body and fastened at the right shoulder, while the chang (informal wear) style features a yi that is draped over one shoulder and fastened at the waist. Despite its long history, Hanfu has only been revived in recent years as a symbol of Chinese identity. However, it is still worn on special occasions, such as weddings and festivals.
How to Wear Hanfu
Hanfu is the traditional dress of the Han Chinese people. It has a long history, and its use has been traced back to the Three Kingdoms period (third century AD). Today, Hanfu is making a comeback, with many people choosing to wear it as a way to reconnect with their cultural heritage. If you’re interested in wearing Hanfu yourself, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, Hanfu is usually worn loose-fitting, so it’s important to choose a size that is comfortable for you. Secondly, Hanfu is typically fastened with a sash or belt at the waist, so be sure to adjust it to your desired level of tightness. Finally, don’t forget to accessorize! Wearing jewelry and hair accessories is a great way to add an extra touch of style to your Hanfu outfit.
The History and Significance of Hanfu
Throughout the centuries, Hanfu has evolved to reflect the changing styles of the times, but it has always retained its distinctive features. The most distinguishing feature of Hanfu is its wrap-around silhouette, which is achieved by fastening the right side of the garment to the left side. This design allows for a great deal of flexibility in how the garment can be worn, and it also makes Hanfu very comfortable to wear. In addition to its unique style, Hanfu is also significant for its symbolism. Hanfu represents the virtue of propriety and etiquette, and it is seen as a reflection of the traditional values of the Han people. As such, Hanfu remains an important part of Chinese culture today.
Qin and Han Dynasties Hanfu (221 BC – 220 AD)
After the unification of China by the Qin Dynasty, the clothing system was established, and the specifications and rituals of the Chinese costume became more and more obvious.
Later, from the beginning of the Qin Dynasty to the time of Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the style of dress gradually showed a dignified and elegant style.
Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties Hanfu
During the Wei and Jin dynasties, influenced by many aspects of society, politics, economy and culture, the style of Chinese clothing was mainly elegant, light and airy.
The main design of Hanbok in this period is that the cuffs are wide and the style is simple and elegant. The bun is also very nice and characteristic, simple and atmospheric with some fairy atmosphere.
Sui and Tang dynasties Hanfu
During the Tang Dynasty, the society and clothing styles were very open because of the social atmosphere of “national unification and economic prosperity”, therefore, the Chinese clothing styles at that time could be said to be in competition with each other.
There are many types of collar types alone – round, square and straight collars, etc.
As for the shape, the Tang Hanfu is mostly a combination of chest jacket and skirt, making the long skirt more flowing and generous.
In terms of hair bun style, it was also mostly a full coiffure, and those with very high status would also pin a peony on their heads, adding to the grace and elegance and poetic sense.
In addition, the floral jacket was also very popular among Tang Dynasty ladies. This can be seen from the many ancient paintings and cultural relics that have been preserved.
Song Dynasty Hanfu
The design of Song Hanfu followed the old system of the Sui and Tang dynasties, but due to the influence of the cultural ideology of Cheng and Zhu, people pursued a simple, unadorned and simple style, which led to a more subtle and simple style of dress in this period.
Song Dynasty men’s hanboks were mainly designed with round-necked robes, while women inherited the Tang style, and in terms of hair buns, women’s hair buns were expensive with the high buns prevalent in the late Tang Dynasty, and even turned hairpins into a traditional dressing style.
Unlike the Tang Dynasty, the lower skirt of the Song Dynasty was narrower and more pleated, and the upper shirt was mostly designed with a pair of lapels, which was also worn in the same way as in the picture, often draped over the inner skirt, generous and simple, replacing the graceful and luxurious feeling of the Tang Hanfu with a sense of everydayness and simplicity.
Ming Dynasty Hanfu
As the name implies, the Hanfu of the Ming Dynasty refers to the Hanfu of the Ming Dynasty, which is what we call “Ming Hanfu” in everyday life.
The Hanbok of this period had the simplicity of the Song Dynasty and the grace and generosity of the Tang Dynasty, with “elegance” and “simplicity” going hand in hand, which was also very nice.
There are many types of Ming Chinese costumes, and many of them have been preserved to this day – shirts, coats, pastes, bikinis and skirts, etc. The “Xiapi” in “Fengguan Xiapi”, as we often call it, is also one of the Ming Chinese costumes.
The design and form of the Ming Hanbok, which absorbed the cultural achievements of many previous dynasties, also showed the design characteristics of different dynasties – it met the needs of the dignitaries for “nobility and elegance”, while reducing the flamboyance of the Tang Hanbok in design, making it relatively easier to manage and match.
Hanfu Interruption (1644 A.D. to 1912 A.D.)
The rulers of the Qing Dynasty, in order to weaken the ethnic identity of the Han Chinese in order to maintain Manchurian rule, implemented “shaving hair and changing clothes”, and those who wore Chinese clothing and hair were punished with serious crimes. The long struggle of the Han Chinese to resist the Qing government also considered some concessions to stabilize the situation. Also led to the Qing dynasty more than two hundred years of history, Han men’s clothing basically to the Manchu model, cheongsam, tunic, lab coat are to the Manchu costume improvement and development, rather than the Han traditional national dress. Although the Han costume itself disappeared under the ruling policies of the Qing Dynasty such as shaving hair and changing clothes, some of its elements have not been extinct because of its strong vitality.
Hanfu Restoration and Revival (1912 – early 21st century)
After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, along with the end of political oppression of dress, Chinese costume ushered in a new period of revival and development. In March 1913, Qian Xuan Tong, a cultural scholar of the Republic of China, brought ‘Xuan Guan’ and wore ‘deep clothes’ in the Department of Education in Zhejiang, and worked, which can be regarded as the first person in the history of Chinese costume revival At the beginning of the 21st century, with the development of China’s national power, people began to look at the excellent parts of their traditional culture. Some people restored the traditional Han costume by examining it and taking the essence of it to remove the dregs, and at the same time, by restoring traditional festivals, restoring traditional rituals, worshipping sages, promoting traditional doctrines, promoting traditional musical instruments, etc., they re-promoted the restoration of traditional Han costume and wore it for promotion, and Han costume ushered in a new period of revival.
Modern Day Revival of Hanfu
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Hanfu, the traditional dress of the Han Chinese people. Once nearly forgotten, Hanfu is now enjoying a revival, with people of all ages and backgrounds embracing this beautiful and elegant form of dress. While some people wear Hanfu for special occasions, others have made it their everyday wear. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Hanfu also has a rich history and cultural significance. For many people, wearing Hanfu is a way of connecting with their heritage and celebrating their culture. As the popularity of Hanfu continues to grow, it is clear that this ancient form of dress is here to stay. Hanfu is a kind of fashion. Wearing Hanfu is also an inheritance of traditional Chinese culture. Hanfu not only symbolizes the national identity, but also has a profound international influence.
Hanfu Fans
Nowadays, many young people in China like to wear hanfu, and there are many hanfu fans all over the world. Hanfu is not only the clothing of the Han ethnic group, but also a clothing style. Normally, In Spring and Summer, Hanfu lovers like to wear hanfu outfits (narrow sleeves or loose sleeves, upper garment and lower garment), with flowing robes, embroidered shoes, get together to celebrate traditional Chinese festivals or to celebrate “Hanfu Day”.
Hanfu is making a comeback, and we could not be more excited. This unique form of clothing has so much history and meaning behind it, and we are honored to help spread the word about this beautiful tradition. If you have not had a chance to check out hanfu yet, now is the time. It can be used as formal dress or informal attire. If you think it is too complicated, you can choose the most basic form to wear. It is easier to common people. We promise you will not be disappointed.
