As we all know, Chinese culture and tradition are one of the oldest and most popular in the world. People from around the world fancy their traditional items and cultural activities a lot. Whenever they visit China, all they do is know more about these things. One of the things among these is the Chinese traditional dresses that have a special corner in everyone’s hearts. That’s because they look simply elegant on the wearer without even trying harder.
Some of the Chinese traditional dresses have been taken to different parts of the world and you can see people following the same thing. They wear something that’s closely related to the ones in China. But whatever the case or the reason, we can’t deny that Chinese traditional dresses are one of the key factors that have been attracting people over centuries (yeah, after their fighting style.)
Let’s have a closer look at some of the popular traditional Chinese clothes
1. Tang Zhuang
Tang Zhuang is one of the most popular dresses in China and a historic thing as well. Tang Zhuang is not a single dress but a combination of two different items, just like pants and a shirt. Before starting the description of the attire, we would also like to inform you that it was and still is a widely worn costume by males on special occasions. If you visit the village areas of the country, you might still see a lot of men wearing this.
Coming onto the dress, there is a Manchu that seems like a male jacket which is worn on the torso. The jacket was first introduced by the Qing Dynasty and has been an integral part of it ever since. This jacket is worn with a western style suit which brings the best out of the wearer. The dress has a straight collar, coiled buttons, and great color combinations. According to Chinese tradition style, color, and design is top-pick for them.
2. Han Fu
HanFu is another very important and popular dress in Chinese culture. As the name suggests, the costume was a part of the Han community. This was one of the most thriving communities right from the rule of the Yellow Emperor in 2698 BC to the Ming Dynasty between 1368 and 1644 AD. The dress was a part of the community Han and Fu according to Chinese mean clothes; therefore the name.
In this fashion, the population wore a long gown, wrap-around lapel on the left, cross collar, wide sleeves, and the buttons are swapped by a sash. The entire design of the gown remains flawless and simple. But the wearer looked flawless and amazing. You get a lot of options in terms of design, color combination, material, and a few more things. Over time, people have also made some tweaks in the attire to make it according to the world’s fashion without losing its charm and authenticity.
3. Zhongshan Zhuang
Zhongshan Zhuang is a tunic suit that is deeply rooted in Chinese tradition and culture. It is one of their favorites and amongst the popular attire worn by people. The dress is also called Yat-sen Suit because it was designed by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen; yet the name. It is a combination of Chinese attire and a Western-style suit. When you see or wear this dress, you get to enjoy the comfort and look of both these attire.
The best part about Yat-sen Suit is that it brings the best of both worlds. The attire comes with a turn-down collar and there are 4 pockets with flaps. Mao Zendong was the chairman during that time and he wore this attire very frequently.
4. Dragon Robe
You might have seen this in a lot of movies worn by religious people because dragons are one of the most respected and symbolic creatures in Chinese culture. The dragon robe is one of the most popular dresses in the nation. And that’s not it, people love wearing robes across the world. Initially, dragon robes were worn by the high-throne people like the emperors and their families.
To describe this robe we would say that it is a normal but elegantly looking dress that has rounded collars, buttons, and lace for tucking. Usually, it was made of bright yellow color but gradually multiple options surfaced on the market. Now you can enjoy a number of options in the market.
5. Cheongsam
Cheongsam is popularly known as Qipao and is one of the dresses worn by ladies of the country. It is one of those traditional dresses of China that is still worn by many people throughout the country. You can see women wearing the same attire even in different countries on special occasions.
This elegant attire has a high-neck closed collar, loose chest, and then body hugging to the calves. Nowadays, women having a perfectly toned body proudly wear this dress because it highly and perfectly compliments their bodies.
6. Chinese Knot
This is not a dress but an accessory that’s important and beautiful. It has been used by people since ancient times and you will see many Chinese wearing it frequently, even in today’s world. It is believed that the Chinese Knot was initially developed in the Song and Tang (AD 960 to AD 1229). But it is believed that the knot was tweaked and popularised in the Qing and Ming dynasties ( AD 1361- 1911).
This is a colorful and elegant accessory that is still extensively worn and enjoyed by the Chinese; especially during an occasion or festival.
7. Classic Ruqun
Ruqun is another amazing and simple attire that has been worn by men and women in China for a long time. This is counted as one of the most basic attire of the country but has an elegance of its own. Although there are different types of Ruqun that have been popularized over time. The minimal design, overlapping collars, and a wrap skirt are a few key features of this attire.
8. Magua
The Magua, a traditional Chinese garment, is a vest-like jacket often worn over other clothing. Its design reflects a blend of cultural and historical elements, making it a significant piece of Chinese attire. The Magua typically features a sleeveless or short-sleeved design and is secured with decorative knotted buttons or ties. Its distinctive features include intricate embroidery, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns, showcasing Chinese craftsmanship. The Magua has been traditionally associated with Chinese opera, martial arts, and other cultural performances, making it a symbol of artistic expression and tradition. Over time, this versatile garment has also found its way into modern fashion, offering a touch of Chinese heritage and elegance to a wide range of occasions. Its aesthetic appeal and cultural significance continue to be celebrated in Chinese clothing and design.
9. Pienfu
The Pienfu is a classical Chinese two-piece ensemble, comprising a top robe (Yi) and a lower garment (Shang). With its historical roots dating back to the Zhou and Han dynasties, it holds a cherished place in Chinese traditional clothing. The Yi, often featuring a cross-collar design and narrow sleeves, covers the upper body, while the Shang is a wrap-around skirt or apron tied at the waist. Both pieces are typically made from silk or other luxurious fabrics and adorned with exquisite embroidery, symbols, and patterns. The Pienfu’s design has evolved over the centuries but has remained a symbol of Chinese cultural identity, reflecting the country’s rich history and aesthetic sensibilities. This attire is often seen in ceremonial, theatrical, and traditional settings, embodying elegance and tradition.
10. Shenyi
Shenyi is a traditional Chinese unisex robe-like garment that has been a symbol of Chinese culture for centuries. It consists of a long, flowing tunic-style top (Yi) with wide sleeves and a straight, full-length skirt (Qun) that is worn under the Yi. The Shenyi is characterized by its loose and comfortable fit, making it a versatile and timeless piece of attire.
The Shenyi has deep historical significance and has been worn since ancient times, particularly during the Zhou dynasty. Its design has evolved over the years, with variations in fabric, color, and decorative elements, but it remains a symbol of Chinese tradition and elegance. The Shenyi is often worn during traditional ceremonies, festivals, and important cultural events, reflecting the enduring connection between Chinese heritage and attire.
Conclusion
Nowadays, you can order the same thing online and also look for them in the Chinese market of your state. There are a lot of places where you can get the same Chinese attire or something close to this. But if you are someone who loves wearing different types of clothes then you should have some of the above-mentioned costumes in your wardrobe. And those who are visiting China can get authentic clothes from the country itself.
See Also: Traditional dresses of India | Japanese traditional dresses
