Nowadays when you stroll through the streets of China, you may spot young people dressed in beautiful traditional clothing. This unique attire is called Hanfu/汉服 (Hànfú), the traditional clothing of the Han people in China.
Contrary to what some may think, Hanfu isn't just the clothing of the Han Dynasty (202B.C. - 220A.D.). The name "Han/汉" refers to the Han ethnic group, and "fu/服" simply means clothing. Together, Hanfu represents the timeless traditional attire of the Han people.
Hanfu embodies China's legacy as the "Nation of Attire and Etiquette" and "Land of Embroidered Splendor." It showcases exquisite craftsmanship through traditional dyeing, weaving, and embroidery techniques and carries forward over 30 forms of Chinese intangible cultural heritage and traditional arts. Each piece tells a story of elegance, artistry, and heritage that's been preserved and cherished for generations.
Hanfu
01 · How to wear Hanfu
Curious about how to wear traditional Hanfu? At first glance, it may seem intricate, but don't worry, here's a simple guide for you!
Hanfu consists of a few main parts: a headpiece (like a crown or scarf), an inner layer (coiyi or zhongyi), an outer robe or jacket, a skirt or pants (tibia), shoes, and a belt with jade ornaments. Ancient Chinese people often added accessories - hairpins, ribbons, bracelets, and fans - to complete the look.
Jade, a beloved material, symbolizes grace and virtue. Women wore jade hairpins and bracelets, while men hung jade at the waist, showing elegance and modesty.
Hanfu patterns, like peonies, phoenixes, and clouds, add beauty and symbolize peace, happiness, and harmony. Hanfu isn't just clothing - it's a cultural statement! Give it a try and experience this heritage for yourself!
Watch the video below to learn how to wear Hanfu from the Ming and Song Dynasties↓
Hanfu
02 · A Journey in Style and History
The style of Hanfu has undergone many changes through different dynasties. Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese people, has a history stretching back over 3,000 years, evolving with each dynasty. Let's take a journey through the unique styles of each period and discover how they reflect the spirit of the times!
Qin and Han Dynasties (221B.C. - 220A.D.)
CLASSIC
The clothes of this period were divided into two kinds: curved train/曲裾 (qǔjū) and straight train/直裾 (zhíjū), with long sleeves or short sleeves. This kind of clothing is tight and narrow, long and draggable, and the lower hem is generally trumpet shaped, and the foot is not exposed.
Wei Jin (220 - 581)
UNFETTERED DEMEANOR
In Wei and Jin (220 - 581) dynasties, flowing and wide sleeves were popular, and women's Hanfu had a waist, which made the skirt of Hanfu longer and the action was wind, which was in line with the chic mentality of Wei and Jin people.
Tang Dynasty (618－907)
GORGEOUS AND OPEN
To the prosperous Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), women's style to chest-length skirts, the colour of Hanfu more gorgeous. According to legend, Yang Guifei (Yang Yuhuan, the concubine of Emperor Xuanzong in the Tang Dynasty. She was a court musician, dancer and one of the four beauties of ancient China.）loved to wear embroidered pomegranate flowers skirts, bright and gorgeous. From then on, Chinese had a allusion about "pomegranate skirt" . When we worship a woman, we say, "bow down to her pomegranate skirt."
In addition, because of the economic prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, people were open-minded, and there would be women wearing men's clothes to go out to play, and the phenomenon of "women dressed as men" was popular from Tang Dynasty.
Song Dynasty (960 - 1279)
ELEGANT AND FRESH
The Hanfu of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) followed the style of the Tang Dynasty and became more elegant and simple, which has a great relationship with the social thought of the Song Dynasty emphasizing "rationality".
Ming and Qing dynasties (1368 - 1911)
INTEGRATION
Hanfu of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911) featured elegant simplicity, layered designs, and intricate embroidery, reflecting traditional Chinese aesthetics.
In the Ming and Qing dynasties, a unique style of Hanfu - horse-face skirt/马面裙 (mǎmiànqún) emerged. Initially designed for women who rode horses, this skirt features two prominent pleats that extend to the sides, mimicking the shape of a horse's face - hence the name. The design of the 马面裙 is known for its symmetry and streamlined silhouette, which provides both elegance and freedom of movement. This made it not only a functional garment but also a symbol of feminine grace and practicality in the past.
These pleats create a flattering, elegant silhouette that has made the 马面裙 a favorite for centuries. What makes the 马面裙 truly special is its blend of simplicity and sophistication. The skirt is typically worn with a jacket or top, often with intricate embroidery or delicate patterns. It's designed to flow gracefully, and the pleats add an element of movement when you walk, which adds to the freedom of women brave and fashion charm.
What makes the 马面裙 even more fascinating is how it has transcended time. In recent years, the 马面裙 has made a huge comeback, especially among young people. Its modern twist maintains the signature pleats and flow but incorporates contemporary fabrics, like synthetic fibers, and a broader color palette, ranging from neutral tones to more vibrant hues. A notable example occurred when a university student wore a 马面裙 to her graduation ceremony overseas, sparking widespread media attention. The blend of ancient craftsmanship with modern flair has made the 马面裙 a favorite choice for those interested in embracing traditional culture while adding a touch of retro fashion.
Hanfu
03 · A renaissance of Hanfu
in modern China
马面裙 is just one example, and today we're witnessing a captivating resurgence of Hanfu among young people throughout China. Whether it's on the streets or the runway, traditional Chinese clothing is making a big comeback! In recent years, Hanfu fashion shows of all sizes have been popping up across the country, with designers like Guo Pei even bringing Hanfu elements to international fashion weeks.
It's not just in fashion shows — Hanfu is going viral online, too! One viral moment that captured this revival was a Chinese girl in a vibrant red Hanfu strolling through a street overseas. That TikTok video alone earned over 1.5 million views. It's just one example of how Hanfu is trending, with short videos tagged #hanfu racking up over 300 million views on TikTok!
And if you want to experience Hanfu culture up close, a trip to the ancient town of Xitang/西塘古镇 (Xītáng Gǔzhèn) during its annual Hanfu Culture Festival is a must!
Every year, visitors from all over the world flock to Xitang to witness this charming fusion of history and modernity. The streets come alive with people of all ages donning beautiful Hanfu, and there are performances, workshops, and traditional ceremonies that give you a glimpse of what life was like in ancient China. It's a magical way to dive into Chinese culture and see Hanfu in action!
That's all for today's introduction to Hanfu. It's been quite a fascinating journey, hasn't it? I hope this article has helped you connect with these timeless yet trendy oriental elements. Whether it's a street fashion moment, a viral TikTok video, or a visit to a Hanfu festival, this cultural revival is more than just a trend - it's a celebration of Chinese heritage. Hanfu, in all its forms, continues to inspire, innovate, and capture hearts, with identity wrapped up in beautiful fabric, both in China and beyond.
(All the pics are from the Internet)
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