Colors of Tradition

China

Chinese clothing, including ethnic minority garments and modern adaptations of indigenous styles, is a vital aspect of Chinese culture and civilization. For thousands of years, Chinese clothing has evolved with dynastic traditions, foreign influences and cultural exchanges, adapting to the needs of each era. Each dynasty maintained specific styles, colors and forms that reflected social class distinctions and regional diversity. Ancient Chinese attire reflected the social and political structures of its time, while also showcasing textile, dyeing and embroidery techniques.

Hanfu

Hanfu

The Hanfu ('Han clothing' — the majority of Chinese are of Han ethnicity) is the oldest of China's traditional clothes. Until the Han Dynasty, the Hanfu was adopted and vigorously promoted by the ruling class. It then became the national clothing of the Han ethnic people. It also had a far-reaching influence on neighboring Asian countries, such as Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Women typically wear long flowing robes with wide sleeves and layered skirts, while men wear cross-collared tops with long robes or trousers. It symbolizes grace, harmony and cultural pride.

Qipao (Cheongsam)

Qipao (Cheongsam)

The cheongsam (qipao) evolved from the Manchu women's changpao ('long gown') of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). The Manchu ethnic people were also called the Qi people by the Han people; hence their long gown was named qipao ('Qi gown'). Originating in the Qing Dynasty, the cheongsam has mainly developed into Beijing styles, Shanghai styles and Hong Kong styles. There are many differences in decorations, colors, materials, and designs.

Tang Suit

Tang Suit

The Tang suit is a duijin (对襟, a kind of Chinese-style jacket with buttons down the front) with a Mandarin collar (a band collar) and "frog" buttons (knobs formed of intricately knotted cord). This name came from the overseas Chinese. As the Tang Empire was famous for being prosperous and powerful in the world, foreigners called the overseas Chinese people "the Tang people" and the clothes they wore were called "Tang suits" (which has been translated as Tangzhuang 唐装). Traditional Tang suits, based on the magua of the Manchu ethnicity, usually have Chinese characters on them to express good luck or best wishes.

Zhongshan Suit

Zhongshan Suit

The Zhongshan suit, also known as the Mao suit overseas, is a type of men's jacket. It was first advocated by Dr Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan in Mandarin, hence Zhongshan suit). The design of Zhongshan suits combines traditional Chinese and Western clothing styles. Zhongshan suits have four big pockets on the front, two up two down, equally spaced left and right. There are five central buttons on the front and three smaller buttons on each sleeve. Zhongshan suits can be worn on formal and casual occasions because of their symmetrical shape, generous appearance, elegance and stable impression.

← Back