In Hanfu, “Doupeng (斗篷, Cloak)” and “Pifeng (披风, Cape)” are often confused. It seems that there is no difference between them in Hanfu. But in fact, they are totally different things. Today, we will introduce the difference between them.
“Doupeng (斗篷, Cloak)”
Doupeng, it usually has a stand collar, no cap, no sleeve, and generally has a slit at the back. It’s usually matched with a hat. Cover the whole body to prevent wind and cold. And the design of the Doupeng is not convenient for the hands to move, so it just keeps people warm.
Doupeng, evolved from coir raincoats, was originally made of hemp to resist rain and snow. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, silk fabrics were widely used in Doupeng, not limited to rainy and snowy days. It was a kind of clothing to keep out the cold, with long and short styles, high collar, and low collar.
When going out in winter, both men and women, officials, and people like to wear Doupeng, but there’s a rule that you can’t be salute in this kind of dress, or it’s considered disrespectful. After the middle of the Qing Dynasty, women’s cloaks were very common, and their production was increasingly sophisticated. They were generally made of bright silk and satin, embroidered with patterns, and lined with fur.
“Pifeng (披风, Cape)”
Pifeng is the shape of a garment, a windbreaker, most of them have straight neckline, long sleeves. Pifeng was popular in Ming Dynasty. It can be worn either outdoors or indoors, Doupeng is often worn outdoors. Pifeng was popular in Ming and Qing Dynasties. From many portraits and notes, Pifeng was popular in Ming Dynasty. In The Dream Of Red Mansions, the Pifeng is mentioned repeatedly.
In a word, a Doupeng has no sleeves and a Pifeng has sleeves (a Pifeng is a normal dress!)
To learn more about the styles of Hanfu:The Most Classic Hanfu of All TimeA Quick Guide to the Chinese Hanfu Clothing
Can’t decide which style I like more lol
waw😍