One of the joys of wearing hanfu is discovering how effortlessly it can be adapted to different lifestyles, beliefs, and personal preferences. As a hijabi, one of my biggest considerations when choosing clothing is modesty. Thankfully, many hanfu styles already cater to this ideal with their long, flowing silhouettes, layered structures, and elegant designs. In fact, I’ve found hanfu to be one of the easiest traditional outfits to wear while staying true to both my modesty and aesthetic preferences.
Although some hanfu styles are more fitted around the waist or involve shorter sleeves or lower necklines, there are many that work beautifully for hijabis without needing any extra modifications. Personally, I’m especially drawn to Ming dynasty style hanfu. These often feature a mamianqun skirt paired with either a shorter shirt (duijin shan) or a longer robe-style shirt (aoqun or dachang), both of which are generously cut and non-revealing. The fabrics drape naturally, the overall silhouette is loose, and the layering makes it feel effortlessly modest. The added bonus? Mamianqun prints are just stunning. The way the pleats open and close as you walk, revealing flashes of the pattern, creates a sense of movement and beauty that makes me feel elegant and confident while staying covered.
When it comes to coordinating your hijab with hanfu, there are multiple routes you can take. In terms of hijab style, I tend to lean towards more flowy and loosely draped hijabs that softly frame the face. This mirrors the soft, elegant structure of hanfu itself, particularly the graceful fall of the mamianqun. More wrapped or pinned styles tend to feel a bit too structured and tight for the soft silhouette of traditional hanfu—at least in my experience. Of course, it’s all up to personal preference, but if you’re looking to match the aesthetic, I’d recommend something with a gentle drape.
As for colour coordination, there are a few different strategies I like to use depending on the hanfu style I’m wearing. One method is to match your hijab to the dominant piece in your outfit—whether that’s the skirt, the robe, or the detailing. But I’ve found it’s often more visually impactful to coordinate based on which layer is the most prominent.
For example, with Ming dynasty robes, the long outer shirts usually cover a good portion of the upper body, meaning the mamianqun only peeks through at the bottom. In this case, I prefer to match my hijab with the skirt—this draws attention to it and balances out the visual weight of the outfit. It also brings out the often-intricate print of the skirt in a subtle yet effective way. On the other hand, when wearing a Tang dynasty-style wrap dress hanfu, where the base dress already stands out as the main feature, I like to match my hijab with smaller detailing—like a border colour or floral accent—so the contrast highlights finer elements rather than blending into the background.
Accessories are another area where adjustments can make all the difference. Traditional hanfu often features hairpins, earrings, and intricate necklaces—but as a hijabi, those don’t always make sense for me (since, you know… I’m covering my head!). Instead, I like to lean into accessories that complement the outfit without interfering with the hijab. Waist ornaments that attach to the mamianqun are a beautiful and practical option—they move gracefully as you walk and add a touch of tradition. I also really enjoy stacking traditional-style bracelets or bangles, especially if they pick up colours or motifs from the outfit.
One idea I’ve yet to try, but find intriguing, is repurposing hanfu hairclips as hijab brooches. With a little creativity—like attaching the hairclip to a safety pin or magnetic base—you could easily use them as decorative pins for securing your hijab. Not only would that keep your scarf in place, but it would also tie the whole outfit together in a way that keeps with the traditional spirit of hanfu while adapting to the needs of modest fashion.
Wearing hanfu as a hijabi isn’t about compromise—it’s about exploring harmony between two cultural aesthetics. With so many hanfu styles that already embrace modesty and elegance, and so many creative ways to coordinate hijabs and accessories, it’s completely possible to wear hanfu proudly and comfortably as a hijabi. For me, it’s not just a style choice—it’s a way to celebrate heritage, modesty, and fashion all at once.
