Sometimes, it feels awkward to see characters in TV dramas wearing large - sleeved outfits for outings, meals, dates, fights, or even sleeping. Were ancient clothes really all about big sleeves? How inconvenient would it be to use the restroom? Are historical drama sleeves getting even larger these days? One netizen joked: 'So big you could fit a person inside!' Let's get straight to the point. While we often describe Hanfu as 'wide robes and large sleeves', it's important to note that this is a characteristic of formal Hanfu, used to show the wearer's social status, like the historical Dashu Shan (大袖衫) or Gongfu (公服). People rarely wore such exaggerated sleeves outside ceremonial occasions.
Let's break down Hanfu sleeve styles. There are many suitable for daily life. Narrow sleeves are practical for labor or martial arts; Chuihu sleeves (垂胡袖), Pipa sleeves (琵琶袖), and straight sleeves are for non - labor daily wear; short sleeves can be casual outer layers or summer homewear. For example, the Quju (曲裾) and Zhiju (直裾) unlined gauze robes, common in the Western Han Dynasty, had sleeve openings around 29 cm wide. Modern fashion sleeves average 10 cm, with looser ones at 15 cm. So, 30 cm is just double, not overly large.
True 'large sleeves' fall into two categories. One type, like those unearthed from the Northern and Southern Dynasties, could be about a meter wide, worn by noblewomen, officials, or dancers. Others, like the purple - dyed Ru (紫缬襦) or the twisted - pattern silk robe in the Guosi Collection, had sleeves around 40 - 50 cm, which are still manageable in daily life. The drama 'Duhua Nian' (度华年) showed court officials wearing such robes. The other type, popular in the Tang and Song Dynasties and continued into the Ming Dynasty, reached 80 - 90 cm wide, used for grand events like weddings or investitures. These required attendants, as you'd have to remove them just to use the bathroom. However, some observant netizens noticed a string on the large sleeves of the Da’an Zhou Tomb, suggesting a Song Dynasty way to discreetly narrow them for practicality without violating etiquette.
Why do historical dramas exaggerate sleeves? For a fantastical look! To show status! For a dramatic wind - catching effect, regardless of practicality. Our ancestors ingeniously simplified things, but modern productions prioritize visuals over function, leading to misunderstandings. Next time someone asks, 'Were Hanfu sleeves always this impractical?' just share this article.
