In the structure of a cheongsam, there are two crucial elements. One is the collar, which is like the prologue, and the other is the placket, our topic today. The placket is like a door to the cheongsam, with different ways of opening. Some are gracefully winding, some are simply delicate, some are straightforward, and some hold hidden mysteries. As an important part of the cheongsam, it serves as both a dividing line for the overall layout and an unignorable decorative aesthetic in cheongsam design.
We often see that it complements and continues the collar, piping, and buttons. It exquisitely showcases the sophistication and uniqueness of traditional clothing culture and plays an important role. Today, let's explore the various types of cheongsam plackets, their characteristics, shapes, and the suitable wearers, so that we can more accurately choose a cheongsam that can be worn for a lifetime in the future.
Placket Culture
The concept of "placket" in traditional Chinese clothing culture dates back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Since then, daily robes have commonly used the open - placket style, mostly with a right - lapel design. In the concept of "respecting etiquette and forming clothing" in Chinese civilization, the right - lapel is a basic symbol of civilization and one of the characteristics always retained in Hanfu. In ancient Chinese clothing etiquette, only ethnic minorities used the left - lapel. The difference between the left and right lapels is supported by cultural customs, aesthetics, convenience, and special cultural backgrounds.
Types of Plackets
Round Placket: This is the most common type and can be divided into large, medium, and small arcs according to the size of the circle. With smooth and flowing lines, it has a gentle and elegant charm, fitting the inherent grace of Oriental women. Women with all face shapes can easily carry it off.
Slant Placket: Its most prominent feature is the obvious slanting line, making it easy to recognize. It is also a common type in cheongsams. With a neat, classic, and simple overall style, paired with delicate piping and vintage frog buttons, it becomes the highlight of the cheongsam. It suits most women in terms of face shape, temperament, and needs.
Square Placket: It forms a sharp corner at the front chest from the slant placket, combining the square and the round. It has the curvature of a circle and more line variations than a simple straight placket, while retaining a strong charm. It conforms to the Chinese philosophy of being upright and balanced, and is suitable for various face shapes and temperaments, truly representing Oriental aesthetics.
Straight Placket: It extends diagonally in a straight line from the collar to the front chest and then turns downwards, looking extremely neat and slender. It can enhance a woman's height and slimness. It is also friendly to girls with round or square faces, helping to modify the face shape. Additionally, it has a slimming effect visually by dividing the fabric area.
Front - Closure Placket: This type is common and grand. It extends vertically from the collar with straight and neat lines, similar to the straight placket in having the effects of slimming and elongating the figure.
Double - Round Placket: It can be seen as a combination of two small arcs. Compared to the stately and grand single - round placket, it has a more charming and romantic feel, looking more beautiful and unique. It can also well modify the chest contour and create a sense of space for the chest.
Double - Side Double - Round Placket: It is the symmetrical version of the double - round placket. Adding a double - round placket design on the left side to match the right side, it gives a balanced, harmonious, and elegant visual impression, in line with the Chinese traditional pursuit of aesthetic and philosophical balance.
One - Line Placket: As the name suggests, the placket under the collar forms a one - line structure, looking like a "几" shape. It has a strong geometric sense and is more unique and niche compared to other common plackets. The length of the one - line affects the perception of face width. A shorter one makes the face look narrower, while a longer one may widen the face.
Pipa Placket: It borrows the opening style of the Pipa - shaped vest from the late Qing Dynasty. The main feature is that the large placket only reaches the chest and then winds down instead of extending to the armpit. It can well modify the waistline and has an obvious slimming effect, especially suitable for women with full hips and a little belly fat.
Well, it's time to end today's topic. The theme of the next issue is yet to be determined. If you have any good ideas, feel free to leave a comment. See you next time!
