Sometimes when we see people in TV dramas wearing clothes with large sleeves while going out, having meals, dating, fighting, or sleeping, it just seems so awkward. Were all the ancient people's clothes with large sleeves? How inconvenient would it be to go to the toilet then? We usually use the term "broad robes and large sleeves" to describe the characteristics of Hanfu. "Broad robes" means the Hanfu has a loose fit, and "large sleeves" or "wide sleeves" refer to the wide sleeves. However, it should be noted that this is not a universal feature of Hanfu but rather a characteristic of Hanfu formal wear, used to highlight the wearer's status, such as the historical large-sleeved shirts and official uniforms. Except for formal occasions, people in daily life rarely wore such large sleeves. Various Sleeve Types of Hanfu If we simply categorize the sleeve types of Hanfu, there are many, suitable for any current daily occasion. To simplify, narrow sleeves are suitable for daily labor, martial arts, etc.; hanging beard sleeves, pipa sleeves, and straight sleeves are suitable for daily occasions without labor; short sleeves are suitable for ordinary outerwear and home wear in summer. Examples of Sleeve Width For…

At a recent event, actress Zhou Ye (周也) stunned in a shawl draped in a way reminiscent of her character in Scent of Time (为有暗香来). This sparked a wave of admiration online: “Who knew a shawl could be worn like this? Fashion truly transcends time!” Indeed, the various ways modern shawls are styled bear a striking resemblance to the classical pibo (披帛) of ancient China. While today’s shawls come in a variety of materials and styles, their role in enhancing an outfit remains unchanged. And just like in ancient times, there’s more than one way to wear them. The Evolution of Draped Elegance The concept of draping fabric over the shoulders dates back thousands of years. As early as the Wei and Jin dynasties, terracotta figurines depicted women wearing short, wide scarves known as 帔 (pei) or 披 (pi). These early forms of pibo were not just functional but also stylish, much like modern scarves. A poetic reference from the Southern and Northern Dynasties describes a woman’s elegance: "Her step-shaking hairpin sways, and the red edges of her pei flutter." By the Tang Dynasty, the pibo had evolved into a long, narrow accessory, becoming an essential part of women’s fashion.…

A Shift Towards Historical Accuracy For years, historical dramas have enchanted audiences with their lavish costumes, intricate sets, and grand storytelling. However, one aspect often overlooked is the accuracy of children’s hairstyles. Many period dramas have traditionally styled young characters with adult-like hairdos, giving them a "miniature adult" appearance that lacks the playful authenticity of childhood. Recently, however, a shift has begun, and productions like Jia Ye (家业), Flourished Peony (国色芳华), and Joy of Life (庆余年) are finally embracing historically accurate child hairstyles, leading viewers to exclaim: "So this is what ancient children really looked like!" The Evolution of Child Hairstyles in Ancient China Ancient Chinese children's hairstyles were far from uniform; they evolved through different stages as the child grew. Similar to modern times, children in historical China had distinct hair grooming traditions, beginning with shaved heads in infancy, moving to partially grown and styled hair, and eventually progressing to more formal hairstyles in adolescence. The idea that children must wear miniature versions of adult hairstyles is a modern misconception that certain period dramas are now correcting. Infancy: The Shaved or Minimal Hair Phase In early childhood, many children had their heads shaved regularly to promote hair growth, a…

Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese, has experienced a remarkable resurgence. What was once a niche interest among history enthusiasts and cultural purists has now blossomed into a full-blown fashion movement. By 2024, the Hanfu market is not just thriving—it’s evolving, adapting, and influencing modern fashion in ways that few could have predicted a decade ago. The Hanfu Phenomenon The Hanfu revival isn’t just about clothing; it’s a cultural statement. Rooted in over 3,000 years of history, Hanfu represents more than just aesthetics—it’s a symbol of identity and heritage. In 2024, this traditional attire has found its way into the wardrobes of a diverse audience, from young students to working professionals, and even international fashion enthusiasts. The driving force behind this resurgence? A combination of government support, cultural pride, and the rise of China-chic (国潮). Policies promoting traditional culture, such as the "14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of Chinese Traditional Culture," have played a significant role in boosting public interest. Events like China Huafu Day (中国华服日) and Huazhao Festival (花朝节) have further cemented Hanfu’s place in contemporary culture, turning it into a symbol of national pride. The Market Boom: Numbers Don’t Lie The numbers speak for themselves.…

Ancient Chinese wisdom distilled clothing choices into simple truths: light robes for summer, padded jackets for winter. But look closer, and you’ll find a nuanced system—24 solar terms (节气), 72 micro-seasons (物候), and festivals each demanding specific colors and motifs. This wasn’t just practicality; it was a silent dialogue between humans and the rhythms of nature.. Chapter 1: Lunar New Year (春节) The tradition of wearing new clothes for the Lunar New Year is widespread in Chinese culture. Regardless of social class, people are expected to wear their finest attire to usher in the new year. For officials and those of higher status, formal ceremonial clothing is a must. The colors of these garments—red, blue, yellow, white, and black—offer a range of options, but certain traditions guide their use. White is typically worn for mourning, red symbolizes celebration, and yellow was reserved for emperors after the Tang Dynasty. Red, blue, and black are more common, with red standing out as a symbol of prosperity, joy, and good fortune. Throughout the New Year festivities, red decorations such as firecrackers, lanterns, and spring couplets (春联) fill the environment, creating an atmosphere of happiness and festivity. Red has become the hallmark of wealth…

If you've ever watched a historical drama and wondered how anyone in those flowing, oversized sleeves could manage to go about their daily life—let alone eat, fight, or even use the restroom—you're not alone. The sight of characters gracefully strolling through scenes, their sleeves billowing out like sails, can seem a bit comical at times. But are these oversized sleeves a true reflection of ancient attire, or just a modern cinematic effect designed for flair? Understanding the "Big Sleeve" in Historical Fashion The term "wide sleeves" or "broad sleeves" has become almost synonymous with traditional Chinese clothing, especially in popular depictions of Hanfu in historical dramas. But here's the first thing to clarify: this feature is not a universal characteristic of all Hanfu garments. Instead, it’s a defining element of the ceremonial or formal robes, often worn by people of high social status, such as royalty or high-ranking officials. The expansive sleeves were meant to highlight the wearer’s identity, power, and elegance, signaling a person’s nobility or importance. Outside of official events or ceremonies, though, everyday clothing was designed for practicality, not drama. The oversized sleeves often seen in TV shows are a more recent trend driven by visual aesthetics,…

As a history enthusiast and frequent viewer of period dramas, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: even well-received shows often stumble when it comes to historical accuracy in costumes. Ming Dynasty in 1566 (大明王朝1566), a political drama lauded for its intricate plot and acting, is no exception. Despite its sky-high ratings, the series fails to accurately portray Ming-era official attire—a surprising misstep given the wealth of surviving records and artifacts from the period. Historical Accuracy vs. Creative Liberties The drama revolves around court politics, featuring emperors, ministers, and bureaucrats. Ming official clothing, meticulously documented in texts like the History of Ming, leaves little room for ambiguity. Yet the show’s costume design strays far from reality. Take the officials’ headwear, for example. The odd, box-like crowns worn by characters resemble a simplified version of the Longjin (笼巾), a ceremonial headpiece reserved for nobility—not regular officials. According to the History of Ming, the Longjin was part of formal court attire (chaofu, 朝服) worn during grand ceremonies. It included intricate accessories like jade or gold cicadas, pheasant feathers, and layered silk bands. Yet in the show, the design feels cheap and anachronistic—closer to a generic “ancient official” costume bought in bulk for low-budget productions.…

If there’s one thing historical dramas love, it’s a good cloak. Flowing, dramatic, and effortlessly elegant, the cloak has become a staple in costume design, draping over generals, scholars, and noblewomen alike. But as striking as they look on screen, one can’t help but wonder—do these cloaks actually keep anyone warm? Take Nirvana in Fire (琅琊榜) as an example. The protagonist, Mei Changsu (梅长苏), spends most of his time wrapped in thick fur-lined cloaks, yet somehow, he always looks like he’s one chilly breeze away from freezing solid. Viewers have joked that he must have succumbed to hypothermia long before the series’ dramatic conclusion. So what’s the deal? Are these cloaks truly as impractical as they seem, or is there more to their historical evolution? Cloaks in Costume Design Cloaks have long been favored by costume designers for their cinematic effect. They add movement to a character, create an air of mystery, and make even the most unassuming figure look imposing. In Nirvana in Fire, Mei Changsu’s fur-lined cloaks emphasize his frailty while still giving him an air of quiet authority. But do these garments serve their intended function, or are they just glorified fashion statements? The answer, unfortunately, leans…

If you spotted a character in a historical drama twirling in a pink, pleated dress and thought, Wow, that looks surprisingly modern, you're not alone. The outfit in question, featured in The Glory (雁回时), closely resembles a contemporary flared dress, but it actually belongs to a category of Ming Dynasty garments known as tieli (贴里). This style, along with the similar yesa (曳撒), reflects a fascinating blend of influences, practicality, and visual appeal—so much so that modern designers could easily take inspiration from it. Tieli vs. Yesa: Not Just for Women At first glance, tieli and yesa might look like elegant, structured dresses, but in the Ming Dynasty, they were primarily worn by men. Both originated under the influence of Yuan-Mongol styles but were later adapted into Han Chinese fashion. The key difference? Yesa features a smooth front panel known as a Mamian (马面), while tieli is characterized by full pleats from top to bottom. These structured garments were designed for mobility, making them popular choices for officials, scholars, and even military figures. While women occasionally wore these garments, it was often as part of cross-dressing trends in dramas or plays, where they took on male roles. Today, it’s not…

As someone deeply passionate about historical clothing and accessories, people often ask me: "Does your knowledge of ancient fashion ruin your enjoyment of period dramas?" The answer is—quite the opposite! In fact, it adds another layer of enjoyment, turning each viewing into a treasure hunt for accurate details (or amusing anachronisms). Take "Nirvana in Fire 2" (琅琊榜之风起长林), for example. The series boasts stunning visuals, but as I watched, I couldn't help but notice a curious detail—the jewelry worn by characters like Empress Xun (荀皇后) and the Grand Lady of Laiyang (莱阳太夫人) bore striking similarities to Ming Dynasty designs. However, their application in the drama was... unconventional, to say the least. It appears that the production team sourced historically inspired pieces but missed the mark on how they were actually worn. Filigree Gold Phoenix Hairpins One of the most eye-catching pieces worn by Empress Xun is a set of three gold phoenix hairpins (累丝嵌宝石金凤簪). These exquisite accessories have a real-life counterpart: they are modeled after jewelry unearthed from Ming Dynasty imperial tombs in the western suburbs of Beijing. These tombs, unfortunately looted and excavated long ago, left behind only fragments of their once-lavish burial artifacts, yet what remains showcases remarkable craftsmanship.…

The opulent red gown worn by the character of Empress Miao in the historical drama The Glory (雁回时) has left viewers in awe. With its vibrant crimson hue, intricate details, and dramatic silhouette, it conjures up images of Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦), especially the scene where the imperial consort visits the imperial court in a ceremonial outfit. Could it be a nod to a regal garment from the Ming Dynasty, the mangpao (蟒袍), a dress that exudes both power and ceremony? The outfit Miao Guifei (苗贵妃) wears in The Glory isn't just any costume—it's an interpretation of the mangpao, a traditional Ming Dynasty ceremonial gown typically worn by high-ranking officials and imperial family members. The gown’s structure is a perfect balance between grandiosity and elegance, characterized by its round collar, long robe length, and the iconic mang (蟒) dragon motif embroidered onto the fabric. The mangpao was often reserved for the most important occasions, worn by figures of the highest stature, such as empresses or consorts. In the case of Miao Guifei, the attire suggests not only her high rank but her formidable presence—no wonder viewers felt like this was more than just a royal entrance; it had…

If you've seen the stills of costume dramas like Moyu Yunjian and For the Sake of the Hidden Fragrance, you'll notice that director Yu has a particular preference for one type of clothing style: the shirt and skirt ensemble. It's the most common style in traditional Chinese clothing and also the easiest to mass - produce and replicate. It's like wearing hundreds of different - colored shirts. Can you really not get aesthetically tired of it? Styles of Shirt and Skirt The upper part of the shirt and skirt can be in the styles of cross - collar, front - closing, or shallow cross - collar. The lower skirt is usually a split skirt or a pleated skirt. Simply put, if you change the fabric and color of the upper shirt and the lower skirt respectively, it counts as a new set of clothes. The dynasties when the shirt and skirt were most popular were the Tang and Song dynasties. The styles of the shirt and skirt in these two periods were different. In the Tang Dynasty, the skirt was tied high to the chest, showing a luxurious and noble style. In the Song Dynasty, the skirt returned to the…

On March 29, 2025, as the 'Spring Festival Elder' Luoxia Hong from Langzhong and famous lyricist Fang Wenshan jointly opened the door, the 2025 Langzhong Hanfu Festival grandly kicked off at the Chengqing Gate in Langzhong Ancient City, Sichuan. The event, themed 'Roaming in Langzhong with Hanfu, Spreading the Glory of Chinese Culture', attracted thousands of Hanfu enthusiasts from all over the country to gather in Langzhong Ancient City for the 'Dynasty Carnival'. It was a feast that allowed people to glimpse the beauty of Hanfu across thousands of years. The term 'tongpao' refers to contemporary Hanfu lovers. At 9:30 a.m., the 'Spring Festival Elder' Luoxia Hong, dressed in Hanfu and holding a celestial globe, started the event, accompanied by the dance of twenty - four flower fairies. Various phalanxes, including those representing the Han, Three Kingdoms, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, as well as wedding, twelve flower fairies, intangible cultural heritage peddler, Hanfu merchant, parent - child, public, and flag phalanxes, paraded in turn. More than 1,000 Hanfu enthusiasts, with delicate makeup and elegant accessories, showed the classical and elegant beauty of Hanfu to the fullest. The 'Dynasty Carnival' was based on China's excellent historical culture, with elements such…

In many ancient costume or xianxia (仙侠) dramas nowadays, the same costume stylist is often used, so it's easy to have some "dressing alike" situations. Bai Lu and Li Yitong not only wore the same clothes but also had the same hairstyle. They both had the little fox makeup and styling. Moreover, there is only a four - year age gap between Li Yitong and Bai Lu. Many people even say they look like twins and sometimes can't tell them apart. But with the same Hanfu and hairstyle this time, unexpectedly, Bai Lu looks more like Li Yitong's elder sister. Analysis of Bai Lu's Hairstyle and Appearance in Xianxia Drama First, let's look at the hairstyle. There are two frizzy ponytails on the head, highlighting the little fox's liveliness and playfulness. Double ponytails also make one look more innocent. Xianxia Hanfu usually has a slightly exaggerated beauty, creating an effect of a mountain elf. Bai Lu is just like this. From afar, she looks exactly like a little fox from the forest taking its first step into the world, lively and a bit cute. Bai Lu's face and figure are quite ordinary. With a face shape more like that of…

The cheongsam, hailed as the 'second skin' of Chinese women, owes its charm not only to its exquisite tailoring but also to the texture of its fabric. The material of a cheongsam directly determines its comfort, aesthetics, and suitability for different occasions. So, what material is the most suitable? This article combines traditional craftsmanship with fashion trends to reveal the golden rules of cheongsam material selection. I. Top List of Classic Materials: Eastern Charm from Tradition to Modernity 1. Silk: A Synonym for Luxury and Heritage Advantages: Silk cheongsams are known for their softness, skin - friendliness, breathability, and moisture absorption. The natural luster can perfectly present the drape and noble temperament of the cheongsam. Traditional silk fabrics such as double - crepe, habutai, and Hangzhou gauze are especially suitable for summer receptions or banquets, looking as light and elegant as a 'walking work of art'. Points to note: They require professional dry - cleaning and should be protected from direct sunlight and friction to avoid snagging. 2. Satin: The First Choice for High - End Cheongsams Features: Fabrics like brocade and antique satin have a natural high - end luster. When paired with intangible cultural heritage techniques such as…

The national trend has swept through the streets, and one can always catch two distinct charms in the fluttering skirts - the qipao is as graceful as an ink - colored peony, while the Hanfu unfolds like a landscape painting. This is not just a choice of clothing but a profound exploration of how Eastern aesthetics can thrive. Time - honored Codes in Stitches Qipao: A Poetic Declaration of Body Awakening In 1920, on Shanghai's Avenue Joffre, tailors used a copper ruler to measure the contours of the new era. The improved qipao tightened its wide sleeves, locked a bit of reserve with a standing collar, yet revealed a hint of allure through its side slit. The women in gossamer - silk qipaos in Eileen Chang's works walked on the Bund in high - heels, and each step echoed the call for freedom on the cobblestones. Today's silk qipaos still shine. Craftsmen at the Hangzhou Silk Museum have embedded Suzhou - embroidered peonies into the texture of acetate fiber, allowing ancient craftsmanship to blossom on modern fabrics. Hanfu: A Contemporary Narrative of a Thousand - year - old Civilization At the foot of the Xi'an City Wall, girls in cross…

Caoxian: The Rising Star in the Hanfu Industry Caoxian was once well - known for producing dance costumes and photography studio clothing. In recent years, the Hanfu industry has emerged as a new cultural calling card, and now Caoxian has become the 'cosmic center' of China's Hanfu industry. From its humble beginnings to continuous growth, transformation, and rapid rise, Caoxian's Hanfu has won the favor of countless Hanfu enthusiasts with its unique charm and exquisite craftsmanship. It has become a leader in the national Hanfu market, leading the trend of the Hanfu industry. Walking into Daji Town in Caoxian, you can feel a strong Hanfu cultural atmosphere. In the streets of Sunzhuang Village in Daji Town, busy Hanfu entrepreneurs can be seen everywhere. Among them, there are former photography studio photographers, housewives, and newly - graduated college students. It is these entrepreneurs who have opened a new chapter in Caoxian's Hanfu industry with their wisdom and courage. The Evolution of Caoxian's Clothing Industry In the 1990s, the clothing industry in Sunzhuang Village, Caoxian, quietly started, mainly producing photography studio clothing and dance costumes. At that time, clothing enterprises gradually gained a foothold in the market with their exquisite craftsmanship and…

Gulnazar looks like a dragon princess in the Hanfu of the Wei and Jin Dynasties. She is like a flower without fragrance but is beautiful enough. In terms of beauty, Gulnazar definitely belongs to the high - value group in the entertainment circle. It's said that Xinjiang people tend to look old as they age, but this doesn't seem to apply to Gulnazar. Her skin remains delicate and resistant to aging. This set of Hanfu has amazed many people. It gives a strong sense of a dragon princess appearing. As a Xinjiang native, Gulnazar has a natural exotic charm, with bold and delicate facial features. She is a typical gorgeous beauty. The blue long - sleeved Ru Hanfu of the Wei and Jin Dynasties exudes an air of elegance and luxury everywhere. The Hanfu is also exquisitely made. Beautiful clothes should be worn by beautiful women, and the Hanfu will then be endowed with a soul. The spacious long sleeves give a sense of security and add a touch of playfulness. There is a thin shirt and embroidery on the outside. It not only has a good texture but also looks very noble. At the same time, it adds a…

In the long history of the ancient Chinese land, China enjoys the great reputation of being the “Country of Elegant Attire”, the “Land of Beautiful Costumes”, and the “State of Etiquette”, all of which are closely related to Hanfu. In modern life, Hanfu is not an everyday outfit. We can often see it only in large - scale traditional celebrations, exquisite photo shoots, and ancient - costume TV dramas. So, what kind of etiquette connotations are hidden behind Hanfu, which carries thousands of years of culture? Let's explore the profound world of Hanfu culture to find the answer. Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han ethnic group with a millennium - long inheritance, is based on the essence of the Four Books and Five Classics and has followed the traditions in the Records of Carriages and Attire for thousands of years. The ceremonial robes have always adhered to the etiquette norms with few major changes over time. On the other hand, the daily clothing of the common people has become increasingly diverse as time goes by. As the unique traditional ethnic clothing of the Han people, Hanfu has a history of more than 4,000 years. Nourished by the wisdom and…

As March is almost over, the domestic drama market has reversed its downturn and become increasingly lively. The drama When Yan Returns premiered suddenly and quickly climbed to the top of the national heat list. The suspense drama The Chess Player, in which Wang Baoqiang starred after a 12 - year hiatus, also received a lot of positive feedback. These two dramas are already dark - horses, but the real highlight is yet to come. The Unparalleled Nian took the top spot on the hot list right after its premiere. Initially, people thought it was just another old - fashioned and bad (xianxia drama, a genre of Chinese fantasy drama), but after binge - watching 6 episodes, they were hooked. It seems that there's going to be a new hit in the xianxia drama genre! 1. Outstanding Plot and Stunning Visuals The Unparalleled Nian tells the story of Ji Tanyin (played by Tang Yan), the unparalleled goddess, who is entrusted by the heaven to retrieve the divine artifact "The Left Hand of God" from Yuan Zhong (played by Liu Xueyi), the great priest of the Youhu Clan. The two go from scheming against each other to falling in love and…