The Ming dynasty Aoqun hanfu is very similar to the Ruqun. The only difference between the two is that the Ao, the top, is made using a thicker fabric. Ao has replaced the Ru shirt since the Tang dynasty as a daily winter coat. In ancient days, girls would wear the Aoqun together with warm cloaks when the weather got colder during winter. The combination was very common and worked very well in keeping them warm.
Besides being thicker, the Aoqun comes in various designs varying in the sleeve, top length, and collar. A classic set with a Mamian skirt is luxuriously made, keeping you looking like an elegant, classy lady or a noble princess.
What is Aoqun?
Aoqun hanfu collectively refers to ancient Han women’s hanfu jacket and skirts. In modern times, the Aoqun is made up of the traditional hanfu jacket and Ming dynasty skirt. It is a name combined from two words, Ao and Qun, referring to double layered upper jacket and a single-layered lower skirt, usually featuring a lining. The coat maintains the long sleeves and cut slit on both sides. The Jin and Tang dynasties feature separate slit at the back; the Ao is referred to as back-open Ao.
As for the skirt, patchwork was used together with the Ao coat in the Tang dynasty, whereas pleated skirts were used with the jacket in the Sing dynasty. But since the Aoqun is mostly used in describing hanfu clothing in the Ming dynasty, the horse, faced hanfu skirt is paired with it.
Finding the best aoqun winter hanfu for you
Having a warm coat in your wardrobe for winter is a huge investment. The last thing you want to do is compromise your health when so many stylish coat options are waiting for you. An Aoqun will protect you from the cold and, at the same time, keep you in touch with the culture. Your personal preferences and any specific need should guide you in finding the best hanfu. Some of the questions you should ask yourself when looking for the coat include:
What style am I looking for? Are you going for trendy, fashion-forward, or classic style?
What fabrics are best? The designers make the coats from nylon, wool, cotton, polyester, and even different blends. By considering the pros and cons of each fabric, you should have an easy time settling for the best.
How much money am I willing to spend? High-quality Aoqun hanfu will cost a little more and will last longer. It is, however, possible to find something less expensive and will last just as long.
After you have answered these questions, it will be time to dive into the market and see what it offers. You can filter your search according to the fabric, price, or even the dynasty you are interested in. Below are some very good Aoqun options you might take an interest in.
1. Han Element Aoqun
The Ao colors are vibrant and cheerful; you are bound to feel happy no matter which direction you choose. This hanfu is paired with a light, airy printed chiffon pleated skirt. The inner top has interesting pipa sleeves and, together with the square collar, makes a unique set you will enjoy wearing every time. The half-sleeve design is magical, and so are the floral details on the Ao.
2. Yellow Hanfu
The light yellow of the Ao is soothing, especially with the white crystal flowered skirt, which matches the softness and calming characteristic. The coat has beautiful floral embroidery and is woolen to keep you warm and stylish. As much as the eyes are drawn to the soft yellow color, they also want to linger a little more on the stand-up collar, which gives this Aoqun elegance. It is simply beautiful!
3. Spring Aoqun
The coat is in striking white color with blue and golden floral and dragonfly details. It is a square collared Ao that will keep you looking stylish, especially with the shiny blue, pipa sleeve inner top. The half sleeve of the Ao and the long sleeve pipa inner top design together create a stunning piece to keep you warm and fashionable at the same time. The skirt is pleated and floral, with blue and black harmoniously joining the set. You can’t go wrong with this Aoqun!
4. Short Aoqun
The vibrant sky-blue skirt is definitely what your eyes will see first. It is cool and uplifting with the mythical creature print on the horse face skirt. The light-colored short-sleeved, square collar coat is paired with a white stand collar inner top to create a fulfilling design the eyes will love admiring. This is a beautiful hanfu you will wish to wear daily!
5. Floral Aoqun
There is everything to love about this Aoqun set, from the red and white colors to the exquisite embroidery in blue and pink. The top is double-layered and warm, making the hanfu suitable for winter. The skirt is also lined and long enough to offer you much needed coverage. It is a simple cross-collar hanfu that will keep you shiny and joyous.
Wearing your aoqun hanfu
After buying your hanfu, you should be excited to wear and flaunt it. To bring out the best from your set, consider the weather so you can pair it up well. Sometimes all you need to do is mix up different hanfu pieces to achieve a stunning ideal look. Sometimes the season might require fewer accessories, but you can still wear some if you desire. The details on your hanfu are sometimes good enough to make you stand out, so do not stress too much with accessories.
Whether going for an indoor or outdoor function, or you wish to chill at home in your hanfu, there is a style that will be suitable. Play around with the hanfu collection in your closet, and you will be surprised at how many looks you can pull off effortlessly.