If there is one fabric that looks expensive and superior and worthy to be worn by royals, then it has got to be velvet. The densely piled fibers cut short for a smooth, shiny look give the fabric luxurious and soft characteristics bound to appeal to everyone. Velvet fabric is very common in winter and autumn clothing for warmth and comfort. The smooth, delicate surface is beautiful and comfortable to wear, and the elasticity keeps wrinkling at bay. In addition, it is friendly to the skin, so you need not worry about skin irritations.
What you need to know about velvet hanfu
When talking about velvet hanfu, think mostly of cloaks. Usually, in a hanfu set, the cloak will be velvety, whereas the other pieces could be made of different fabrics. Keeping you warm is their main duty which is why they are perfect for winter. You can choose to buy a cloak only to match with the hanfu you already have, or you could go for a matching set with a dress and cloak.
Luckily, velvet comes in varying colors and decorations, so you will find warmth while remaining fashionable. When it comes to washing, it might be okay to hand-wash if the fabric is chemical fiber; anything else will require dry cleaning. Below is a sneak peek of the velvet cloaks the market has to offer.
1. Floral Winter Hanfu Cloak
The frosty, icy branches and twigs are so real you will want to reach out to feel them. The red on the twigs against the whiteness of the cloak is elegant. The cloak has a hood that is fluffy and warm on the inside. You will love the length and thickness of this winter cloak; it is bound to give you coverage keeping your entire body warm. The tie ribbons at the neck will keep the cloak in place and, at the same time, leave your hanfu showing under the cloak. It is a very good choice, especially for those light hanfu dresses you might have.
2. Warm Short Hanfu
The embroidered floral details on the inner top match those on the skirt and cloak. The round neck and golden Chinese buttons on the top are stunning and offer needed coverage in the cold winter season. The cloak and inner top are exquisitely white, whereas the skirt is a dull blue color. The short length of the cloak reveals the beautiful design of the skirt without compromising on warmth. It is also hooded, with a fluffy edge for that extra kick and warmth. You will manage to look fashionable as you keep the cold away with this velvet hanfu set.
3. Red Hanfu Aoqun
The bright red top, cloak, and blue skirt give this set an adorable, festive, ethnic look. The embroidered bunny and red roses give it a character that will always be fashionable. The velvet cloak is soft and plush with a fluffy hood to keep that cold breeze at bay. The inner top has tie strings on the side, and the sleeves are wide but stitched so that your hand can stick out without letting in the cold. You could even decide to keep the hands warmly tucked inside the sleeves.
4. Velvet Long Hanfu
The long fluffy hairs on the hood are so pronounced, and so is the huge dragon detail on the back of the cloak. It feels like the dragon is breathing fire to bring in some warmth in winter; you will enjoy great levels of warmth wearing this cloak. The floral details are minimal but give this hanfu cloak an authentic Chinese look you will fall in love with. The length is bound to offer good coverage even without completely hiding the hanfu skirt underneath.
5. Hoodie Hanfu
You will most probably start by noticing that this velvet cloak elongates to the ankles, offering you full coverage. If you are the kind that does not take chances with winter’s cold, then this is the velvet cloak for you. The soft blue hanfu makes the velvet pop even more, and the intricately embroidered flowers on the hood, top, and bottom, as well as the back, keep the style fresh and cheerful, the cold notwithstanding. The edges are fluffy, and the neck ties will ensure it remains warmly in place. Match this up with a pair of warm boots, and frostbite will never find you.
6. Crane Black Hanfu
The black velvet is so elegant that it does not require too much detailing. The cranes over hills and river embroidery are stunning in every way and work very well with the whiteness of the fluffy hood. This smooth, soft velvet cloak has a considerable length to keep you warm and still reveal the hanfu dress underneath; it stops right before the ankles. Pair this with an appropriate dress color and the right winter hanfu shoes, and you will boldly storm the weather.
Conclusion
With the varying hanfu styles and designs readily available today, you can keep your attachment to the traditional culture even if it’s winter. With the numerous velvet hanfu sets and cloaks, you get a chance to remain warm and authentic. You can rock the hanfu look every single day despite the cold weather. The good thing with the cloaks is that a good choice could end up working with most of your hanfu dresses.
The velvet hanfu might seem a little pricey, but for the quality you are getting, it is worth every penny. The secret to finding what you can comfortably afford is comparing different sellers and stores. A little sacrifice with time could end up landing you great deals for the same superior velvet quality. After your purchase, be sure to follow the care instructions to avoid situations where you end up ruining your garment.