The name “Hanfu” describes to the Han people’s traditional style of dress prior to the Qing Dynasty, when the Hans ruled China.
Whenever Chinese people talk of China Hanfu these days, they generally indicate a long and wavy dressing gown with loose sleeves and a waist belt. Hanfu, on the other hand, is a broad phrase that encompasses a variety of garment designs from many eras. Hanfu was professed to be the garments of the mythical Yellow Emperor, a famous astute lord of antiquated China.
When Did China’s Hanfu Actually Begin?
Hanfu was first emerged in China more than 3000 years ago. From 1600BC to 1000BC, the fundamental of Hanfu was laid out during the Shang Dynasty.
Designs of Hanfu
A typical Hanfu dress was made up of a Yi, a thin-cuffed, knee-length garment with a ribbon, and a Chun, a small, ankle-length skirt with a Bixi, a length of cloth that touched the knees. These were made of silk and were usually colored red and green. Han-Chinese attire has grown and developed with the times since its inception.
Changes Made to Hanfu by During Different Dynasties
Hanfu in Xia and Shang Era
Top to bottom clothing was popular during the Xia era. The Shang empire produced the fundamental shape of the Hanfu. Yi was a lower leg gown with thin cuffs and a ribbon. The Shang was a long skirt with a thin waistband. On the front, a Bixi (‘cover the knees’) or knee-length cloth was worn over the Yi.
Hanfu in Zhou Era
The Kings of the Western Zhou Empire established a tight hierarchical pattern interconnected by biological heritage and morality ideals centred on family members throughout the Western Zhou Empire. Because of great distinctions among the nobles and the ordinary folk, garments were employed as symbols of status to emphasize their exclusivity, which had a significant influence on costumes and decorations.
Hanfu in Han and Qin Era
The Hanfu had very minor alterations during the Qin and Han eras. The Shenyi remained the most popular form of clothing among both Han and Hun peoples. The Pao, a robe of cotton, became the dominant set of formal wear. During the Qin Dynasty, the officials that belonged to the third-rank and higher were required to wear green silk pao and shenyi, while the ordinary people were required to wear white linen pao.
Hanfu in Tang and Sui Era
The Golden era of China was in the Sui and Tang eras when Han civilization expanded. A dress style that combined parts of the Hanfu and the Hufu grew popular as a result of their forefathers. Because women were less constrained by Traditional moral standards, women’s clothing grew more casual and exposing than their male colleagues. The Song Dynasty adopted much of the Tang Dynasty’s clothing style.
Hanfu in Yuan Era
The Yuan Kingdom was the first period during which the Han Chinese did not rule China. In this era, the Hanfu absorbed elements of the Mongolian kings’ cultural clothing. Men used to wore the Mongolian zhisunfu.
Hanfu in Ming Era
The Ming Empire was the final Han-led empire that ruled China. The king desired to revive the whole Han heritage and culture, including all Tang Empire trending dress. Meanwhile, Mongolian-style clothes and headwear, as well as wardrobe alterations from the Song Dynasty, continued to be popular.
Hanfu in Manchu Era
When the Manchus took control of China in 1644, there was a significant change in hairstyles and attire. The leader of the Manchu, first compelled all Han people to dress in the Manchus’ long robe, or cheongsam, but this condition was quickly relaxed. Later, in Qing Dynasty, three forms of clothing interacted with Han traditional outfits (i.e. Hanfu), Manchu costumes, and half Western-style outfits.
Revival of Hanfu
It was initially worn during China’s ‘golden period,’ which lasted 400 years and is known as the Han Period. However, when Manchu forces captured the Han empire in 1644, Hanfu attire was outlawed, and people were forced to wear qipao and Manchu-style high-collar coats. Hanfu has been coming back into fashion after 2001, with its return gaining global acclaim owing to the internet. Hanfu reformers may talk with one another via conversation platforms like Hanwang, or the Han System. People shared photographs, sketches, and directions for building the gowns, as well as pictures of themselves wearing them for everyday duties. A group was formed, and it is still running great after nearly two years.
According to recent research released on the Chinese digital platform, Message contains, 90 percent Hanfu users nowadays are female, with an average lifespan of 21, while others are embracing it to push a political agenda about the Han’s captivity in the 1600s.
What does Hanfu represent?
Hanfu does not relate to Han Empire clothing, but rather to the Chinese Han group’s national cultural garments, which are among the ancient in the world. Hanfu is the best blend of Chinese traditional culture in terms of artwork and language, chess and handwriting, musical performances, and tea ceremony. Hanfu clearly exhibited the spiritual meaning of the Greek philosopher’s Generosity, Morality, Respect, Intelligence, and Faith in the method of succession and progress of history, and it is also an essential mark of pure Chinese traditional clothing design.
Why Hanfu is so important in China?
Hanfu was a classic Chinese cultural icon. It also had a significant impact on apparel in surrounding Countries in Asia, such as the Japanese kimono, Korean hanbok, and Taiwanese chi pao.
Style of wearing a Hanfu
The Han Chinese Costume is composed of three parts: undergarments, inner clothing, and topcoat. 10 components are included in the three tiers: neckline, hemline, cuff, pocket, waist, so on and so forth. Hanfu also wears ornaments including socks, shawls, and silk belts. The jacket and top, one-piece costume, and coat and pants are the three basic hanfu fashions. The jacket and skirt are the most basic types. Later on, gowns became the standard attire. Women, on the other hand, preferred the jacket and skirt. In addition, men wore lavish hats and ladies wore wigs to complete the appearance.
Wearing Hanfu In Modern Times
The social movement of Hanfu is Called Hanfu movement in China that aims to popularize hanfu and incorporate traditional Chinese aspects into modernized clothing design to encourage traditional Chinese heritage, particularly among the youngsters.
Different collars of Hanfu
1. Tan Ling Collar
One of the Han collar kinds is TanLing (Tan collar), also referred as u-collar. ShangRu has been developing a type of short coat since the Wei and Jin Dynasties. During the Tang Dynasty, it was extremely famous. As a result, you’ll notice a surprisingly large amount of clothing in Dunhuang paintings.
Apparel with a flat collar is often fitted, with small sleeves and a slim waist.
2. Li Ling Collar
The Ming vertical collar, which is distinguished by square aspect, thinness, and height, is the LiLing (standing collar) of the Han nationality’s apparel. This type of apparel is also described as a “buttoned jacket” since the collar is normally embroidered with two metal hooks. For example; the slanted side which is distinct from the white man’s manufacturing term button, which is straight slanted, is one of the most common Ming vertical collar types.
3. Yuan Ling Collar
The Yuanling means round collar which is a popular style in both historical and contemporary periods. The collar is circular in design and features hooks on the neckline. It is lined with a firm fabric. The round collared gown dates from the early Han Empire and was popular during the Sui and Tang eras. Nowadays, the Yuanling has surpassed the T-shirt with round neck as the most popular collar style on the market.
4. Fang Ling Collar
A FangLing, as the name implies (square collar). In Bijia, half-sleeved, and other Hanfu, the square collar is the most prevalent. The Fang Ling’s personality is quite complex. Fang Ling garments have sharp corners and angular shapes, which makes them more famous in men’s clothing.
Where Can You Buy Hanfu?
There are many stores and online stores available that are selling China’s hanfu dresses for both men and women. So if you want to buy Hanfu dresses then I recommend you to buy “Hanfu” from New Hanfu Store. They are providing a great collection with excellent quality fabric. Let me help you by telling you about some products of this store.
Hanfu Products For Men
It is a 3-piece set of wuxia male hanfu in a casual style. The airy chiffon fabric and retro bamboo designs make it quite pleasant to wear in everyday life. It has Tang-style collar and it fits perfectly, and the material of it is excellent quality. One of the nicest online hanfu apparel purchases I’ve ever made.
Review: It fits great and has a great quality material.
The design of this men’s hanfu outfit is inspired by old Chinese ink paintings and the mythology of the Kirin beast.
Review: It has an excellent quality. It is very comfortable to wear. The needlework was just as shown, and it’s stunning.
The design was influenced by the old beast fable of the dragonfish and comes as a three-piece male hanfu set. It has Stunning needlework of a sea wave and a lotus flower. The fabric is made up of a light cotton and polyester combination that is comfortable and airy.
Review: It is such a beautiful dress with a great quality of fabric and work.
This Hanfu outfit of a great swordsman in traditional style. Comfortable and stylish, with a basic needlework design and red color scheme. The fabric is made of a soft polyester that is quite light and comfortable.
Review: It is so beautiful. The stitching is lovely and the colors are vivid. Wearable and comfortable. The size is accurate.
Hanfu Products for Women
This women’s clothing hanfu set has a modern design based on a Ming lady style hanfu design. It is extremely exquisite and lovely. It has stand-up collar in the Ming style and a long Bijia waistcoat style. It has stitching with little flowers and chic lace ornamentation. It’s Fabric is a light chiffon and cotton combination, with pink and blue options.
Review: It has great fabric. It’s incredibly gentle! It is well-fitting in the shoulders, waist, and hips.
Women’s hanfu set in the Qixiong style, consisting of three pieces. A beautiful choice for a bridal party or festival celebration would be classically styled dance attire. Embroidery and antique bird design prints Matching colors of beige, pink, and red are adorable. Fabric is made of light chiffon and polyester and is quite pleasant to wear.
Review: It has so comfortable fabric, and it doesn’t cling to the body. Everything fits well and is quite attractive. This hanfu’s loose fit is perfect.
For ladies, a retro wuxia style qiyao hanfu set. It’s inspired by the traditional lotus blossom and features a striking dark color scheme that’s both cool and lovely. Fabric is made of light chiffon and polyester and is quite pleasant to dress.
Review: It is very comfortable and has a good combination of color with an attractive design.
Song type informal hanfu for ladies in a modern look. Summer floral print with embroidered in light colors, extremely lovely and adorable. Fabric is a light chiffon and polyester combination that is silky and comfortable.
Review: It is so much prettier dress. It has a great design and color combination. In love with its print.
Final Words
Hope that you get enough knowledge related to China Hanfu. I am recommending to you again that if you want to buy a great, comfortable, and attractive Hanfu dress then don’t waste your time. Head directly to the New Hanfu Store and buy your favorite dress.