Chinese Fashion: 14 Must-Know Secrets for Style Lovers

Are you eager to upgrade your wardrobe with a mix of timeless elegance and contemporary flair? If you’ve ever found fashion overwhelming or struggled to blend classic and modern looks, you’re not alone.

You, the Fashion Aficionado, are striving to refine your style and make a lasting impression. Fortunately, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. We’re here to help you combine traditional and modern Chinese fashion.

Here’s the plan:

  • Explore the evolution of Chinese fashion from ancient dynasties to today’s streetwear.
  • Discover key styles like Hanfu, Qipao, and modern minimalist looks.
  • Learn about influential designers and their impact on global fashion.

Start now by reading this article, and unlock a world of style possibilities. Imagine transforming your wardrobe with designs that honor tradition while embracing modern trends. Let’s get started on enhancing your fashion sense!

Historical Evolution of Chinese Fashion

Evolution of Chinese Costume
Historical Evolution of Chinese Fashion

The evolution of Chinese fashion highlights a rich history of clothing styles. The Hanfu from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) was known for its flowing robes and complex layering. The Tang Dynasty (618–907) brought vibrant colors and intricate embroidery, marking a period of cultural growth.

In the Song Dynasty (960–1279), clothing became simpler and more refined, with elegant silk and minimalistic designs. The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) introduced distinctive robes with unique collars and wide sleeves. By the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), the Qipao (Cheongsam) transformed from a loose garment into a sleek, form-fitting dress.

Today, Chinese fashion mixes old and new styles in both streetwear and high fashion. This reflects China’s changes while honoring its history.

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3 Centuries of Chinese Fashion

18th Century

Qin Dynasty Attire in China
Chinese Fashion in the 18th Century Generated by AI

Manchu Influence: The Qing Dynasty, ruled by the Manchu, had a major impact on Traditional Chinese Clothing. The qipao (cheongsam) became a key garment for women, featuring a loose, straight cut, high collar, and side slits.

Men’s Clothing: Men wore a long robe called a changshan, sometimes with a vest or jacket. They also had a hairstyle where the front of the head was shaved and the rest of the hair was braided.

Fabric and Embroidery: Silk was highly valued and often had detailed embroidery of dragons and phoenixes. Yellow silk was only for the emperor.

19th Century

Sui Dynasty Attire in China
Chinese Fashion in the 19th Century Generated by AI

Western Influence: After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, Western fashion began to shape Chinese clothing. The qipao became more form-fitting and modern, especially in cities like Shanghai, which was known as the “Paris of the East.”

Men’s Fashion: Men’s clothing adapted to Western styles with suits and fedoras becoming popular. However, traditional clothing like the changshan was still worn by older generations and for formal events.

Evolution of Qipao: The qipao became shorter and tighter, reflecting modern fashion and changing roles for women.

Chinese Fashion in the 19th Century Video by The British Museum

20th Century

Chinese Costume in Official Ceremonies
Chinese Fashion in the 20th Century Generated by AI

Mao Era (1949–1976): The creation of the People’s Republic of China marked a shift towards practical and egalitarian clothing. The Mao suit, consisting of a simple jacket and pants, became the standard wear for both men and women, reflecting the communist values of the time.

Cultural Revolution (1966–1976): During the Cultural Revolution, Chinese fashion became even more austere. Bright colors and traditional styles were avoided, with a focus on uniformity and practicality in clothing.

Post-Reform Era (1980s–Present): Since the 1980s, as China opened up to global influences, traditional Chinese elements have reappeared in fashion. Modern qipao and Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) have been revived for festivals and weddings. Today’s Chinese designers mix these traditional styles with modern trends, creating a new Chinese style in clothing.

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4 Popular Fashion Styles in China

Traditional Styles

Tang Dynasty Attire in China
Traditional Chinese Fashion Generated by AI

Hanfu (汉服)

  • Historical Context: Hanfu is an ancient style from the Han Dynasty with flowing robes and wide sleeves.
  • Key Features: It has a cross-collar robe or jacket with a belt and a skirt or trousers, often made of silk with embroidery.
  • Modern Revival: Hanfu is popular again, especially for cultural events and fashion.

Qipao/Cheongsam (旗袍/长衫)

  • Historical Context: The qipao, from the Qing Dynasty, is known for its elegant, form-fitting design.
  • Key Features: It’s a high-collared, one-piece dress with a straight cut and side slits, usually made of silk with patterns.
  • Contemporary Style: Modern qipaos mix old and new designs with different lengths and fabrics.

Tang Suit (唐装)

  • Historical Context: The Tang suit, from the Tang Dynasty, is a jacket with embroidered knot buttons.
  • Key Features: It’s a short, high-collared jacket worn over trousers, often made of silk or brocade for formal events.
  • Modern Adaptation: The tang suit is now worn in both formal and casual settings and is popular at cultural festivals.

Streetwear and Youth Fashion

Streetwear Fashion-Chinese Fashion Generated by AI

Recent Trend: Streetwear has become a major fashion trend among Chinese youth, representing the new Chinese style.

Influences:

  • Strongly influenced by global trends, including hip-hop culture, sportswear, and international street fashion.
  • Emphasizes casual, comfortable clothing in line with the new Chinese style.

Key Features:

  • Combination of local and international brands in Chinese clothing.
  • Popular pieces include oversized hoodies, graphic tees, trendy sneakers, and bucket hats.
  • Brands like Li-Ning and Anta mix streetwear with traditional Chinese designs, like calligraphy, to create a unique look.

Streetwear Fashion-Chinese Fashion Video by Fashion China

Minimalist and Contemporary Fashion

Minimalist Chinese Fashion Generated by AI

Trend: Minimalist fashion is popular with Chinese professionals. It blends modern style with Chinese Culture.

Characteristics: It features simple designs, neutral colors, and high-quality materials.

Brands:

  • ICICLE: Uses sustainable materials for minimalist clothing.
  • JNBY: Offers modern minimalist fashion with high-quality, sustainable materials.

Modern Appeal: Minimalist fashion is versatile, elegant, and eco-friendly.

Minimalist Chinese Fashion Video by Yumi King

Techwear Styles

Techwear Styles-Chinese Fashion Generated by AI

Trend: Urban and techwear styles are popular among Chinese youth, showing China’s rapid modernization.

Techwear:

  • Characteristics: Techwear is practical and comfortable, using advanced materials like waterproof fabrics and featuring lots of pockets and zippers.
  • Influences: It’s inspired by military gear, cyberpunk, and streetwear, appealing to tech-savvy young people in China.
  • Features: Techwear has simple colors, layers, and oversized fits. Brands like Acronym and Peacebird are popular in this style.

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4 Notable Chinese Fashion Designers

Guo Pei

Guo Pei Photo by Wikipedia

Overview: Guo Pei is a top Chinese fashion designer known for mixing traditional Chinese styles with high fashion.

Notable Work: She gained fame for designing Rihanna’s yellow gown for the 2015 Met Gala, which featured her special embroidery.

Signature Style: Her clothes have detailed embroidery and rich textures, blending traditional Chinese and modern fashion.

Guo Pei Video by Art Basel

Masha Ma

Masha Ma Photo by Wikipedia

Overview: Masha Ma is a Chinese designer celebrated for her avant-garde and innovative clothing. She studied in Paris and has collaborated with various international fashion houses.

Notable Work: Yiqing Yin’s collections are recognized for their bold, unique shapes and modern, high-fashion looks, showcasing a new, creative Chinese style.

Signature Style: Masha Ma’s designs mix Eastern influences with Western trends, creating distinctive and innovative fashion statements.

Ma Ke

Ma Ke Photo by Wikipedia

Overview: Ma Ke is a prominent Chinese designer known for her focus on sustainable and artisanal clothing. She founded Exception de Mixmind in 1996 and later created the couture line Wuyong (Useless).

Notable Work: Ma Ke gained global recognition when her Wuyong collection was featured at Paris Fashion Week in 2007. Her Chinese clothing is noted for its texture and simplicity.

Signature Style: Ma Ke’s Chinese style uses natural dyes and hand-woven fabrics. Her clothes are simple and earthy, reflecting her commitment to slow fashion and ethical production.

Yiqing Yin

Yiqing Yin Photo by Wikipedia

Overview: Yiqing Yin is a well-known Chinese designer famous for blending haute couture with modern styles. Her work has been featured at Paris Fashion Week, earning her acclaim for sophisticated Chinese clothing.

Notable Work: Yin’s fashion designs are recognized for their elegance and use of luxurious materials. She has received several awards for her creative contributions to the fashion world.

Signature Style: Yin’s collections feature intricate details and modern elegance. Her designs often draw from art and architecture, blending traditional and new Chinese styles.

Yiqing Yin Video by Vacheron Constantin

3 Key Influences in Chinese Fashion

Western Influence

Western Influence-Chinese Fashion Generated by AI

Western Fashion Trends: Western styles, like high fashion and streetwear, influence Chinese clothing. Designers blend these with traditional Chinese elements to create a unique look.

Cross-Cultural Exchange: Global partnerships and cultural exchanges bring fresh ideas to Chinese fashion.

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Celebrity and Pop Culture

Global Fashion Icons: Celebrities like Fan Bingbing and Kris Wu shape fashion trends in China. Their styles and endorsements mix global and Chinese elements, influencing local fashion preferences.

Integration of Trends: These icons help merge international trends with traditional Chinese clothing. This blend creates a unique fashion style that incorporates both new Chinese Costumes and classic elements.

Pop Culture in China Video by Arirang News

Political and Social Changes

Political Changes-Chinese Fashion Generated by AI

Promoting Chinese Fashion: The Chinese government promotes traditional and contemporary Chinese clothing as part of its cultural diplomacy. Efforts include supporting fashion shows, cultural exhibitions, and international partnerships to boost global awareness of Chinese fashion.

Incentives and Support: Government initiatives offer grants and subsidies to the fashion industry, including the creation of fashion parks and incubators. These measures aim to foster creativity and innovation in both traditional Chinese style and modern trends.

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Chinese Fashion: A Recap

Chinese fashion mixes traditional clothes like the qipao and Hanfu with modern styles. Designers like Guo Pei and Masha Ma combine classic Chinese elements with new trends to create unique looks.

This blend shows China’s rich culture and modern fashion sense. Today, Chinese fashion is known worldwide for its creativity and use of advanced, eco-friendly materials.

Chinese Fashion Video by Off the Great Wall

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