Traditional Chinese Clothing: From Hanfu to Qipao

Chinese traditional clothing encoded social status, regional identity, and moral values. The basic garment was the cross-collared robe, worn for over two thousand years, with the collar folding right over left, distinguishing Chinese civilization from non-Chinese peoples.

The Hanfu Movement

The hanfu movement seeks to revive traditional Han Chinese dress. Millions of enthusiasts wear reconstructed versions of historical Han clothing for festivals and ceremonies as a statement about cultural identity.

The Qipao

The qipao, or cheongsam, became iconic in 1920s and 1930s Shanghai, slimming and modernizing the traditional robe into a figure-hugging dress that combined Chinese and Western aesthetics.