What is hanfu
Hanfu is the traditional dress of the Han Chinese, revived by young people since the 2000s.
Before you call it hanfu
Look at the collar
The classic collar crosses in a y, left lapel over right. The reverse was traditionally tied to burial clothes and non-Han dress.
Think in eras
Tang, Song and Ming clothes look very different. Fans call a garment's cut its xingzhi and check it against tomb finds and old paintings.
Tell it from costume
Photo-studio and TV costumes often mix eras for looks. Fans call these yinglou outfits. They can be pretty, but they are costume.
In 2003, a Zhengzhou electrician wore hanfu into the street.
Good to know
What is hanfu?
Hanfu is the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese, worn in many forms. Qing rules from 1645 ended it for most men, while Han women kept jackets and skirts longer. Today it is a revival style for festivals, photos and daily life.
What is the difference between hanfu and qipao?
Hanfu is the older Han clothing tradition, usually loose and wrapped, with many forms. Qipao is a dress that took shape in 1920s Shanghai, loose at first and fitted later, with roots usually traced to Manchu-era robes.
Can non-Chinese people wear hanfu?
Yes, and many hanfu groups welcome it. Learn what you are wearing, close the collar the right way and treat it as clothing rather than a party costume.
