Chinese Hanfu: Historical Heritage and Wearing Guide

Table of Contents

1. The Origin and Definition of Hanfu

The Meaning of Hanfu
The Historical Background of the Han Nationality
The Origin of Hanfu: From the Han Dynasty to the Shang Dynasty

2. The Evolution and Development of Hanfu

The Shang Dynasty: The Initial Form of Hanfu
The Western Zhou Dynasty: The Introduction of the Class System
The Eastern Zhou Dynasty: The Introduction and Popularization of the Deep Clothes
The Ming Dynasty: The Prosperity and Development of Hanfu
The Qing Dynasty: The Decline of Hanfu and the Influence of Manchu Fashion

3. The Composition and Wearing Guide of Modern Hanfu

The Basic Components of Hanfu
- Clothes
- Robes
- Casual Clothes
- Skirts
- Trousers
Hanfu Styles by Purpose
- Informal Hanfu
- Semi-formal Hanfu
- Formal Hanfu

4. Occasions and Rituals for Wearing Hanfu

Informal Occasions: Daily and Social Events
Semi-formal Occasions: Cultural Festivals and Social Gatherings
Formal Occasions: Religious Ceremonies and Royal Events

5. Hanfu vs Kimono vs Hanbok

Comparison between Hanfu and Hanbok
- Upper part position
- Collar
Comparison between Hanfu and Kimono
- Tassels/Hem
- Belt
- Sleeves
- Neckline
- Lines

6. Cultural Renaissance and Modern Significance of Hanfu

Cultural Renaissance Movement
The Importance of Hanfu in Modern Festivals and Ceremonies
Hanfu as a Symbol of Identity and Culture

7. Conclusion

Historical Heritage and Future Outlook of Hanfu

 History and Origin of Hanfu

Hanfu, as the name implies, is the traditional dress of the Han nationality.
The Han nationality is the main ethnic group in mainland China and Taiwan, accounting for about 92% of the total population of China and 97% of the population of Taiwan. Globally, the Han nationality accounts for about 19% of the world's population and is the world's most populous single ethnic group.

The name "Han" originated from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). The Han Dynasty is recognized as the peak period of Chinese civilization, when China first achieved a high degree of unity and many tribes gradually merged into one nation during this period. Therefore, "Han" not only represents a dynasty, but also becomes a symbol of the Han nationality and its culture.

But it is worth noting that "Hanfu" is not limited to the costumes of the Han Dynasty, but originated from the cultural heritage of the Han nationality in an earlier period. The history of Hanfu can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC-1046 BC) more than 3,000 years ago, long before the establishment of the Han Dynasty.

Shang Dynasty: The Prototype of Hanfu

The earliest form of Hanfu can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty. During this period, clothing was mainly made of silk, a major innovation in ancient China, which was famous for its refinement and quality. Hanfu in the Shang Dynasty was simple and practical, and basically consisted of three parts:
- Yi: a knee-length waisted outer garment with narrow cuffs and fastened with a belt;
- Shang: a narrow ankle-length skirt, usually straight;
- Rugua: a knee-length piece of cloth tied around the waist for decoration or protection of the hem.

Although the design of Hanfu at this time was relatively simple, it already showed the unique aesthetic of Han ethnic clothing: focusing on lines, the natural contours of the body, and highlighting identity through bright colors (such as green and red).

Western Zhou to Eastern Zhou: Evolution of system and structure

Western Zhou (1045 BC-771 BC)
Hanfu in the Western Zhou Dynasty began to be influenced by the hierarchy. A person's social status directly determines the decoration, material and form of clothing:
- Differences in sleeve width: Nobles have wider cuffs to show their status;
- Changes in skirt length: The higher the social status, the longer the skirt or pants;
- Richness of decoration: The upper class generally wears jade ornaments, which is a symbol of status.

Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 BC-256 BC)
During the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, Hanfu ushered in a major structural innovation-the introduction of "deep clothing". Deep clothing is a long robe with an angular left lapel, which transforms clothing from a split style to a one-piece style, combining practicality and beauty. The design of deep clothing is suitable for all occasions, regardless of gender and class, and has become an important element of Hanfu in later generations.

The Golden Age of Hanfu: Han to Ming Dynasty

Hanfu ushered in a brilliant development from the Han Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty, and gradually formed a unique national style:

- Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD)
Hanfu in the Han Dynasty is characterized by simplicity, elegance and solemnity. During this period, the design of cross collar and right lapel became the iconic element of Hanfu, highlighting the cultural concept of "harmony between man and nature".

- Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD)
Hanfu in the Tang Dynasty was magnificent, with extremely rich colors and patterns, and absorbed the artistic styles of various ethnic groups along the Silk Road. Women's clothing was particularly prominent, with styles such as skirts and shawls showing wide sleeves and elegant features.

- Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD)
Hanfu in the Ming Dynasty emphasized retro and practicality, and straight-body and round-collared robes were widely popular. The Ming Dynasty also restored many traditional dress styles, further solidifying the culture of the "state of etiquette".

Qing Dynasty: The decline of Hanfu

The Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) was a turning point in the development of Hanfu. The rise of the Manchus caused Hanfu to gradually withdraw from the mainstream, replaced by the Manchu cheongsam and Ma Gua. Although Hanfu is still preserved in a few religious ceremonies and folk traditions, it is no longer an everyday dress.

Modern: Revival and Cultural Symbolism

After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, Western-style clothing became the mainstream in China and other parts of the world. Despite this, Hanfu is still widely used in cultural festivals, religious ceremonies, historical reenactments and other occasions. In recent years, with the increase of national self-confidence, the Hanfu revival movement is in full swing, and people wear Hanfu to relive history and express their love for traditional culture.

Hanfu is not only a kind of clothing, but also a cultural carrier, carrying the history, wisdom and aesthetics of the Han nationality. Its development process of more than 3,000 years has witnessed the glory and inheritance of Chinese civilization. In modern society, Hanfu is showing new vitality and becoming an important cultural link between the past and the future.

How to wear Hanfu?

Wearing Hanfu is not just about matching clothes, but a cultural expression. It includes details from clothing selection to wearing steps. Modern Hanfu usually consists of multiple pieces of clothing, among which men's clothing is mostly paired with pants, while women's clothing is mainly skirts. When wearing Hanfu, we can start from understanding its basic composition to choosing the appropriate style according to the occasion.

Basic components of Hanfu

Hanfu can be divided into the following important elements:

1. Clothes:
Open-collared tops, which can be worn by both men and women, are the basic neutral style of Hanfu.

2. Robes:
A closed full-body robe, mainly worn by men, such as straight-hem deep clothes.

3. Ru:
A short split-collar shirt, which is the basic style for inner wear and can be matched with both upper and lower parts.

4. Shirts:
Long clothes worn outside, usually matched with clothes to form a layered dressing effect.

5. Skirt or skirt: 
Skirts, often worn by women, and some men also wear skirts.

6. Pants (pants, Ku):
Men's pants or trousers, paired with robes or tops.

7. Underwear:
Inner underwear, usually made of white or plain cotton or silk.

Through the combination and matching of different clothing, a variety of Hanfu styles can be formed to meet the needs of different occasions.

Main style classification of Hanfu

Depending on the purpose and degree of formality, Hanfu can be divided into three styles: informal, semi-formal and formal.

1. Informal Hanfu

Informal Hanfu usually consists of basic clothes, skirts, pants or deep clothes, with simple styles, suitable for daily or casual occasions. The following are common informal Hanfu elements:

- Skirt: It consists of a short top (ru) and a long skirt (skirt), which is a classic female outfit in Hanfu.

- Shanqun:
A modified version of the ruqun, with a longer top that can cover part of the skirt.

- Pleated pants:
A pair of pants with a short coat, a common style for early men.

- Shan or Daopao:
A long, deep-clothing-style robe, commonly worn by religious or scholars.

- Zhishen:
A popular style in the Ming Dynasty, similar to the deep-clothing, but with smaller cuffs for easier movement.

Informal Hanfu usually includes 2-3 layers:

- The innermost layer is the middle coat;

- The second layer is the main coat (such as the ruqun);

- An optional third outer coat (such as the Zhaoshan).

2. Semi-formal Hanfu

Suitable for traditional festivals and social events, it focuses more on decoration and solemnity than informal styles.

Main features:

- Wide cuffs to increase visual layering;

- Add more decorative elements, such as long skirts or shawls.

Common combinations of semi-formal Hanfu:
- Shan: long open-fronted clothing, used to add a sense of luxury;
- Shang: a more complex skirt design;
- Knee: a long piece of cloth on the belt, adding a sense of solemnity;
- Accessories: such as crowns and hair accessories (such as Jin hats or fur crowns).

3. Formal Hanfu

Formal Hanfu is the most solemn dress, usually worn in major religious ceremonies or official occasions. It reflects the rigor of hierarchy and etiquette in Hanfu culture.

Common formal Hanfu styles include:
- Zhiji Shenyi:
A classic male style, designed with a straight line cut, simple and solemn.

- Quji Shenyi:
A diagonal wrapped robe, often worn by women, with a gorgeous appearance.

- Xuanduan:
A dark robe, the top dress in etiquette, similar to the formal white tie clothing in the West.

- Lanshan, Yuanshan or Panpao:
Round-necked formal dress, often used in academic occasions or special celebrations.

Things to note when wearing Hanfu

1. Choose the right style for the occasion:
Informal Hanfu can be chosen for daily life, while semi-formal styles are recommended for festivals or celebrations. Formal Hanfu is only suitable for ceremonial or special occasions.

2. Correct wearing order:
Usually from the inside out, wear the middle garment first, then the main garment (such as ruqun or shenyi), and finally match the outer garment or accessories.

3. Pay attention to the direction of the cross collar:
The cross collar of Hanfu is usually right-fronted (left lapel pressing right lapel), reflecting the etiquette norms in traditional culture.

4. Match the right shoes and hats:
Traditional cloth shoes or clogs are ideal for Hanfu, and can be matched with crowns or hair accessories for formal occasions.

Wearing Hanfu is not only a revival of traditional clothing, but also a tribute to Chinese culture, etiquette and aesthetics. In modern society, Hanfu can not only be integrated into daily life, but also become a highlight of traditional festivals and social occasions. When wearing Hanfu, one needs to have respect and love for the culture in order to pass on this long-standing national treasure.

Conclusion

In recent years, with the improvement of cultural confidence and the in-depth exploration of traditional culture, Hanfu has gradually become a symbol of cultural revival. It is not only a kind of clothing, but also a carrier to inherit the essence of Chinese civilization and awaken national memory. The revival of Hanfu is also closely related to the return of traditional etiquette culture, such as traditional coming-of-age ceremonies, weddings and sacrificial activities, which have injected more ritual sense and cultural connotations into modern society.

Although Hanfu has not yet been fully popularized in modern society, it has surpassed the value of simple clothing and has become a link for exploring national identity, cultural identity and historical responsibility. The aesthetic philosophy and traditional craftsmanship it contains have also inspired the innovative inspiration of designers and cultural scholars, and promoted a new trend of clothing culture that combines tradition and modernity.

Outside of China, Hanfu has gradually attracted the attention of overseas Chinese and international cultural enthusiasts. Many Chinese communities have displayed and spread Hanfu culture through activities such as Hanfu Festival and cultural exhibitions, allowing more people to recognize the historical stories and cultural depth behind Hanfu. In the context of globalization, the revival of Hanfu is not only a self-reshaping of Chinese culture, but also a cultural expression of tolerance and respect for diverse cultures.

Looking into the future, Hanfu will not only continue to be a symbol of the profound history and cultural heritage of the Chinese nation, but is also expected to enter the international stage through the integration of culture and fashion, becoming a bridge connecting the past and the present and China and foreign countries, and showcasing the unique charm and eternal vitality of Chinese civilization.