When watching action scenes in period dramas where characters flaunt their billowing sleeves, many of us can't help but reminisce about the old - school costume dramas from our childhood. Back then, fight scenes were genuinely intense, and sleeves were often tied up. Netizens have remarked: 'It's both stylish and practical, a perfect match for Hanfu!' This practice of tying sleeves actually has historical roots. In martial contexts, it was a simplified version of 'arm guards,' while in daily life, it stemmed from a tool called 'Panbo' (襻膊).
The earliest known arm guards date back to the Warring States period, made of bronze and primarily used in military attire. Another famous example is the Han Dynasty arm guard inscribed with 'Five Stars Appear in the East, Benefiting China,' crafted from brocade—a representative of textile - based arm protection. These were worn by looping them around the arm and securing them with attached straps, though leather versions also existed. In modern dramas, we often see sleeves tied directly with a single strap—a method that, while not fully historically verified, is undeniably practical and straightforward.
Moving on to 'Panbo' (襻膊), a staple in period dramas, scholar Shen Congwen noted in his research on ancient Chinese attire that during the Song Dynasty, laborers would tie their sleeves high using ropes looped around their necks—a practice officially termed 'Panbo'er' (襻膊儿). This method was handy for outdoor activities or manual work, with two common techniques: looping the rope around the wrist or crossing it behind the back before tying it in front. By the Song Dynasty, an entire industry had emerged around selling and repairing Panbo, as recorded in Zhou Mi's 'Old Affairs of Wulin.'
Why might ancient people have used simple straps for sleeves? Historical examples, such as the Tang Dynasty painting 'Imperial Carriage Parade,' show straps used to cinch skirts—serving dual purposes: preventing the skirt from billowing and allowing it to be hiked up for ease of movement. This ingenuity highlights the practicality of ancient attire. Similarly, modern adaptations include using ropes, cloth strips, or even hair ties to secure sleeves, much like contemporary sleeve garters. However, this method works best with moderately fitted sleeves; overly wide sleeves can bunch uncomfortably under the arms.
So, the next time someone asks how people managed daily life with Hanfu's voluminous sleeves, remind them: Hanfu also comes with narrower sleeves, and in a pinch, a simple rope does the trick.
