What is the image that comes to your mind when you think of a Taoist robe? Is that a priest's robe? Or a Japanese cardigan? When we talk about traditional Chinese Hanfu, Taoist robes are usually referred to as one of the men's traditional Chinese costumes, also popular among the Ming Dynasty scholar's costumes. If there is any style of men's Hanfu that can be versatile, the robe must be the obvious choice. As you can see from its appearance, it is a very stylish Chinese man costume. Different styles of Taoist robes are suitable for people of all ages and temperaments, and Taoist robes with different clothing accessories will bring a completely different visual experience, which can be said to be the essential clothing for boys who are new to Hanfu. We'll start with a few photos to get a visual of the contemporary traditional Taoist robe. So let's learn more about the Daopao together! [Structure and History of the Taoist Robe] Taoist robe, once popular in the mid to late Ming Dynasty, developed from an earlier garment called "Zhe (褶)"; The collar shape is Jiaoling Youren (交领右衽), most collars will have an extra Huling (护领) sewn into them;…

China is an ancient multinational country, with a long history and brilliant culture. For thousands of years, many abundant forms of traditional performing arts have been formed under the wisdom and industriousness of workers. Each art form has various styles and schools, including opera, puppetry, Chinese shadow, acrobatics, and quyi. Chinese traditional performing arts are important representatives of the national spirit, showing the quintessence of ancient culture, and some of them are registered in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Opera China's opera, enjoyed incomparable fame, is known as one of the world's three ancient dramatic cultures, the others being Greece's tragicomedy and India's brahman drama. It is an art form of long history, originating from primitive song and dance. With steady development, it has become a complete system in the Song and Jin dynasties. It is composed of literature, music, dance, fine arts, wushu, and acrobatics, nearly 360 kinds. As it evolves and innovates in the long run, the five most distinguished types of operas appear: Beijing opera, Yue opera, Huang Mei opera, Pingju opera, and Yu opera. History of opera In primitive society, original singing and dancing arise in the tribes. In fact, the ancient tradition…

If you like Hanfu, you may have seen all kinds of Hanfu jacket, But maybe you can't tell the difference between Zhiduo (直裰), Daopao (道袍), and Zhishen (直身), because they all look almost the same from the outside, but in fact, there are a lot of differences in the details, so let's get to know the "Zhiduo" today!   [Structure and History of the Hanfu Jacket: Zhiduo] Zhiduo (直裰, also be called 直掇), has several key features: The collar shape is Jiaoling Youren (交领右衽, mean: crossed collars, tying to the right), Can be sewn a Huling (护领, sewn-on the collar area, mostly white and varying in width, to protect the collar from wear and tear and stains. In ancient times, the Huling was easy to dismantle and often replaced. Most of the Huling in contemporary Hanfu costume is preserved as a traditional feature.) on the collar. The making method of Zhiduo: Tongcai (通裁, cut in one piece, no seams on top and bottom). Usually narrow sleeves, but also straight or pipa sleeves. It is knee-length, and the length of the garment and the width of the sleeves vary according to the wearer's needs. The body of the garment is slit…

This article introduces a typical outfit from the late Ming Dynasty, which is around the 16th to 17th century for you. Let's see how to wear Hanfu - the long shirt and Ma Mian skirt suit. The top is a long shirt with a standing collar also known as a Mandarin collar, pairing it with a Ma Mian skirt which translates to horse face skirt, it’s the single most representative skirt of the Ming Dynasty.   The History of Ma Mian Skirt & the Meaning Behind the Name Ma Mian Qun literarily means Horse Face Skirt, but it actually has nothing to do with a horse’s face, the term 'Ma Mian' in ancient China has another meaning, it refers to the defensive structure that projects outward on city walls, which are located at regular intervals. A Ming Dynasty scholar labelled the rectangular area of the skirt Ma Mian because it looks like the structure. And today we call this type of skirt Ma Mian skirt.   Characteristic of Ma Mian Skirt? When the skirt is laid flat, we can see three such structures, we call it Qun Men (裙门) or skirt door today, with another door hiding behind in the…

Today's article introduces a Ming Dynasty style Hanfu suitable for summer, it is a sheer fabric parallel opening Hanfu shirt with a standing collar. Now let’s take a look at the history of this outfit and how to wear it.   History of Sheer Fabric Shirt In ancient China, it was quite common for men to be bare-chested during the summer, but of course, this was not the case for ladies, so they would wear fewer layers and sheer fabrics inside of their homes. You might have seen this particular style of Hanfu been called many different names in Chinese, so let’s first quickly go through these names and their origins. The standing collar was a popular element in women’s fashion during the late Ming Dynasty, so according to the naming conventions of the Ming Dynasty, this style can be described as "竖领对襟纱衫", which translates into sheer fabric parallel opening shirt with standing collar. Ladies commonly wore this inside of their homes or in private areas as it is sheer and informal. During the Qing Dynasty, this style was labeled as Pi Feng (披風), which is a type of outerwear, the materials used became thicker and heavier, making them more…

Aoqun(袄裙), most commonly wore during the Ming Dynasty. Let’s take a look at the individual pieces and how to wear them.   The History of Aoqun The word Aoqun translates into a lined top and skirt, it is one of the earliest and most basic forms of Hanfu. This style was developed as early as The Warring States period (475 BC) as seen on these clay figurines, and it evolved throughout the dynasties. By the mid to late Ming Dynasty, it had become the most commonly-seen design for fall-winter clothing among wealthy families and the royal court. There are also many historical relics available for us to study.   Wear the Skirt of Aoqun Aoqun is outerwear, so people usually wear inner garments made of cotton or linen material underneath. During the Ming Dynasty, women usually wear Mamian skirts or pleated skirts, this one is a one-piece half-pleated skirt with the pleats only on top, and embroideries on the bottom, as well as on the belts. There are usually two types of one-piece skirts, one style you insert the belt through a hole in the middle, the other style uses an extra set of ties. This skirt doesn’t have either…

As winter approaches, more and more Hanfu enthusiasts are focusing their attention on the Ming style Hanfu. Whereas in the Ming style Hanfu costume, the combination of an Ao (袄, jacket) on top and a Qun (裙, skirt) on the bottom is especially popular. Ao has several types of collars, and today we are focusing on the standing collar today, briefly introduce the history and how to wear it.   History of the standing collar  Some of you might recognize the standing collar as the mandarin collar, most people think the standing collar is derived from Qing Dynasty Manchurian dress, also known as the cheongsam or qipao, but it is actually originally invented and passed down from the Ming Dynasty, the dynasty before the Qing Dynasty, it is a part of the hanfu system and was later on adapted into Manchurian dresses, and today it’s widely known in the world as the mandarin collar, and recognized as one of the most distinctive features of Chinese clothing. Do you remember this Ming Dynasty painting? Almost every woman and child are wearing the cross collared Aoqun, showing how popular this style was at that time. However, when we look more closely at…

Every hot summer, many girls will feel that Song-style Hanfu is the first choice for this season, indeed, with the cool and soothing touch of skin, many people will be willing to choose Song-style Hanfu to spend the summer. In fact, in addition to the Song-style Hanfu, the Ming-style Hanfu is also a kind of "Summer Hanfu"! Even in the summer heat, Ming-style Hanfu can still "make a splash"!   The difference between Ming-style Hanfu and Song-style Hanfu Song-style Hanfu: Song Hanfu is the most suitable Hanfu for summer because it is the most simple Hanfu. Due to the background of the Song Dynasty, Song Hanfu are mainly slim and long, with narrow sleeves and cross collars. The "Beizi" and "Song trousers" are the main styles of Hanfu in the Song system. Ming-style Hanfu: In the beginning, the Ming Hanfu has always been regarded as a noblewoman's Hanfu, and because the Ming Hanfu is mostly based on horse-faced skirts, its craft is complicated plus the fabric and silk are expensive, so the price of Ming Hanfu has always been high. The "long jacket" and "short jacket" plus the "horse-faced skirt" also became the main style of Hanfu in the Ming…

The Ming Dynasty, one of the most civic-minded dynasties in China. From the literary works and historical records of the Ming Dynasty in circulation today, it can be seen that the dress culture of the Ming Dynasty also reached a relatively developed level. In traditional Chinese culture, the Chinese Ming Dynasty women's makeup, with a strong emphasis on subtlety and inner cultivation. Come along and enjoy this set of photos about Hanfu girls wear the Ming Dynasty costume.

The style of the Ming Dynasty Hanfu is slender and very suitable for photography.

A series of pictures, about Ming Dynasty clothing.

Today, I want to share the photos taken by Liang Xiaosuan, about the Ming Dynasty men's robe.

August 23 is the "Chu Shu (处暑)" in China's 24 solar terms, "处" is mean: "leave", "暑" is mean that "summer". It means that the heat of summer has passed and the prelude of autumn has slowly opened. Today, I bring you some suggestions on the style of Hanfu. They are suitable for wearing when the weather is slightly cooler. Stand collar ao dress (立领袄裙) The weather starts to cool down, so we need to keep warm in early autumn. Stand collar Ao dress fabric selection is generally moderate thickness, if cold can also be appropriate in the clothes wearing clothes to keep warm. Duijin ruqun (对襟襦裙) In autumn, mountain flowers are romantic and suitable for wearing a pair of Duijin ruqun to go out. And the Duijin ruqun is more convenient to handle, if you go out, the action is also more convenient. Crossed collar ruqun (交领襦裙) The crossed collar ruqun is warmer than the skirt, and you can wear thermal underwear under the jacket. In the cool weather. Vertical collar Cape ( 竖领披风) The vertical collar cape is lighter than the stand collar Ao dress. It can also wear a sling, or warm clothes, if the weather is…

1. Public Awareness of Hanfu and Brand Recognition According to a research report by Jingzhi, public understanding of Hanfu varies significantly. Specifically, 45.9% of respondents reported a "good understanding" of Hanfu and could identify its basic styles; 43.1% had a "general familiarity"; while only 11.0% claimed limited or no knowledge. Geographically, residents of first-tier cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen), new first-tier cities, and second-tier cities demonstrated higher awareness, attributable to these regions’ strong cultural environments, rapid information dissemination, economic development, and greater demand for cultural consumption. Regarding brand recognition, despite rapid market growth in recent years, overall brand awareness remains relatively low. Apart from leading brands like Han Shang Hua Lian, Chong Hui Han Tang, and Shi San Yu, most Hanfu brands still struggle with visibility. This is largely due to the industry’s early-stage development, fragmented market structure, and the absence of dominant brands with broad influence. Additionally, limited marketing efforts—primarily relying on social media and word-of-mouth—restrict brand exposure. 2. Channels of Exposure and Hanfu Usage Scenarios Key channels for learning about Hanfu include historical dramas (59.3%), social media (54.7%), Hanfu cultural clubs (49.1%), historical literature (40.7%), and museum exhibitions (38.8%). Historical dramas visually showcase Hanfu’s elegance through intricate…

The Mamianqun, or horse-face skirt, has surged from historical relic to modern wardrobe staple, bridging centuries of Chinese craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. Yet as demand grows, so does the market’s mix of authentic artistry and mass-produced imitations. This guide illuminates how to discern quality craftsmanship, from fabric authenticity to structural integrity, ensuring your purchase honors this garment’s rich legacy. Material Mastery: Decoding Silk and Synthetics At the heart of every genuine horse-face skirt lies its fabric. Traditional Mamianqun relied on natural fibers—Ming artisans favored sangzhi (mulberry silk) for its luminous drape, while Qing workshops prized kesi tapestry silk for intricate embroidery. To test authenticity, rub the fabric gently: true silk generates subtle static, unlike synthetic mimics. Burn a loose thread—real silk curls into ash with a feather-like scent, while polyester melts into hard beads. Modern blends (e.g., 70% silk + 30% cotton) offer a middle ground, balancing historical reverence with daily durability. Beware of vendors advertising “100% silk” at suspiciously low prices (under ¥500). Many substitute synthetic blends, identifiable by their plasticky sheen and poor breathability. Hangzhou-based Silk Reverie uses plant-dyed organic silk, reviving Ming dye techniques with nettle greens and pomegranate rinds—a choice that marries tradition with eco-consciousness. The Four-Panel Litmus Test A true Mamianqun’s…

Once confined to historical reenactments and museum displays, the horse-face skirt has galloped into global streetwear. Today’s Mamianqun renaissance blends reverence for tradition with bold reinvention, transforming this Ming-era icon into a symbol of cultural fluidity. From Tokyo’s Harajuku district to New York Fashion Week, the skirt’s four-panel silhouette is rewriting the rules of cross-cultural style. The Mamianqun’s journey to modernity began with subtle adaptations. Designers first softened its structure for daily wear: Lighter Fabrics: Replacing heavy brocades with linen blends for summer-friendly versions. Adjustable Waistbands: Incorporating hidden elastic or drawstrings to accommodate diverse body types. Modular Design: Detachable outer panels allow wearers to switch between minimalist and ornate looks. Shanghai-based label Ming 2.0 sparked a trend with their “Commuter Mamianqun,” featuring water-repellent silk and pockets discreetly hidden in pleats. Its viral TikTok campaign (#MamianqunInMotion) showcased cyclists weaving through Beijing’s hutongs, skirts fluttering like ink paintings come to life. The horse-face skirt’s architectural lines have inspired unexpected crossovers: Punk Rebellion: Tokyo designer Yuri Takahashi pairs black leather Mamianqun with metallic chain belts, slashing outer panels to reveal neon underskirts. Bohemian Rhapsody: Los Angeles brand East Meets Dress layers lace-trimmed horse-face skirts over denim, accessorized with Navajo turquoise jewelry. Techwear Integration: Seoul’s Hanbok Futurism collective embeds LED…

Every stitch on a horse-face skirt whispers secrets. For centuries, Mamianqun artisans encoded cultural values, social status, and cosmic beliefs into embroidered motifs, transforming fabric into a visual lexicon. These symbols—ranging from imperial dragons to humble butterflies—reveal how clothing became a canvas for China’s collective imagination. Imperial Dragons and Cosmic Order The dragon motif, reserved for royalty and high-ranking officials, evolved dramatically between dynasties. Ming-era Mamianqun featured five-clawed dragons (long) encircling skirt panels, their bodies coiled in perfect Fibonacci spirals to represent celestial harmony. A 1589 imperial consort’s skirt in the Forbidden City archives shows dragons chasing pearls amid cloud bands, symbolizing the emperor’s mandate from heaven. Qing artisans reimagined this motif under Manchu rule. Horse-face skirts for nobility incorporated mang dragons—four-clawed hybrids blending dragon and serpent features—to subtly assert Manchu identity. The 1783 “Dragon-Tide” skirt commissioned by Empress Dowager Chongqing pairs mang dragons with crashing waves, a nod to Qing naval ambitions. Floral Codes – From Peonies to Lotus Flowers served as social shorthand. Ming commoners favored peonies embroidered in indigo thread, their layered petals symbolizing wealth accumulation. Nobility preferred lotus motifs in silver-gilt thread, each flower’s eight petals mirroring the Bagua trigrams. A surviving Qing-era horse-face skirt from Suzhou tells a marital story through flora: pomegranates…

To create a traditional horse-face skirt is to converse with centuries of artisans. This process, honed during the Ming Dynasty and refined in the Qing era, transforms raw fabric into a cultural statement. Far from a simple garment, each skirt embodies calculated geometry, symbolic motifs, and generational wisdom—a wearable archive of Chinese craftsmanship. Material Selection Traditional skirts begin with fabric choices steeped in regional logic. Ming artisans preferred luo silk, a lightweight yet durable weave that allowed pleats to hold their shape without stiffness—ideal for Jiangnan’s humid climate. Qing tailors often opted for kesi tapestry silk for outer panels, its slit-tapestry technique enabling photorealistic embroidery. Modern recreations face ethical dilemmas: while purists source wild mulberry silk from historic Zhejiang farms, eco-conscious brands like Vermillion Phoenix now use organic hemp dyed with tea leaves to mimic antique hues. Pattern Drafting: Geometry in Service of Grace The four-panel template follows strict proportional rules. A typical Ming skirt for a woman of 165cm height requires: Two outer panels: 50cm wide x 105cm long Two inner panels: 30cm wide x 105cm long Waistband: 8cm wide x 110cm (allowing overlap) Historic pattern books like the Yuanyang Pu (1627) reveal secret adjustments: a 3° outward flare on outer panels to enhance the “horse face”…

The horse-face skirt (mamianqun) is more than a garment—it’s a feat of engineering that has captivated scholars and designers for centuries. Its enduring appeal lies in a harmonious blend of form and function, anchored by two defining elements: the ingenious four-panel system and an evolving language of pleats. This article explores how these structural innovations shaped the skirt’s identity across dynasties, transforming practicality into artistry. The Four-Panel System At the heart of the horse-face skirt lies its signature four-panel design (si qunmen), a revolutionary concept perfected during the Ming Dynasty. The structure consists of two wider outer panels positioned at the front and back, complemented by narrower inner panels along the sides. When fastened, the outer layers elegantly overlap the inner ones, revealing only two decorative “horse face” sections inspired by the defensive bastions of ancient city walls. This modular system served both aesthetic and practical purposes. The overlapping panels ensured modesty during movement—a critical consideration in Confucian-influenced societies—while allowing wearers to adjust the skirt’s volume for different occasions. Historical records from Jiangnan workshops reveal that affluent Ming households often commissioned interchangeable outer panels, enabling a single skirt to transition seamlessly from daily chores to ceremonial events through strategic fabric substitutions. The Evolution of…