Hanfu Styles Guide
Discover the different types of traditional Chinese clothing. Each style has its own unique characteristics, history, and cultural significance.
Understanding Hanfu Silhouettes
Traditional hanfu styles have evolved over over 4,000 years of Chinese history. While each dynasty brought its own innovations, many classic silhouettes have remained consistent throughout the centuries.
Most hanfu styles follow one of two basic construction principles:
- Ruqun style (襦裙) - A two-piece combination of上衣 (top/jacket) and下裙 (skirt)
- Shenyi style (深衣) - A one-piece robe that wraps around the body
Understanding these fundamental structures will help you appreciate the diversity and artistry of traditional Chinese clothing.
Ruqun
襦裙The classic hanfu style featuring a jacket (shan) worn over a skirt (qun)
- Most popular hanfu style throughout history
- Cross-collar jacket (shan) over high-waisted skirt
- Suitable for all occasions
- Worn by both men and women
Aoqun
袄裙Warm and elegant winter style with padded jacket over skirt
- Features a padded or lined jacket (ao)
- Ideal for cold weather
- Often paired with mamian skirt
- Popular during Ming Dynasty
Beizi
褙子Versatile cape/coat worn over other hanfu pieces
- Long outer jacket worn over clothing
- Great for layering
- Various lengths available
- Popular in Song and Ming Dynasties
Shenyi
深衣One-piece robe style for a flowing silhouette
- Single piece garment wrapping around body
- Elegant drape and flowing silhouette
- Originated in Han Dynasty
- Worn for formal occasions
Yuanlingshan
圆领衫Round-collar robe - classic male hanfu style
- Traditional mens wear with round collar
- Wide sleeves for elegant movement
- Scholarly aesthetic
- Foundation of male hanfu
Magua
马褂Elegant jacket for layering over robes
- Short jacket worn over longer robes
- Button-front closure
- Various lengths
- Worn by both genders
Ruqun (襦裙) - The Classic Combination
Ruqun is the most enduring and popular hanfu style, consisting of a jacket (shan/ru) worn over a high-waisted skirt (qun). This classic combination has been worn throughout Chinese history and remains the most recognizable hanfu style today.
Key Features:
- Cross-collar jacket - The jacket crosses from right to left over the chest
- High waistline - The skirt sits at or above the natural waist
- Sash belt (yaodai) - Secures the garments at the waist
- Versatility - Can be dressed up or down for any occasion
Aoqun (袄裙) - Winter Elegance
Aoqun is a warm, padded version of the ruqun, featuring a lined or quilted jacket (ao) worn over a skirt. This style became particularly popular during the Ming Dynasty and remains a favorite for winter wear.
Key Features:
- Padded construction - Provides warmth for cold weather
- Various sleeve styles - Including pipa sleeves and arrow sleeves
- Often paired with mamian skirt - Creating the iconic Ming look
- More conservative silhouette - Higher necklines and longer lengths
Beizi (褙子) - The Elegant Layer
Beizi is a long, flowing jacket or cape worn over other hanfu pieces. This versatile garment adds elegance and can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, where it became a staple of women's fashion.
Key Features:
- Open front - Worn open over the underlying garment
- Various lengths - From hip-length to ankle-length
- Often decorated - Frequently features brocade trim or embroidery
- Seasonal versatility - Can be worn in any season
Shenyi (深衣) - The One-Piece Robe
Shenyi literally means "deep garment" and refers to a one-piece robe that wraps around the body. This style originated in the Han Dynasty and represents one of the oldest forms of Chinese clothing.
Key Features:
- Wrap-front design - Robe wraps from right to left
- Flowing silhouette - Creates elegant movement
- Formal occasion wear - Often reserved for ceremonies
- Two main types - Quju (curved hem) and Zhiju (straight hem)