Ancient Chinese Clothing
Traditional Garments from Ancient Times Through the Tang Dynasty
Chinese traditional clothing, known as Hanfu (汉服), has a history spanning over 4,000 years. From the ancient Shang Dynasty through the magnificent Tang Dynasty, Chinese garments evolved from simple robes to elaborate symbols of status, philosophy, and artistic expression. In Where Winds Meet, set during the late Tang Dynasty, you'll encounter many of these historical garments brought to life.
衣冠上国，礼仪之邦
"A nation of refined clothing and etiquette" - Traditional description of China
Clothing in ancient China was never just about covering the body—it reflected Confucian values, social hierarchy, and the harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity.
Basic Components of Traditional Chinese Clothing
衣裳 (Yī Shang) - Upper and Lower Garments
The most ancient form of Chinese clothing consisted of separate upper and lower garments:
衣 (Yī) - Upper Garment
A cross-collar robe that wraps right over left (crossing left over right was reserved for the deceased). Features wide sleeves and ties at the waist.
裳 (Shang) - Lower Garment
A skirt-like garment worn by both men and women in ancient times, later evolving into trousers (袴) for men.
深衣 (Shēn Yī) - The Deep Robe
Developed during the Zhou Dynasty, the Shenyi connected the upper and lower garments into one piece. This became the standard formal wear for scholars and officials, symbolizing unity and completeness in accordance with Confucian philosophy.
Symbolic Meanings:
- •Square collar represents earth; round hem represents heaven
- •Straight seam down the back represents moral uprightness
- •Wide sleeves represent tolerance and generosity
Evolution Through the Dynasties
Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD)
The Han Dynasty established many clothing traditions that lasted for centuries. The term "Hanfu" literally means "Han clothing," named after this influential period.
Men's Clothing
- •襦裙 (Rúqún): Short jacket with a wrap skirt
- •直裾 (Zhíjū): Straight-hem robe for everyday wear
- •曲裾 (Qūjū): Curved-hem robe for formal occasions
Women's Clothing
- •曲裾深衣: Elegant curved-hem robes
- •襦裙: Short top with long flowing skirt
- •Multiple layers creating graceful silhouettes
Colors and Status:
Colors were strictly regulated by social class. Emperors wore yellow (later becoming the exclusive imperial color), nobles wore purple and crimson, while commoners wore blue, black, and white.
Wei-Jin Period (220-420 AD)
This period saw a relaxation of strict Confucian dress codes, with scholars and aristocrats favoring more relaxed, flowing garments that reflected Daoist and Buddhist influences.
- •Wide sleeves and loose robes: Reflecting the "free and easy" philosophy of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
- •Longer hair and minimal headwear: Breaking from Han Dynasty formality
- •Light fabrics and elegant draping: Emphasizing natural beauty over rigidity
Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) - The Golden Age
The Tang Dynasty represents the pinnacle of Chinese cultural achievement, and its clothing reflected the empire's cosmopolitan, confident spirit. Tang fashion was vibrant, luxurious, and remarkably open-minded, incorporating influences from across the Silk Road.
Women's Tang Fashion
- •齐胸襦裙 (Qíxiōng Rúqún): High-waisted skirts that reached just below the chest, creating an elegant elongated silhouette
- •半臂 (Bànbì): Half-sleeve short jackets worn over robes
- •披帛 (Pībó): Long silk scarves draped over shoulders and arms
- •Low necklines and sheer fabrics: Tang women enjoyed unprecedented freedom in fashion
Men's Tang Fashion
- •圆领袍 (Yuánlǐng Páo): Round-collar robes that became standard official dress
- •幞头 (Fútóu): Distinctive black gauze hats with wing-like extensions
- •胡服 (Húfú): Central Asian-style tunics and trousers, popular among cavalry and youth
- •长靴 (Chángxuē): High boots, influenced by nomadic cultures
Tang Dynasty Color Palette
Tang clothing featured brilliant colors impossible in earlier eras thanks to advanced dyeing techniques:
Imperial Yellow
Emperor only
Purple & Crimson
High officials
Green & Blue
Lower officials
Red
Celebrations
Pink
Young women
Turquoise
Popular fashion
Accessories & Adornments
头饰 (Tóushì) - Headwear
For Men:
- •冠 (Guān): Formal caps for officials and nobles
- •幞头 (Fútóu): Tang Dynasty black gauze hats
- •簪 (Zān): Hairpins to secure topknots
For Women:
- •花钿 (Huādiàn): Forehead decorations
- •步摇 (Bùyáo): Dangling hairpins that sway with movement
- •发髻 (Fàjì): Elaborate updo hairstyles, especially in Tang Dynasty
玉佩 (Yùpèi) - Jade Ornaments
Jade has been treasured in Chinese culture for over 7,000 years. Ancient Chinese people believed jade possessed virtue and wearing it would bring good fortune and protect the wearer.
佩玉 (Pèiyù)
Jade pendants worn at the waist
玉带钩 (Yù Dàigōu)
Jade belt hooks
腰带 (Yāodài) - Belts & Sashes
Belts were both functional and decorative, often made of silk, leather, or woven fabric. Officials wore belts with jade or metal ornaments indicating their rank.
- •革带 (Gédài): Leather belts with metal plaques for officials
- •丝绦 (Sītāo): Silk sashes for scholars and women
Fabrics & Materials
丝绸 (Sīchóu) - Silk
China's most famous textile, silk production was a closely guarded secret for millennia. Tang Dynasty silks were renowned worldwide, featuring:
- •Intricate woven patterns (织锦 - Zhījǐn)
- •Embroidery (刺绣 - Cìxiù)
- •Gauze and translucent fabrics
麻 (Má) - Hemp & Linen
The common people's fabric, durable and practical:
- •Cool in summer, breathable
- •Less expensive than silk
- •Worn by farmers, soldiers, and workers
棉 (Mián) - Cotton
Cotton was introduced to China relatively late. While it existed in small quantities during the Tang Dynasty, it didn't become widespread until the Yuan Dynasty (post-Song).
毛皮 (Máopí) - Fur & Leather
Used for warmth in northern regions:
- •Fox, sable, and wolf furs for nobility
- •Sheepskin for common folk
Traditional Clothing in Where Winds Meet
Where Winds Meet meticulously recreates Tang Dynasty fashion, allowing players to experience the golden age of Chinese clothing:
Historical Accuracy
Garments designed based on Tang Dynasty murals, sculptures, and archaeological evidence, ensuring cultural authenticity.
Social Distinction
Clothing reflects social status—from peasant hemp robes to noble silk garments with intricate embroidery.
Customization
Players can wear various traditional outfits, from practical travel wear to elegant ceremonial robes.
Character Classes & Clothing
Different character backgrounds in the game wear appropriate period attire:
- •Scholars: Elegant robes with wide sleeves, representing Confucian virtue
- •Warriors: Practical tunics and armor, often with Central Asian influences
- •Merchants: Functional yet prosperous-looking garments
- •Nobles: Luxurious silks with elaborate accessories
"华夏衣冠，传承千年"
"The garments of China, passed down through a thousand years."
Traditional Chinese clothing is more than fashion—it's a living embodiment of philosophy, art, and cultural identity that continues to inspire and captivate people around the world.