Chinese dresses are taking part of fashion

Chinese clothing describes both the ancient hanfu and modern variations of indigenous Chinese dress as recorded by the artifacts and traditional arts of Chinese culture. Chinese clothing has been shaped through its dynastic traditions, as well as through foreign influences. Chinese clothing showcases the traditional fashion sensibilities of Chinese culture traditions and forms one of the major cultural facets of Chinese civilization.

The origins of clothing manufacture in China are over 1.7 million years old. In the stone age clothes consisted of animal pelts and stones, and It wasn’t until the beginning of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE) that Chinese fashion – as we know it today – started to take shape.

Throughout history Chinese clothing continued to evolve, becoming more elaborate and an art form in its own right. This, however, all came to a halt with the arrival of the Communist party in 1927.  Almost overnight, it changed the nation’s attitude (albeit forcefully) towards clothes.

Once Communist troops became established in cities, administrators issued uniforms to the public. Factory workers and technicians were given dark blue cotton uniforms, whereas the civil servants were made to wear the same yet in grey; all of which adhered to the designs of the Mao suit. This, of course, was a stark comparison to the intricate designs and vibrant colours of traditional Chinese attire.

During this era, garments consisted of a single piece of silk that was adorned with cords around the neck and sleeves. Despite its extremely simple design, the mix of comfort and elegance quickly became popular with the elites across this enormous land.