Welcome to Ehanfu’s Hanfu Community! Forums Hanfu Basics: Tips for Beginners Common struggles when first wearing Hanfu and how to avoid them?

  • Common struggles when first wearing Hanfu and how to avoid them?

    Posted by evan jenkins on March 1, 2025 at 1:15 pm

    I’ve recently started trying out Hanfu, and while I love the look, it’s definitely a bit tricky at first. I’m not sure if I’m wearing it right or if it’s comfortable enough for all-day wear. Are there any common mistakes people make when they first wear Hanfu? And how can I make sure I’m not wearing it wrong, or ending up feeling uncomfortable after a few hours?

    Mary R replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago 2 Members · 7 Replies
  • 7 Replies
  • ysf1512367207@gmail.com

    Administrator
    March 2, 2025 at 2:33 pm

    • Discomfort from tightness or awkward fit: The first time you wear Hanfu, you might notice the waist tie or the robes feeling a bit strange. Sometimes it’s not tight enough, and other times, it feels too tight! You definitely don’t want to feel restricted, but you also don’t want the robes to keep sliding down. It’s all about finding that sweet spot – snug enough to stay in place but still comfortable to move around. To make sure you’re getting the fit right, it’s helpful to watch a couple of YouTube tutorials or guides. They’ll give you a good idea of how to tie everything properly so you’re comfortable all day.
    • Sleeves dragging on the floor: Hanfu’s sleeves are one of its most beautiful features, but they can also be a bit tricky to handle! If you’re not careful, they might end up dragging on the floor or getting caught on things. You don’t want to trip over them, so a quick trick is to tie them at the wrist loosely or fold them neatly inside the robe. You could also try holding them up when walking to avoid stepping on them. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll start enjoying the elegance of the sleeves without worrying about them getting in the way.
    • Not sure if you’re wearing it correctly: Wearing Hanfu for the first time can feel a bit like getting into an unfamiliar outfit. It’s easy to feel like you’re doing it wrong, especially since there’s a certain order to the layers. Don’t stress! Hanfu may look complex, but once you get used to it, you’ll see it’s just about putting on the right pieces in the right order. Inner robes first, outer layers after, and then tie everything just right. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, you’ll feel way more confident about how it looks on you!
  • Douglas Ives

    Member
    March 28, 2025 at 3:17 am

    Oh man, where do I start? First time I wore hanfu, I tied the waistband so tight I could barely breathe—looked like a sausage in silk! Pro tip: don’t overdo the knots, keep it snug but comfy. Also, layers can get tangled—practice putting it on a few times at home so you’re not wrestling with fabric in public. You’ll get the hang of it!

  • evan jenkins

    Member
    March 28, 2025 at 3:17 am

    Uh, so I tried hanfu last week and tripped over the hem like three times. It’s so long! I guess my struggle is not looking like a total goof. Someone told me to lift the skirt a bit when walking—works okay so far. Oh, and figuring out which part goes where? Total brain meltdown. YouTube vids saved me.

  • Ama

    Member
    March 28, 2025 at 3:17 am

    As a hanfu nerd, I’d say the biggest struggle is getting the proportions right—too loose and you look sloppy, too tight and it’s not authentic. Historically, it’s all about flow! My fix? Use a mirror and adjust as you go. Also, watch out for modern shoes peeking out—kinda kills the vibe. Stick to simple flats or those cute embroidered ones.

  • Clarice Rogers

    Member
    March 28, 2025 at 3:17 am

    Haha, my first time? I got so sweaty trying to layer everything in summer—big mistake. Go light with a single-layer ruqun if you’re new, trust me. And the hairpins? Kept falling out. I just gave up and used a scrunchie instead—nobody noticed!

  • Sheila Macd

    Member
    March 28, 2025 at 3:17 am

    Okay, my struggle was paranoia about ‘doing it wrong.’ Like, is this fold okay? Am I disrespecting the culture? Turns out, most people don’t care as long as you’re trying. Just don’t rush—take your time with the ties. And maybe don’t wear it on a windy day unless you want a fabric tornado!

  • Mary R

    Member
    March 28, 2025 at 3:17 am

    First time wearing hanfu, I couldn’t stop fussing with the sleeves—they’re so wide, I knocked over a cup! My advice? Embrace the drama but keep your arms chill. Also, the skirt dragging on dirty floors? Heartbreaking. I lift it slightly or avoid sketchy streets. Worth it for the pics, though!

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