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Yeah, people do stare. And honestly? That’s totally normal. Hanfu isn’t something most people see every day, so their curiosity is natural. That said, I totally understand that it can feel awkward at first.
Here’s how I learned to deal with it:
· Walk with confidence – The more natural you act, the more natural others will perceive it. If you act self-conscious, people might pick up on that. But if you carry yourself confidently, it just feels like any other outfit.
· Smile at friendly faces – A lot of people who stare are just admiring your outfit. If they make eye contact, a friendly smile can go a long way. You’d be surprised how many people respond positively!
· Prepare for curious questions – Some people might ask, “What are you wearing?” or “Is that cosplay?” Instead of feeling awkward, I just say, “Oh, this is Hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing.” Most people are genuinely interested and appreciate the explanation.
· Ignore rude comments – If someone stares in a way that feels uncomfortable or makes a rude remark, the best thing to do is ignore them. You’re not dressing for them—you’re dressing for you.
After wearing Hanfu a few times, you start to realize that most people’s reactions are positive. And eventually, you stop noticing the stares at all!