How to Choose a Slimming Hanfu?

With the rise of Hanfu culture, more and more people are eager to try wearing this traditional Chinese attire. If you’ve been wanting to wear Hanfu but are unsure which one to choose, here are a few tips on slimming styles that might just help you make the perfect decision!

Brown Collar Design
When it comes to the thinnest look in Hanfu, one style that immediately comes to mind is the tanling (坦领). This design originated during the Tang Dynasty and has been revived in modern Hanfu collections. Wearing a tanling Hanfu feels like wrapping yourself in the elegance of the Tang Dynasty, bringing a touch of luxury and sophistication to your look.

The top half of the tanling Hanfu consists of a garment with a large collar, paired with a half-sleeve and long sleeves. This layering creates a beautiful sense of depth, giving the outfit a graceful structure. For women, the tanling style is particularly flattering, as it’s both slimming and elegant.

Ming Dynasty Long Shirt
Besides the Tang Dynasty tanling, another silhouette that’s known for being slimming is the long shirt from the Ming Dynasty. Though most Ming Dynasty Hanfu was loose-fitting, it never appeared bulky.

The long shirt typically reaches just above the knee, which is longer compared to other tops. The fabric is usually monochromatic or from the same color family, creating a visual effect that elongates the body and enhances height and slenderness.

In this picture, you can see a long, straight-collared shirt in a soft, pale pink color. The delicate shade makes the wearer appear gentle, and the fabric’s graceful drape adds to the overall slimming effect. The length of the shirt, combined with its flowing material, makes the wearer appear more svelte.

Pleated Skirt (Po Skirt)
Next, let’s talk about a style that’s more about the silhouette than specific designs. For women with fuller lower bodies, the pleated skirt (po skirt) is a great choice. Don’t let the name confuse you—it’s not a torn skirt, but rather a specific style of skirt that’s incredibly flattering.

The pleats in a po skirt aren’t just formed from a single piece of fabric; they’re made by sewing several pieces together, which creates a long, flowing effect that makes the lower body appear slimmer and elongated.

In the world of Hanfu, pleated skirts are often used in tanling designs, but they also appear in the Jin Dynasty style of Hanfu. The pleats in these skirts help create a balanced and proportionate silhouette, making them ideal for those who want a more flattering appearance on the lower half of their body.