Wearing Hanfu: What to Keep in Mind
Hanfu, the traditional Chinese outfit, is more than just clothing—it’s a vibrant expression of Chinese culture and national spirit. Whether you’re new to Hanfu or looking to refine your style, understanding how to wear Hanfu properly is key to embracing its elegance. In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips on Hanfu styles, Hanfu etiquette, and Hanfu accessories to help you wear this timeless garment with confidence.
Hanfu Styles: Finding the Perfect Fit for You
Choosing the right Hanfu style is crucial for both comfort and aesthetics. Hanfu comes in various forms, each with its own historical and cultural significance. Here are some popular Hanfu styles to consider:
Different Types of Hanfu
- Ruqun: A two-piece outfit consisting of a top (ru) and a skirt (qun), ideal for casual and formal occasions.
- Shenyi: A one-piece robe that symbolizes simplicity and elegance, often worn for scholarly or ceremonial events.
- Beizi: A long, flowing coat typically layered over other Hanfu pieces for added warmth and style.
For a deeper dive into Hanfu types, check out this comprehensive guide to Hanfu styles.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Body Type
They say, “A gentleman always looks sharp.” When wearing Hanfu, you gotta keep it clean, crisp, and polished. A messy, wrinkled look gives off sloppy vibes. Make sure your Hanfu is spotless and wrinkle-free to show its full elegance.
Pick Hanfu That Suits Your Body
- Petite folks: Go easy on chest-high Ru skirts—they might overwhelm your frame.
- Curvier or broader builds: Skip Song-style Hanfu, which can feel too delicate.
- Soft aura: Be cautious with Ming-style Hanfu, as its bold vibe might overpower you.
Choose styles that flatter your shape to shine in Hanfu!
How to Wear Hanfu Properly
- Cross-Collar Style: Layer the right collar over the left, forming a cross shape at the chest. Tie the right collar’s lower tie to the left waist tie and knot it securely.
- Front-Tie Style: Skip the cross-collar and tie the left and right collar ties together directly.
- Get the layering right, and you’re halfway to nailing the look!
Match Hanfu to the Occasion
Wearing a formal deep robe or Xuanduan for backpacking feels off, while a casual brown short jacket or half-arm top might be too chill for serious events. Pick Hanfu that vibes with the setting—formal for ceremonies, light and breezy for casual outings.
Choosing Colors
Color is a big deal in Hanfu and often splits by gender:
Men: Stick to solid, deep tones like brown, dark blue, or gray. Avoid bright, floral, or light colors to keep it grounded and classic.
Women: Go wild with patterns like embroidery or opt for vibrant single colors to pop.
Colors reflect your style, so choose wisely to match the Hanfu’s vibe.
Pairing Hanfu Right
Hanfu is a multi-piece outfit, so wear it correctly to ace the look. Color and style combos depend on your taste, but here’s the deal:
Pants: Dark dress pants work; no jeans or striped athletic pants.
Shoes: Stick to cloth shoes—black for guys, any color (except pure white) for gals.
Accessories:
- Men: Skip crowns with flat-top haircuts. Try a scholar’s scarf or other hats for a cool vibe.
Hair and Makeup
- Formal Hanfu: Don’t go bare-faced; keep makeup light but polished.
- Casual Hanfu: Avoid heavy makeup, but stay neat—no eye gunk, earwax, or uneven skin tone.
- Men: Keep beards trimmed.
- Women: Light makeup is key.
- Hair: No need for drama-level updos, but never let your hair hang loose—it’s considered rude in Hanfu culture. Opt for a simple bun or tied style.
Basic Etiquette and Manners
Wearing Hanfu means embracing its cultural roots, including manners.
Greetings: Learn to cup your hands or bow slightly—common ways Hanfu fans say hi.
Posture: Stand tall, chest out, hands crossed at the waist (inside sleeves), avoiding flared “V-shaped” sleeves. Walk slowly and steadily, with proper standing and sitting posture.
Standing: Stand straight, look forward, hands clasped (men: left over right; women: right over left), tucked in sleeves, placed between the lower abdomen and chest, not too close to the body.
Sitting: Knees together, sit on your heels, feet flat, hands on knees, back straight, eyes forward.
Walking: In formal settings, keep hands clasped as in standing, move with a steady rhythm, body upright, eyes forward.
Hand-Clasp Bow: For daily greetings—stand with feet together, left hand flat (fingers together, thumb bent), right hand in a fist, left palm covering the fist. Align left fingertips with your chin, right fist facing the chest, arms bent in a curve, elbows slightly down, 20–30 cm from the chest, and nod to greet.
Conclusion
Wearing Hanfu is a beautiful way to connect with Chinese culture, but it requires attention to detail. By understanding how to wear Hanfu properly—from choosing the right Hanfu styles to mastering Hanfu etiquette and selecting the perfect Hanfu accessories—you can fully embrace the elegance and tradition of this timeless garment. Whether for a special occasion or everyday wear, these tips will help you wear Hanfu with confidence and respect.
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