Chinese Robes

Chinese clothing was particularly distinct from Western clothing in ancient times, a distinction that was preserved until 1912, the advent of the People’s Republic of China. Traditional Chinese robes are characterized by a cross-collar, which crosses the right lapel over the left, and either a long gown or a form of skirt worn with the blouse. The robes were tied with a sash. The basic features of this type of clothing were established in the 17th century B.C.

Color and designs on Chinese robes spoke to the rank of the wearer. Yellow was reserved for only the emperor; images of dragons also pointed towards an emperor. High rank officials wore purple. Robes also varied by society; traditional Han clothing is characterized by a lack of buttons, the use of a sash, and the cross-collar lapels. These robes had long wide sleeves.

Another well-known type of robe is the “Qi Pao," the traditional Manchu female style of clothing fused with Western patterns that give the female body an idealized hourglass shape. While the collar generally remained the same, the variations of this clothing varied from region to region.

Quick Facts

• The more designs there were embroidered onto the clothing, as well as the quality of the fabric that was used, the wealthier and higher ranked the wearer
• Most traditional Chinese wedding robes, which vary depending on region and time period, were made of red silk for good luck and happiness
• The embroidered designs on an official’s uniform had very significant meanings in the past. A first rank civil officer’s uniform would have an image of a crane, second rank a gold pheasant, and subsequent ranks would have a peacock, goose, silver pheasant, egret, duck, oriole, and quail