There has been some truly gorgeous dresses in ancient China. After all, China is the home of silk and textiles!
Throughout history, each dynasty had its own unique fashion style that influenced the neighboring Asian countries. As time passed, so did fashion trends evolve. Here we explore what affluent women wore in ancient China across the millennium.
Most Beautiful Dresses in History: Qin Dynasty (221 BC – 202 BC)
China has been unified under one ruling emperor! Influenced by the previous dynasty, full body robes are still the classic style of choice for formal wear.
These robes are classified into curved and straight styles. Their sleeves also come in long and short versions.
At this time, men and women dressed similarly. The main difference being men wore a belt with a buckle whereas women tied silk ribbons around their waists.
Most Beautiful Dresses in History: Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD)
The clothes worn in Han dynasty defines Han Chinese culture. With advancements in textile manufacturing, anyone with money can wear beautiful silk embroidered clothes.
Commoners of the time wore short shirts and pants, whereas the poor wore short clothes made from rough cloth.
Women in the Han dynasty began to wear shorter robes with a skirt underneath. There were many styles of dresses, the most popular being the ““留仙裙” (celestial staying dress). Long robes were still in style as well.
Most Beautiful Dresses in History: Wei and Jin Dynasty (220 AD – 420 AD)
In the Three Kingdoms era, clothing continues along the same style as in Qin and Han dynasties. The main characteristics are crossed collars, ribbon tied around the waist, wide sleeves, and a higher collar.
Unlike the narrow top sleeves of Qin and Han, wide and loose sleeve becomes popular during the Three Kingdoms era. This style continues through the Southern and Northern dynasties.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of Dresses in History!
