With the globalization of cultures, people are increasingly embracing their heritage. Whether it be food, traditions or art, embracing one’s culture is en vogue. One of the essential elements that can connect someone closer to their ancestral roots is clothing. Traditional clothing may be hard to find for people living in the West, especially those who don’t have access to Chinatowns and Little Indias, but with the power of the internet and flexible measuring tape, finding clothing for all your celebratory needs has never been easier — we even did the legwork so you don’t have to.
Below is a list of traditional clothing found throughout Asia and online shops where one can encounter both feminine and masculine garments without (completely) breaking the bank.
Cheongsam/Qipao
Inspired by the ethnic clothing of the Manchu people, these dresses are form-fitting garments that were first popularized in the 1920s. Often worn by Chinese socialites and high-society women in Republican-era Shanghai, this style of traditional dress has had a lasting impression on contemporary Chinese fashion.
Beth and Brian Qipao – Founded by husband and wife, Beth and Brian Qipao has an extensive curation of qipao for a wide range of occasions and a selection of tangzhuang made for children and adults.
East Meets Dress – This brand specializes in Chinese wedding wear after founders Jenn Qiao and Vivian Chen discovered a hole in the market for overseas Chinese trying to find traditional clothing for their big day. They have a collection of traditional and modern styles (including jumpsuits!) for any kind of bride or groom!
Hanfu
Hanfu is the broader term for the traditional wear worn by Han Chinese people and is often the flowy, robe-like garments one would see in Chinese wuxia and historical dramas. Specific styles can vary depending on the ruling dynasty of that time as design elements of each era are influenced by politics and societal culture….
Read the full article here
