Today's article introduces a Ming Dynasty style Hanfu suitable for summer, it is a sheer fabric parallel opening Hanfu shirt with a standing collar. Now let's take a look at the history of this outfit and how to wear it.
History of Sheer Fabric Shirt
In ancient China, it was quite common for men to be bare-chested during the summer, but of course, this was not the case for ladies, so they would wear fewer layers and sheer fabrics inside of their homes.
You might have seen this particular style of Hanfu been called many different names in Chinese, so let's first quickly go through these names and their origins.
The standing collar was a popular element in women's fashion during the late Ming Dynasty, so according to the naming conventions of the Ming Dynasty, this style can be described as “竖领对襟纱衫“, which translates into sheer fabric parallel opening shirt with standing collar. Ladies commonly wore this inside of their homes or in private areas as it is sheer and informal.
During the Qing Dynasty, this style was labeled as Pi Feng (披風), which is a type of outerwear, the materials used became thicker and heavier, making them more suitable for outdoor occasions, but keep in mind that the same term Pi Feng could also refer to this style of hanfu during the Ming Dynasty, which can be worn by both men and women. In recent years, some people have also been calling it Gui Men Pi (閨門帔), it's a term used for Chinese Opera costumes with the same style.
If it's a sheer fabric, call it: sheer fabric parallel opening Hanfu shirt with a standing collar (竖领对襟纱衫), and if it's not, call it: parallel opening Hanfu long shirt with a standing collar (竖领对襟长衫) or Long Ao (长袄). Alright, now the terms are clear, it's time to look into this outfit.
Wear the Skirt of Sheer Fabric Shirt
Wearing a modern camisole with embroideries on the front, and the typical Ming Dynasty undershirt doesn't have shoulder straps.
This is a one-piece pleated lace skirt, the lace pattern looks like eyelashes. There is a hole on the waistband for convenience, wrap the skirt around the waist, insert one end of the belt through the hole, go around the body, and tie the belts on the front.
Wear the Pi Feng for Sheer Fabric Shirt
Last but not least, this is the sheer fabric parallel opening shirt with standing collar, it's made of silk, which is light and flowy, breathable, and comfy. There are two buttons on the collar, and a pair of ties on the chest area.
There are ginkgo leaves embroideries on the big sleeves as well as the body. The middle seam on the back represents a person's righteousness. After putting the shirt on, tie the buttons on the collar, and then secure the ties.
You can click on the video to see the details of how to wear Hanfu – sheer fabric shirt:
the Hanfu dress and how to wear Hanfu can be found here.