Hanfu sleeve types include many classic styles, such as wide sleeves, chuihu sleeves, and drooping beard sleeves. Each sleeve type has its unique historical background and design characteristics.
These gorgeous sleeve shapes have undergone a long process of development, forming an important part of the Han costume culture, and have been loved and inherited by many Han costume enthusiasts in modern times.
The sleeve types of Hanfu clothing are very diverse, with different sleeve designs for different periods, social status, and occasions. The following are some common Hanfu sleeve types.
Straight Sleeves
Its characteristic is that the sleeve is straight and tubular, with no too many wrinkles and folds from the shoulder to the cuff, which is relatively simple. During the Han Dynasty, straight sleeves were one of the formal clothes worn by officials, literati, and other upper-class men, usually worn in combination with long shirts, mandarin coats, and other lower clothing.
There are generally two types of straight sleeves: long sleeves and short sleeves. Long sleeves generally reach to the wrist and are suitable for wearing in cold weather, while short sleeves are suitable for wearing in warm seasons. The straight sleeve design is simple and straightforward, and is not only suitable for formal occasions, but also for casual wear in daily life.
In modern times, straight sleeves are also widely used in the design of Hanfu, becoming an important component of Hanfu culture.
The design of straight sleeves has been introduced with more fashion elements in modern times, such as fabrics of different materials, matching of various colors, and decoration, making a contribution to the diversification and fashion of modern Han clothing.
Wide Sleeves
Compared to other sleeve types, wide sleeve sleeves are wider and present a very ornate effect, often used in court dances and formal occasions. Wide sleeves were very popular in the Tang Dynasty and were also widely used in the Song and Ming and Qing dynasties.
The characteristic of a wide sleeve is that the sleeve is very wide, which can be extended back through the arm, forming a similar effect to the wings of a roc. The width of the sleeve can reach more than twice the width of the human body, and some people call it “eagle claw sleeve.”.
Broad Sleeves
Wide sleeves are also wider than regular sleeves, but they are not as exaggerated as wide sleeves, presenting a more beautiful effect and creating a gorgeous atmosphere, suitable for different occasions.
Wide sleeves were worn by ancient officials, women, scholars, and other groups, and were also a historically significant sleeve type.
Pipa Sleeves
Pipa sleeve is a type of sleeve for Han Dynasty clothing, with a wide cuff like a lute, with a central tuck in place that takes on a shape similar to that of a lute.
Pipa sleeves are often used in ancient costume dramas, with a romantic and aesthetic feeling.
Aircraft Sleeves
Aircraft sleeves, also known as shark fin sleeves, are wide and have a large number of wrinkles from the waist down, presenting a wide “shark fin” shape.
They are often used for weddings, dances, and other occasions to create a magnificent and romantic atmosphere.
Arrow Sleeves
It is named after the arrow shaped end of its sleeve, so it is called the arrow sleeve.
The characteristic of the arrow sleeve is that the sleeve is narrow and long, gradually narrowing from the shoulder to the cuff. The end of the cuff is in the shape of an arrow, which fits the arm and can make the arm line more beautiful.
The length of the arrow sleeve generally does not exceed the wrist, which is relatively simple and lively compared to other sleeve types, and is suitable for matching various clothes.
The arrow sleeve was very popular in the Tang Dynasty, often appearing in court dances and literary gatherings. It is a sleeve type with a classical flavor.
In later historical periods, the arrow sleeve has also been rediscovered and has become a classic sleeve type in modern Han clothing culture. Its concise and lively lines and beautiful arm display effects are deeply loved by modern Han clothing enthusiasts.
Sleeveless
The sleeveless style of Hanfu refers to a jacket without sleeves, also known as a “vest” or “jacket”. Sleeveless hanfu is usually composed of pleated fabric, loose cut, and simple decoration, making it more lightweight and comfortable compared to other Hanfu.
In ancient times, sleeveless Han suits were mostly used in men's daily wear and work clothes because they were convenient for movement and breathability. At the same time, sleeveless hanfu is also a common clothing in some sports and martial arts training, such as the martial arts “Taoist robe”, which is a sleeveless Hanfu.
In modern times, sleeveless hanfu is also a popular style in hanfu culture, often used for wearing hanfu in summer or tropical areas. Moreover, due to its refreshing and concise characteristics, it is loved by many modern hanfu enthusiasts.
Sleeveless hanfu designs are often innovative, combining and fusing different hanfu elements to create a unique and fashionable hanfu style.
Chuihu Sleeves
The chuihu sleeves is characterized by a very long sleeve, which can hang down to just below the knee or even longer. The sleeves are relatively narrow above the elbow and gradually widen in the lower part of the sleeve, showing a more pronounced fishtail shape at the cuff.
The chuihu sleeves were very popular in the Tang Dynasty, especially in women's clothing, and were widely used in court dances and literary gatherings because of their particularly long sleeves, which gave them a lazy and graceful look that complemented the Tang Dynasty's flourishing culture.
In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the chuihu sleeves was also rediscovered and became a Chinese sleeve style often seen in old fashioned movies and TV dramas.
In short, the long sleeves and beautiful lines of the sleeve are a very distinctive Hanbok sleeve style, showing a classical and elegant flavor, which makes people indulge in the atmosphere of history and culture.
The above are just some common sleeve types of Hanfu. In fact, there are a wide variety of sleeve types of Hanfu. Different sleeve types can create different atmospheres and styles, and can also reflect different historical periods and cultural backgrounds.