As enthusiasts of Hanfu, our love for traditional Hanfu is undoubtedly deep. However, no thing is perfect, and Hanfu is no exception. During the important periods of Tang Dynasty Hanfu and Ming Dynasty Hanfu, although they have unique charm, there are also some disadvantages. This article will explore these disadvantages in detail so that we can better understand and improve them.
First Part: Disadvantages of Tang Dynasty Hanfu
1. Lack of Comfort: Tang Dynasty Hanfu pursues grandeur and luxury. The garments often use heavy materials and complex construction, which lack comfort when worn, especially during hot summers. Wearing Tang Dynasty Hanfu for a long time can cause discomfort or even physical burden.
2. Inconvenience of Movement: The design of Tang Dynasty Hanfu emphasizes the display of noble aura; many robes have long sleeves and overly wide cuffs, limiting freedom of movement. Especially during exercise, the inconvenience of movement can become troublesome.
3. Inconvenience of Storage: The multi-layered pleats and wide sleeves of Tang Dynasty Hanfu designs make the clothes prone to deformation. To maintain the integrity of the garments, more time and effort are required for storage and maintenance.
4. Architectural Limitations: One characteristic of Tang Dynasty Hanfu is the width of the robe and the length of the cuffs. These designs make it easy for the wearer to rub against or get caught in surrounding objects when walking in confined spaces. Additionally, the special dimensions of Hanfu bring difficulties to everyday activities such as sitting down and passing through doors.
5. Not Adapted to Modern Life: The fast-paced and diverse lifestyle of modern society does not align well with the relatively complex wearing and maintenance methods of Tang Dynasty Hanfu. Moreover, the splendor and solemnity of Tang Dynasty Hanfu can easily be out of place in real life, giving an artificial impression.
Second Part: Disadvantages of Ming Dynasty Hanfu
1. High Degree of Distortion: Ming Dynasty Hanfu has certain limitations in terms of history and culture. Its design inspiration mainly comes from the influence of religious ceremonies and other powers on clothing. This level of distortion inevitably reduces the purity and representativeness of Ming Dynasty Hanfu.
2. Decline in Fabric Quality: The development of Ming Dynasty Hanfu has seen a decline in fabric quality. On one hand, large-scale production and commercialization have led to many details being overlooked in the making process. On the other hand, the market is filled with cheap Hanfu products, whose fabrics and craftsmanship cannot match those of traditional Ming Dynasty Hanfu.
3. Overemphasis on Compensatory Accessories: The design of Ming Dynasty Hanfu focuses on the use of compensatory accessories, such as belts and neckties. However, this overemphasis on the use of compensatory accessories often makes the overall outfit appear overly complicated and unnatural, disrupting the smoothness of the attire.
4. Poor Adaptability for Infants and Young Children: Ming Dynasty Hanfu is generally long and ornate, which is too complex for infants and young children and not suitable for their activities and growth needs. Therefore, wearing Ming Dynasty Hanfu during infancy may limit their free development.
5. Low Recognition: Compared to clothing from other eras, Ming Dynasty Hanfu has relatively low recognition internationally. Although its position in Chinese historical and cultural contexts cannot be ignored, Tang Dynasty Hanfu is more widely known globally.
Conclusion:
Like any object, Tang Dynasty Hanfu and Ming Dynasty Hanfu both have advantages and limitations. These limitations mainly involve comfort, convenience of movement, convenience of storage, architectural constraints, adaptability to modern life, etc. By understanding and reflecting on these limitations, we can better improve and adapt to the charm of Hanfu, allowing traditional Hanfu to flourish in modern society. For Ming Dynasty Hanfu, we should adhere to its purity and representativeness, improve fabric quality, and reduce overemphasis on accessory design to make it more suitable for modern wear. Most importantly, while promoting Hanfu culture, we must also adapt to and respect changes in individual and social needs.
