Recently, a friend was chatting with Keke and mentioned that during a trip to Chengdu, she saw a lady wearing traditional Han clothing. She thought the lady's outfit was particularly beautiful, so she took a second look and politely asked what kind of clothing it was. Someone in the crowd nearby said “traditional costume,” which led to the lady in Han clothing berating them, saying, “What do you mean by ‘traditional costume'? Do you understand that this is traditional Han clothing? If you don't even understand your own ethnic clothing, are you even Chinese?” “Do you understand Han clothing culture? Can you afford Han clothing?” The rest were just insults.
I believe there is a distinction between traditional costumes and Han clothing. Some might say that Han clothing is ancient clothing, thus it is traditional costume. However, I disagree because traditional costumes are like those seen in TV dramas, designed for aesthetic appeal, making the clothes somewhat see-through, featuring short sleeves, and generally transparent, which would not have been possible in ancient times when average temperatures were around ten degrees Celsius. It would be impossible to wear see-through clothing, and ancient women were mostly conservative, so short sleeves were out of the question. Compared to modern Han clothing, the costumes in historical dramas differ significantly. Therefore, Han clothing enthusiasts wouldn't admit that they're wearing traditional costumes. Additionally, traditional costumes refer to the attire of ancient people regardless of ethnicity, while Han clothing is the traditional dress of the Han ethnicity (this is my personal understanding).
It's not surprising though; the traditional costume community often recreates costumes based on ancient paintings without considering details or internal structures, as long as they look similar! However, bystanders often find their costumes resemble Korean hanbok or Japanese kimono. Why then do traditional costume enthusiasts get so angry? They spout phrases like “anti-Han elements opposing the revival of Han culture” and “Hanbok and kimono imitate Han clothing, so they should be considered like Han clothing,” which are hard to understand and rather amusing.
The television industry has been thriving in recent years, and for fans of historical dramas, the costumes worn by actresses are a major highlight. Although ancient clothing is elaborate and less convenient than modern clothing, it is incredibly beautiful. Therefore, Han clothing has become increasingly popular, and it's common to see women wearing it on the streets, adding a beautiful sight! Today, let's take a look at how actresses dressed in blue clothing in historical dramas, and compare the different feelings conveyed by these outfits.
Firstly, let's examine the differences between costumes in TV dramas, studio costumes, and Han clothing we usually buy online. As the name suggests, traditional costumes refer to the attire worn by ancient people, but the designs varied across different dynasties and were not all Han clothing. We can only say that traditional costumes include Han clothing, but they cannot be directly called Han clothing. Studio costumes are mostly designed for shooting effects, so they are imitations of various garments, but they cannot be considered the original. They are generally designed to look good on camera, whereas Han clothing is what ancient people wore daily, making it more practical. Thus, studio costumes cannot be called Han clothing. As for what Han clothing is, it simply means the traditional attire of the Han ethnicity, the specific clothing of our ethnicity at that time.
Many sellers do not specify the fabric composition, using fancy names that they invent themselves. Some vaguely mark “100% cotton” or “100% linen,” while others do not label anything at all, which is quite perplexing. If I saw a fashion item without a composition label, I wouldn't buy it. Not only could the price be misleading, but also it would be unclear how to care for it, whether it can be machine washed or ironed at high temperatures. This community seems to focus too much on appearance and forgets about quality.
Traditional costumes are the splendid memories of our ethnic history and the sorrowful reminiscences. Han clothing is the reflection on our ethnic history and questioning of its future. Traditional costumes are the attire worn by ancient people. This indicates that these are clothes that have been eliminated by the course of history, meaning modern people rarely wear such clothing unless there is a special need. Moreover, ancient attire varies widely and is not limited to Han clothing. The term “Han clothing” only refers to the attire of the Han ethnicity. It is an ethnic garment, akin to Manchu qipao, Japanese kimono, and Korean hanbok, which modern people can also wear. Traditional costumes refer to ancient attire, so any clothing worn in ancient times, regardless of ethnicity, can be called traditional costumes. Now, the term also includes costumes used in TV dramas and stage plays, while Han clothing refers to the ethnic clothing of the Han ethnicity, regardless of dynasty or era.
Traditional costumes are the attire worn by ancient people, but the designs varied across different dynasties and were not all Han clothing. We can only say that traditional costumes include Han clothing, but they cannot be directly called Han clothing. Studio costumes are mostly designed for shooting effects, so they are imitations of various garments, but they cannot be considered the original. They are generally designed to look good on camera, whereas Han clothing is what ancient people wore daily, making it more practical. Thus, studio costumes cannot be called Han clothing. As for what Han clothing is, it simply means the traditional attire of the Han ethnicity, the specific clothing of our ethnicity at that time.
Han clothing is the traditional attire of the Han ethnicity. Previously, the Han ethnicity did not have its traditional clothing, so everyone is eager to revive it. Many people draped sheets over themselves while watching historical dramas as children, and Han clothing represents that childhood fascination with traditional costumes. On a smaller scale, Han clothing is just a pretty dress to wear when going out, taking photos, and enjoying oneself, no different from other dresses. Who doesn't like beautiful clothing? Even when buying everyday clothes, one tends to choose prettier ones. Therefore, the beauty of Han clothing is one of its attractions.
The definition of Han clothing is very clear: apart from clothing worn during non-Han rule, they can all be called Han clothing. The definition of traditional costumes is literal, referring to the attire worn by ancient people, emphasizing contemporaneity. Those who lack understanding of Han clothing often mistake it for traditional costumes or vice versa due to insufficient knowledge of ethnic clothing history and tradition. Some merchants sell traditional costumes, film and television costumes, and studio costumes as “Han clothing,” misleading consumers and the public for profit, which is inappropriate. The definition of Han clothing is very clear: apart from clothing worn during non-Han rule, they can all be called Han clothing. The definition of traditional costumes is literal, referring to the attire worn by ancient people, emphasizing contemporaneity.