ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Popular fashion in ancient China

In ancient China, people used to wear clothes that were very different from the ones we wear today. The popular fashion in ancient China was very special and had its own unique style.

One popular clothing item for both boys and girls was a dress called a "hanfu." This dress was made of long, flowing fabric and had wide sleeves. It was usually made in bright colors like red, blue, or green. Hanfu dresses were simple and loose, so they were comfortable to wear. Sometimes, girls would wear a belt around their waist to make the dress more fitted.

For boys, another popular clothing item was a robe called a "changshan." This robe was a long, loose-fitting garment that went all the way down to their knees. It had a high collar and was fastened with buttons down the front. Changshan robes were usually made in more muted colors like black, gray, or brown.

Both boys and girls in ancient China liked to wear hats as well. Boys would wear a round hat called a "guan" or a tall hat called a "headdress." Girls would wear a hat that looked like a flower or an elaborate hairpin with decorations.

In ancient China, the rich and powerful people often wore more elaborate and luxurious clothing. They would wear robes made from expensive silks and adorned with beautiful embroidery. The colors they wore represented their status and wealth. For example, the color yellow was reserved for the emperor, as it was considered the most prestigious color.

In addition to clothing, ancient Chinese people also loved to wear accessories. Girls, in particular, would wear jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Jade was a popular material for making jewelry and was believed to bring good luck and protect the wearer from harm.

The popular fashion in ancient China was not just about how people dressed but also about the different hairstyles they had. Girls often wore their hair in elaborate updos with beautiful decorations like flowers or hairpins. Boys typically had short hair or shaved heads, as it was a symbol of discipline and obedience.

Overall, the fashion in ancient China was very different from what we wear today. The clothes were loose, comfortable, and made in vibrant colors. The style represented not only personal taste but also the social status and cultural beliefs.