Clothing in Tang Dynasty

Clothing during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) reflected the era’s prosperity, openness to foreign cultures, and innovations in textile production. Tang Dynasty fashion is renowned for its elegance, vibrant colors, and variety, influenced by interactions with Central Asia, Persia, India, and beyond through the Silk Road. Here’s an overview of Tang Dynasty clothing:

For Women

Ruqun (襦裙): A common attire for women, consisting of a blouse (ru) and a wrap-around skirt (qun). The waistline of the skirt could be high or low, depending on the fashion of the time.
Banbi (半臂): A half-sleeve jacket worn over the blouse.
Daxiushan (大袖衫): A large-sleeved robe that could be worn over other garments, notable for its wide sleeves and often luxurious materials.
Women’s fashion in the Tang Dynasty also included wearing multiple layers, with elaborate patterns and bright colors. There was a significant Persian and Central Asian influence on the textiles, including the use of silk, brocade, and patterns.
Hairstyles were elaborate, often piled high and adorned with accessories such as flowers, hairpins, and jeweled ornaments.

For Men

Shenyi (深衣): A long robe that was a common form of attire, consisting of a tunic and skirt sewn together. It could be belted at the waist.
Pibo (披帛): A long scarf or shawl that men draped around their arms, often used as a decorative accessory.
Men’s clothing, similar to women’s, emphasized loose and comfortable garments that allowed for easy movement.

Footwear

Both men and women wore leather or cloth boots, shoes with upturned toes, and sandals. The choice of footwear often depended on the season and the wearer’s social status.

Materials and Accessories

Silk was the predominant fabric, reflecting China’s advanced sericulture. Clothes often featured intricate embroidery and were available in a wide range of colors, thanks to advancements in dyeing techniques.
Accessories were an important part of Tang fashion, including belts, hats, and headgear that denoted the wearer’s social status.

Influence of Foreign Cultures

The Tang Dynasty’s openness to foreign cultures greatly influenced its fashion. This period saw the integration of styles, patterns, and garments from across the Silk Road, making Tang Dynasty attire among the most diverse and rich in Chinese history.

The fashion of the Tang Dynasty is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, reflecting the dynasty’s golden age of art, culture, and economic prosperity.

Tang Dynasty ( 618-907)

Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 907 AD, is regarded as the apex of both Chinese and global civilization. This historical era was marked by notable developments in technology and culture, in addition to its notable contributions to philosophy, politics, literature, and the arts.

We shall look at the salient features, historical significance, and enduring impact of the Tang Dynasty in the sections that follow.