Similarities Between Chinese & Japanese Clothing
Chinese and Japanese traditional clothing share some similarities because they are historically related. Contrary to popular belief, the mandarin gown is not Chinese, but actually Manchu in origin. The clothing worn by the Chinese ethnic majority is called hanfu, which was banned for almost 300 years when the Manchu ruled China until the early 20th Century. Hanfu -- sometimes simply known as the Chinese silk robe -- is the predecessor to the Japanese kimono.
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Overlapped Collar
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Though popular and common in China, the mandarin gown is actually a Manchu tradition. The overlapped collar is a distinct characteristic of both the Japanese kimono and the Chinese hanfu. This feature is found in both men's and women's clothing. The madarin gown, by contrast, has its own unique stand-up collar and overlapped diagonal lapels.
Long, Wide Sleeves
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Wide, long sleeves are found on kimonos. Both the kimono and hanfu have wide sleeves that appear to flare out toward the cuffs. In hanfu, sometimes the sleeves are widened in the middle but slightly tailored toward the cuffs, creating a airy pouch-like appearance.
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T-Shaped Robe
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The robe does not taper at the shoulders. The kimino and hafu are both T-shaped when the garments are laid flat against a surface with the sleeves spread out.
Lack of Buttons
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By contrast, frog buttons are a prominent feature on the mandarin gown. The kimono is held together by a very long brocade sash, or obi, without any buttons. The hanfu is secured by wrapping the right lapel around the body, and fastening it with a similar, but less complicated, sash. Unlike the kimono, buttons are not forbidden on the hanfu, though they are used sparingly and always concealed.
Silk Material
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Silk brocade is used for formal wear. The kimono, hanfu and mandarin gowns are all traditionally made with silk. The fancier gowns tend to use silk brocade, which has decorative features woven throughout the fabric.
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References
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