Tangzhuang

Do you love Chinese culture and clothes from this culture? Learn more about one of the most typical clothes in China: Tangzhuang. The tangzhuangs are much less known than the Qipao or the Hanfu, but they are nonetheless very interesting with a beautiful story and a beautiful culture behind.

This is why through this article we have tried to share with you all the know-how of traditional Chinese jackets, to satisfy your thirst for culture on the Middle Empire.

You will know the whole history of Chinese jackets, from their creation to their symbolism. You will also find some tips, prepared by our team to choose its Chinese jacket perfectly.

The story of tangzhuang

Although humble and simple in its appearance, the traditional Chinese jacket, known as tangzhuang, can be carried as well as clothing of the daily that as clothing of ceremony. The origins of Tangzhuang date back to the end of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Derived from Magua, a clothing of the Manchu that the Hans were forced to wear during the Qing dynasty. Tangzhuang is normally worn by men, although women sometimes wear them too.

In Chinese culture, Mao costume, western costume and tang costume are the main forms of formal outfits for men on many occasions. Tangzhuang is made in different colors, most often red, navy, gold, black and green. One of the most common patterns is the use of Chinese characters as a monograms, such as Fu (happiness) or shou (longevity), to spread good fortune and wishes.

Literally, Tangzhuang means "clothing from the Tang dynasty" (618-907), but the modern version has nothing to do with the clothes of the Tang dynasty. The modern version has evolved from a sort of manchurian clothing. She became famous because she was carried by the leaders of the different APEC countries. Since then, this new type of clothing has been called Tangzhuang and has enjoyed great popularity with Chinese and abroad.

The word "tangzhuang" has also been created by Chineseoverseas. Due to the high reputation of the Tang dynasty, foreigners sometimes call the Chinese "Tang people" and thus, their costume is called "tangzhuang". This word ended up being adopted by the Chinese after 2001.

Tangzhuang is distinguished by four characteristics. The Mandarin collar with front opening is a traditional Chinese style. The opening is symmetrical and the collar stands straight. Chinese knots, handmade, are used as pimples as well as decorations. Another characteristic is fabric, which is generally a traditional fabric such as China silk. The solid western cutting method and shoulder shoulders, make the Chinese jacket better.

Based on these four characteristics, several other styles are invented by creators. Currently, there are three main types: style traditional, the style national and the style contemporary, more fashionable. The traditional style has all the traditional Chinese elements. The colors are generally red, black and sapphire blue. It is generally decorated with a "tuanhua", a traditional Chinese motif resembling a mandala. This type of clothing was mainly worn during traditional Chinese festivals or wedding ceremonies. This style is very popular worldwide. The national style jackets use traditional elements, but change Tuanhua's patterns in poems and other traditional motifs of good omen. It was generally worn for everyday life. The fabric used is generally cotton rather than embroidered silk.

Another use of the term "tangzhuang" refers to a traditional "hanfu" form (clothing of the han people) of the Tang dynasty. This type of clothing generally has cross -passes and a belt to attach clothes without buttons. A wide variety of styles and magnificent drawings were the main characteristics of traditional clothing of the Tang dynasty. This type of clothing has influenced traditional clothes of many Asian countries, such as kimono in Japan and Hanbok in Korea.

Choose your Chinese jacket

To choose your Chinese Tangzhuang jacket, it is recommended to use bright and warm colors to give energy to the fabric. In China the colors are of great importance and a red garment will not have the same meaning as one of black color.  Here are the meanings of the 5 traditional colors in China connected to 5 elements, you will be able to wear the right jacket according to the appropriate meaning:

1) black

Representing the element of the water, you will wear a black clothing for serious and formal occasions, as in most Western countries. Black is also associated with neutrality, the Chinese carry it in daily life.

2) Red

Associated with the element of fire, it is a symbol of happiness and luck. Red is worn for celebrations and parties it is a symbol of joy and good fortune. This is why red is the predominant color during the Chinese New Year where we wish each other a happy new year and good fortune for the coming year. If you are looking for a jacket to celebrate the New Year or for a wedding, a red tangzhuang is what you need.

3) Yellow

Representing the earth, it is a symbol of wisdom, glory, harmony. In the old days he reserved for the emperor because the yellow is a symbol of royalty.

4) Green

Associated with wood as well as blue, green is also associated with health, prosperity and harmony. But it can also have a negative connotation, for example a green hat is associated with infidelity.

5) White

Associated with metal, it symbolism purity, shine and development. Unlike Western countries, white is the color of mourning and funeral ceremonies.

You can also match your traditional Chinese jacket with typical Chinese pants, the two sets you will dive into the traditional world of the Middle Empire.

Now that you all know what to know about Chinese jackets, come and discover our collection of traditional tangzhuangs!