New Chinese style (新中式) and traditional hanfu are often confused, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right pieces – whether you want historical accuracy or everyday wearability.
Traditional hanfu
Traditional hanfu follows historical patterns from specific dynasties – Ming, Song, Tang and others. It has strict construction rules: cross collars, specific sleeve shapes, and traditional closures. Our Ming and Song style collections are built this way.
New Chinese style
New Chinese style takes traditional elements – stand collars, Chinese buttons (盘扣), embroidery, horse-face silhouettes – and adapts them into modern clothing. The result is easier to wear every day: zips instead of ties, fitted cuts, machine-washable fabrics.
Which should you choose?
- Choose traditional hanfu for festivals, photoshoots and cultural events – the silhouette is more dramatic.
- Choose new Chinese style for office, travel and daily life – it pairs naturally with jeans, skirts and coats.
Our new Chinese style collection is a great place to start, and the size guide applies to both – sizing runs small in all Chinese clothing.