Chinese New Year 2027 (the Year of the Goat) falls in early February. If you are planning an outfit, the window to order from China is shorter than it looks: production runs slow down in the weeks before the holiday, and shipping takes two to four weeks. Order by early January if you want the outfit to arrive in time.
Why red — and when you can break the rule
Red symbolises luck, joy and prosperity in Chinese culture, and it is the traditional colour for New Year. Most people wear at least one red item. But an all-red outfit can look like a costume, so the usual approach is:
- One red piece, everything else neutral. A red skirt with a cream top, or a red top with black trousers.
- Deep red rather than bright red. Brick red, wine red and burgundy are easier to wear and photograph better than orange-red.
- Gold or silver accents. Woven patterns, embroidery or a metallic accessory.
You can wear other colours — pale blue, cream, pink and jade green are all common. Black and white are traditionally avoided at New Year because of their association with funerals.
Outfit formulas by occasion
Family dinner at home
Comfort matters more than formality. A daily wear hanfu piece or a simple horse-face skirt with a knit top works well, and you can sit on the floor without worrying about the outfit.
Visiting relatives
This is the moment for a proper hanfu look but not a full ceremonial set. A two-piece hanfu set in red or deep colour reads as festive and is easy to move in.
New Year photos
Volume and colour photograph best. A long horse-face skirt with a contrasting top, or a full hanfu dress, gives a strong silhouette. Add a hairpin or a fan.
Temple fair or public event
Go for a more traditional look: a cross-collar top with a pleated skirt, or a layered set. Wear flat shoes — you will be walking.
Modern alternatives to full hanfu
If a full hanfu feels like too much, new Chinese style is the middle ground: modern cuts with Chinese details such as a stand collar, jacquard fabric or frog buttons. Our new Chinese style collection is built for this.
Matching family outfits
Family photos in matching hanfu are a New Year tradition. The easiest approach is a shared colour palette rather than an identical set:
- Red and cream for adults, with a red or cream kids’ hanfu for children.
- One accent colour repeated across everyone — a red sash, a red hairpin, a red scarf.
- Avoid matching patterns exactly. Different pieces in the same palette look better than identical outfits.
What to avoid
- Pure black or pure white as the main colour. Both are associated with mourning.
- Overly theatrical costumes. A New Year dinner is not a photoshoot.
- Very wide sleeves if you will be eating or handling children.
- Ordering too late. Chinese factories close for the holiday, and shipping slows down.
When to order
Chinese New Year 2027 falls in early February. Work backwards:
- Early January: latest safe order date for standard shipping.
- Late January: only if you pay for express shipping, and even then it is risky.
- After the holiday: production and shipping resume slowly for one to three weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to wear red for Chinese New Year?
No, but red is the most common and most traditional choice. Deep red, wine or burgundy is easier to wear than bright red.
Can non-Chinese people wear hanfu at Chinese New Year?
Yes. Hanfu is worn by people of all backgrounds, especially at public New Year events. Learning a little about the garment and wearing it respectfully is appreciated.
What if I do not want to wear hanfu?
New Chinese style is a good middle ground — modern clothes with Chinese details. See our comparison guide.
Browse the full collection or start with the mamian skirt collection.