Children’s Chinese New Year outfits are usually bought for two reasons: the family photo, and the visit to relatives. Those two occasions have different requirements — a photoshoot outfit can be elaborate, but a piece a child wears for eight hours needs to be comfortable and easy to manage.
Sizing children’s hanfu
Chinese children’s hanfu is sized by height in centimetres, not by age. A size 120 is intended for a child around 120 cm tall. Age labels are unreliable because children of the same age vary a lot in height.
- Measure your child’s height without shoes.
- Choose the size that matches, and size up if between sizes — children grow.
- Check the garment length. A floor-length skirt on the model may be too long for a smaller child.
Our kids’ hanfu collection lists measurements for each piece.
What makes a good New Year outfit for a child
- Two-piece sets. Easier for bathroom breaks and for getting dressed in a hurry.
- Cotton or soft blends. Breathable and machine-washable. New Year food and drink will end up on the outfit.
- Mid-length skirts. Floor-length skirts are a trip hazard for running children.
- Simple fastenings. Ties or buttons a child can manage, or that are quick for a parent.
- No trailing sleeves or long cords.
Outfit ideas
Girls
- Girls’ two-piece set with a horse-face skirt — a short-sleeve top and skirt, easy to wear and comfortable for a long day.
- Girls’ festival and photoshoot dress — more elaborate, best for the photo and the main event.
- Girls’ Ming dynasty flower goddess hanfu — a more traditional option for a formal family photo.
Boys
Boys’ hanfu is less common in stock, so the usual approach is a unisex set: a cross-collar top with wide trousers, in red, navy or cream. Look for sets described as unisex, and check the shoulder measurement.
Planning a matching family outfit
The most reliable approach is a shared palette rather than identical garments:
- Choose two colours — for example red and cream, or burgundy and gold.
- Give each family member one piece in the main colour. A red skirt for one, a red top for another, a red sash for a third.
- Keep the children’s outfits simple. Elaborate children’s hanfu looks good in a photo but is hard to manage for a full day.
- Test the outfits a week before. Let the children wear them around the house so you find the problems early.
When to order
Chinese New Year 2027 falls in early February. Children grow, so ordering early risks buying a size that no longer fits — but ordering late risks not arriving. Order in late December or early January, with a size up if your child is between sizes.
Frequently asked questions
What size hanfu for a 6-year-old?
Do not use age. Measure the child’s height in centimetres and choose the matching size number — for example, a child around 120 cm tall usually takes a 120.
Is hanfu comfortable for children all day?
If you choose a two-piece set with a mid-length skirt and soft fabric, yes. Avoid floor-length skirts, long sleeves and heavy headpieces.
Can I wash children’s hanfu in a machine?
Cotton and polyester blends usually can be washed cold on a gentle cycle. Check the label, and wash embroidered pieces inside out.
See the kids’ hanfu collection, and our full guide to buying hanfu for children.