A ruqun (襦裙) is a hanfu combination: a short top (襦, rú) worn over a long skirt (裙, qún). It is the oldest and most common hanfu silhouette, worn from the Han dynasty through the Ming with changing proportions.
What the two parts are
| Part | Chinese | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Top | 襦 (rú) | A short upper garment, cross-collar or stand-collar |
| Skirt | 裙 (qún) | A long skirt, pleated or wrap, tied at the waist or under the bust |
The main variants
Waist-high ruqun (齐腰襦裙)
The skirt ties at the natural waist. The most common and the easiest to wear.
Chest-high ruqun (齐胸襦裙)
The skirt ties under the bust — the Tang silhouette. See the Tang guide.
Aoqun (袄裙)
The Ming variant: a longer, often lined top over a pleated skirt. See the Ming guide.
How it is built
- Two separate pieces, so you can size the top and skirt independently.
- The skirt is held by a waistband and tie, not by elastic.
- The top closes with a cross-collar or stand collar, with a sash or the skirt’s waistband over it.
Why it is the best first hanfu
- Fit is forgiving. Two pieces means two chances to get the size right.
- It can be worn separately. The top works with jeans; the skirt works with a modern top.
- It is cheap to start. You do not need an outer layer to look complete.
- It is comfortable. Loose top, tied skirt, flat shoes.
How to wear it
- Put the top on first.
- Wrap the skirt around your waist (or under the bust for chest-high).
- Tie the sash, check the overlap direction (left over right).
- Add a hairpin. Done.
See how to tie a hanfu skirt for the fastening details.
Sizing
Check the top’s shoulder width and the skirt’s waistband in centimetres. Chinese sizing runs one to two sizes smaller than US/EU — see the size guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ruqun?
A short top over a long skirt — the classic hanfu two-piece combination.
What is the difference between ruqun and aoqun?
Ruqun is the general term for a top-and-skirt outfit. Aoqun is the Ming version, with a longer, often lined top.
Is ruqun one piece or two?
Two: a separate top and skirt, tied at the waist or under the bust.
Read next: types of hanfu · hanfu dress types · beginner pieces