Taiwan Traditional Clothing Male and Female

Md Mahedi Hasan

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Taiwan’s traditional clothing reflects the enriched cultural heritage and history. For both males and females, classic garments are worn on special occasions as well as cultural events. In this listicle content, you will get to know about the traditional clothing of Taiwanese males and females and their way of preserving cultural heritage.

Figure: Taiwan Traditional Clothing Male and Female

Taiwan Traditional Clothing Name

Taiwan’s traditional clothing will be incomplete if there is no mention of Han Chinese and the indigenous population. Since the majority of the population, around 95% is Han Chinese, the other percentage covers indigenous ones. 

So, here is the list of Taiwan Traditional clothing names given in the following: 

1. Qipao or Hanfu

Qipao is mostly known as the cheongsam, the traditional clothing worn by the Han Chinese population. This particular Qipao is a form-fitting outfit that comes in a high neckline and intricate patterns. Most interestingly, they are worn by Han Chinese women.

Figure: Qipao or Hanfu
Figure: Qipao or Hanfu

2. Changshan

Here is another traditional tunic clothing that offers a long, buttoned-up garment. Han Chinese Men wear this cloth. 

Figure: Changshan
Figure: Changshan

3. Hakka

Hakka people consist of around 20% of the Taiwan population. They have this distinctive clothing named Hakka, which is also an attire applicable for both men as well women. 

Figure: Hakka
Figure: Hakka

4. Aboriginal Taiwan Traditional Clothing 

As it has been said before around 2% of the aboriginal tribes are in Taiwan, the clothing includes Atayal, Amis, Paiwan, Rukai, and Tsou. All these clothes have colorful designs to be followed in respect of their cultural identity. 

Figure: Aboriginal Taiwan Traditional Clothing
Figure: Aboriginal Taiwan Traditional Clothing

5. Hokkien Clothing

Hokkein people wear Taiwan traditional clothing attire that offers embroidered and batik patterns in an intricate way. 

Figure: Hokkien Clothing
Figure: Hokkien Clothing

Taiwan Traditional Clothing Female

There is no significant change when it comes to discussing Taiwan’s traditional clothing for females. These clothing are influenced by ethnic groups and culture. In a few cases, the importance of the values practiced in a particular tribe becomes a much-needed direction. 

1. Qipao: Embroidered and Vibrant

Han Chinese women (Taiwanese) wear traditional dress, the most recognizable one, the qipao. It features a fitting form including a high collar, colorful pattern, and embroidered design. Mostly women wear them at weddings and other cultural events. 

Figure: Qipao Embroidered and Vibrant
Figure: Qipao Embroidered and Vibrant

2. Ruqun

Hakka clothing is traditionally worn by Taiwanese women, traditionally. This clothing is a long tunic named Ruqun, that can be paired with a pleated skirt. Ruqun features dark colors.

Figure: Ruqun
Figure: Ruqun

3. Peranakan Clothing

Women who are of Hokkien descent in Taiwan, commonly wear Hokkien or the attire of Peranakan. Besides, it includes embroidered patterned dresses and batik. 

Figure: Peranakan Clothing
Figure: Peranakan Clothing

Women mostly dress the finest wearing their traditional outfits to celebrate special occasions: Weddings and Festivals. Besides, people who are from Paiwan, Rukai, and Bunun, indigenous tribes wear dark-colored clothes to showcase their varied designs. The colors are mostly Dark Blue and black. Meanwhile, there are indigenous tribes in Taiwan named Amis, Atayal, and Siaisiya who are fond of using blood red and azure. All these tiny details of preserving traditional clothing continue to be passed on next generation to carry out new cultural essences throughout festivities. 

Taiwan Clothing Traditional

Taiwan witnessed the Japanese colonial period when all clothing was linen-made. Thanks to the replacement that occurred afterward, imported cotton cloth, chemical fibers, and printed calico started to take place in the original textile Taiwan clothing tradition has some key aspects that include:

1. Han Chinese in Taiwan

Han community wears garments named Qipao, Hanfu, or Cheongsam (for women), and the Changshan (For Men) in an intricate patterned, form-fitting design.

Figure: Qipao, Hanfu, or Cheongsam
Figure: Qipao, Hanfu, or Cheongsam

2. Hakka Clothing

Hakkka clothing includes the women’s attire that comes in a long tunic paired pleated skirt. Meanwhile, men wear tunics with pants. 

3. Hokkien Clothing

Hokkien people who are of descent in Taiwan mostly wear traditional Hokkien attire featuring embroidered, vibrant, and basic patterns. 

4. Zhanpao 

Taiwanese traditional clothing men during the Qing dynasty was all about wearing zhanpao (a long robe). Magua (a horse jacket) is also worn under an outer jacket. Zhanpao was quite shorter compared to the gua. Zhanpao was also popular among women.

Figure: Magua
Figure: Magua

5. Female Garment for Rukai Tribe

Compared to menswear, Rukai tribes’ are more exquisite and elegant. The clothing differed from married, single women to elderly women with slight changes. 

Figure: Female Garment for Rukai Tribe
Figure: Female Garment for Rukai Tribe

Conclusion

From the traditional hanfu or qipao to distinctive clothing worn by those indigenous tribes, Taiwan has witnessed communities wearing embroidered patterns and colorful designs to showcase the diverse cultural heritage, the country owns. No matter how Taiwanese people uphold their value for traditional clothing, it is an immense source of pride for them to be a part of this culturally diverse rich society.

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