The costumes in each dynasty in the history of China had different styles. When it came to Ming Dynasty, many new changes had taken place in the costumes styles. The most obvious feature should be the replacement of buttons in the front part of Chinese robe to the belt knot which has been used for several thousand years. However, the teachers who teach Chinese culture may tell you that the application of button did not begin in Ming Dynasty because the form of button was ever seen in the costumes in Yuan Dynasty.
As a matter of fact, the application of button should be a king of revolution, indicating the progress of times. In addition, the Li School, a Confucian school of idealist philosophy of the Ming Dynasty was popular at that time, creating influence to the styles of costumes to a certain degree. Comparing with the costumes in Tang Dynasty, the costumes in Ming period were totally different in proportion of jacket and the trousers. The upper part gradually became longer while the lower part became shorter. In addition, the round collar was also gradually popular.
The lady‘s clothes in Ming Dynasty have collars of three levels and narrow sleeves. And the upper part is as long as three Chi. At that time, there was a popular style in Yangzhou which was as long as two Chi and eight Cun with the sleeves of one Chi and two Cun. If you pay much attention to television about the history of that time when you learn Mandarin Chinese, you may find the color of skirt in the beginning of Ming Dynasty was light.
The furbelow was really popular and the pattern decoration was also was particularly concerned. One of the famous types was named colorful belts skirt with the patterns of flowers and birds. When being placed on the waistband, the colorful skirt was formed, with the beautiful name of “phoenix tail skirt”. Some other typical styles are Baizhe Skirt and Jade Skirt.
There was also a short embroidered cape with special styles and got the name of rosy could robe because of the shape like the rosy cloud. It originally appeared in the Southern and Northern Dynasties and got the name in Tang Dynasty. In Song Dynasty, it was listed as one of the costumes wore in ceremonial robes. Therefore, when it came to Ming Dynasty, it was very common in folk.