Chinese apparel is gaining more and more recognition worldwide. These days, when traveling, you might even spot “non-Chinese people” wearing it for photos. But beyond casual photo ops, do Chinese people really wear Chinese hanfu in daily life? Is it only for festivals, or do people don this traditional clothing every day? If they do, how? If you’re a hanfu fan, keep reading!

Ⅰ. Who’s Wearing Hanfu?

Chinese hanfu is especially popular among young people, particularly those in their late teens to early thirties. Many are students, artists, designers, or history lovers. Some are part of local Hanfu clubs, and others just enjoy the aesthetics.

Sometimes when I travel, I see ladies (relatively young) in lightweight hanfu styles out and about.

The only time I’ve seen elderly people in hanfu is online—elderly grandmas in Ming dynasty hanfu, with hairstyles and makeup that complement the look perfectly. They’re so elegant, no less impressive than young people in hanfu.

In a 2022 interview with Sixth Tone (The English-language media under The Paper), a 25-year-old office worker in Chengdu said, “I wear Chinese hanfu once or twice a week. I used to be shy about it, but now people often compliment me. It makes me feel proud of my culture.”

Social media plays a big role too. On platforms like Little Red Note (Xiaohongshu), young women post carefully styled Hanfu looks with captions like “A dress from the Tang dynasty for a modern heart”. Hanfu influencers have turned what was once a niche interest into a full-blown trend.

Ⅱ. When and Where Do People Wear It?

Not everyone wears Hanfu every day — but many wear it for specific occasions:

1. Some wear it on meaningful traditional festivals—like Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, or Mid-Autumn Festival—perfect times to stroll around or visit relatives in hanfu.  

2. People also wear it for photos at parks, temples, or tourist spots—looking great for those picture-perfect shots!  

3. Casual outings too, for folks confident enough to blend this traditional wear into daily life.  

4. Many don full hanfu on International Hanfu Day (November 22nd each year) to showcase their style. There are also big events like the National Silk Museum’s Hanfu Festival—though these are more known in China, so a quick explainer for overseas readers!  

Q: Why November 22nd for International Hanfu Day?  

A: On November 22, 2003, hanfu enthusiast Wang Letian wore a homemade hanfu in Zhengzhou, Henan, gaining wide media attention. To honor this, hanfu lovers set the date as Hanfu Day. Each year, fans worldwide hit the streets in hanfu, with local groups hosting events to highlight the beauty of traditional Chinese culture—like this packed gathering in Taiwan, China, on the day!

Q: What happens at the National Silk Museum Hanfu Festival?
A: It includes exhibition tours, expert lectures, and cultural relic appreciation, letting visitors explore clothing styles from different dynasties and learn about traditional apparel. There’s also a “Hanfu Night” runway show, where many hanfu teams showcase restored or designed pieces. Plus, events like “Elegant Gatherings” and “Scholarly Discussions” bring in intangible cultural heritage inheritors and fashion experts to talk about applying heritage crafts to traditional Chinese dress. There are also fun activities like heritage-themed markets, immersive check-in games, and flash mobs to get people involved.

What interests me most is the Hanfu Night—so many of my favorite hanfu influencers attend it. It’s such an amazing runway event. I might write a whole piece about it sometime!

Ⅲ. How Do People Style Hanfu?

Hanfu isn’t one fixed style — it covers many forms from different dynasties, like the flowing Ruqun (a blouse-and-skirt combo from the Han dynasty), the structured Ming dynasty robes, or the elegant Song-style cross-collar tops. Some outfits can be quite intricate, with embroidered sleeves, silk sashes, and traditional hairpins.

But modern wearers often adapt it:

• They mix Chinese dress wear with modern items like sneakers or denim jacket

• Some choose modified modern Hanfu with zippers, shorter skirts, or soft cotton blends

• Accessories like fans, hairpieces, and embroidered bags are popular for photos

• A common trend is wearing the “Horse-face skirt” — a pleated wrap skirt that pairs well with both traditional and modern tops. It’s comfy, flattering, and easy to wear for school, shopping, or even commuting.

Ⅳ. What Are the Challenges?

Wearing Hanfu isn’t always easy. Some designs have long sleeves that aren’t practical for crowded buses or rainy days. Others require help to put on correctly. And not everyone is used to the attention — strangers may stare or ask questions.

But the community is resourceful. Many Chinese outfits now come with magnetic buttons, adjustable belts, or stretchy cuffs to make movement easier. People also share tips online on how to wear Hanfu to school, how to sit on a train without wrinkling your robe, or how to store hairpins in your bag.

Most importantly, attitudes are changing. A few years ago, Hanfu wearers were sometimes called “weird.” Today, they’re often seen as trendsetters — and even get discounts or free tickets at some scenic spots.

Just a side note: Many ancient towns in China offer free entry if you’re wearing hanfu. Places like Shaanxi, Henan, and Jiangxi host hanfu garden parties with such policies. It’s like an extra reason to wear hanfu—not only does it look great, but you also get free admission!

Summary

So next time you’re visiting China, don’t be surprised if you see someone sipping bubble tea in a Tang-style robe — or taking selfies in a Ming-style gown. And if you’re curious, you can even rent a Chinese hanfu for a day and step into the past yourself.