Upper garment and pleated skirt worn by Han-Chinese women (1)

In the Qing period, the typical Han-Chinese women's garment usually adopted a loose cut to disguise the shape of the body. As for shoes, they were extremely dainty. Loose-cut upper garments have broad sleeves and decorative borders. The collar, however, is narrow and small. Pleated skirts are ornate and brightly coloured – just like other costumes during Qing times.

Pink upper garment with jacquard-woven floral motif and pleated skirt adorned with 'Eighteen Trimmings'
Late Qing period (mid-19th to early 20th century)
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
The upper garment has a loose-cut and wide sleeves. The ornate pleated skirt features decorative borders on the front and back panels that are adorned with 18 trimmings of various widths; it also has decorated strips hanging down on each side.