The principle costume items for the tsing yi and kwei mun dan roles include the minor ancient costume, the robe with a vertical collar, the ceremonial cape and the python ceremonial robe. Tsing yi costumes are distinguished by plainer and darker colours with simpler hair ornaments, while kwei mun dan costumes are more colourful with glittery hair ornaments. Phoenix coronets are also worn on some occasions.

The minor ancient costume comprises an upper garment with short, wide sleeves, to which are attached flowing, white “water sleeves”, worn over a long skirt girdled with sashes. This is mainly the costume for young, unmarried ladies.

The robe with a vertical collar is the customary costume for the roles of married, gentle women. A wide-sleeved robe with a symmetrically split collar, it is worn as casual wear by noblewomen and officials.

The ceremonial cape is the formal wear for noble ladies; it can also serve as a wedding dress. It is worn with a shawl collar over long vests and long skirts.

The python ceremonial robe is the costume for empresses, royal consorts, princesses and duchesses. In gentle scenes, it is often worn with a phoenix coronet or with the hair done up in a chignon to highlight the noble rank of the character.