The major stage apparel of a dou ma dan includes grand armour, light armour, the costumes of a cartress, the python ceremonial robe and the archer’s suit. Together with the appropriate accessories such as helmets and boots, these costumes portray the image of a dashing heroine.

The principle costume for any martial role is armour. Grand armour features banners on the back and a middle section slightly broadened at the front (known as the “belly” of the armour). Light amour is similar to grand armour in form, but has no “belly” and no banners on the back. When playing the role of the cartress, for example in The Joint Investiture of a Prime Minister by Six Kingdoms, the principal female wears a costume that looks similar to light armour, but the banners representing the cart have to match the travelling costume. In addition, the actress’s headgear has to be adorned with a fishermaid’s hat.

The costume that characterises the roles of empress, royal concubine, princess and duchess is the python ceremonial robe, which can be worn by both civil and military characters. Additionally adorned with a headgear such as headdress of a female general, the costume reinforces the image of a strong, heroic female warrior.

The archer’s suit is basically made up of the costume for martial arts. It is slit from the waist down at the centre of the outer garment, so that it does not impede the artist as she performs her acrobatics. A T-shaped sash is also attached round the waist.

Other dou ma dan costumes include a fighting costume, a hunting costume and the Thirteenth Sister costume that is based on a character in a traditional martial arts novel.