China's streets are blooming with flowing sleeves, intricate embroidery, and silk drapes as Hanfu—the traditional attire of the Han Chinese—experiences a 21st-century renaissance. Once confined to historical dramas, this ancient fashion is now a viral phenomenon among Gen Z, driven by cultural pride and creative reinvention.
From Niche to Mainstream
Over the past decade, China's $1.5 billion Hanfu market has surged by 40% annually, according to industry reports. Young wearers mix dynastic-era designs with modern accessories, pairing Song-style jackets with sneakers or Tang skirts with digital art motifs. 'Hanfu isn't just clothing—it's a canvas for self-expression,' says Xin Nan, a Beijing-based model blending robotics-inspired elements into her looks.
Why Now?
Analysts credit two factors for the craze:
- Cultural Confidence: Millennials and Gen Z are reconnecting with pre-modern aesthetics as China's global influence grows.
- Economic Empowerment: Rising disposable incomes allow 63% of urban youth to spend $150+ on premium Hanfu sets, per Caixin data.
Social media fuels the trend, with #Hanfu amassing 8.9 billion views on Douyin (China's TikTok). Brands like Thirteen Yu now export designs to 15 countries, proving traditional wear can be borderless.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
