With the population of China now standing at almost 1.4 billion, and with 75% of the urban population being expected to enter the middle income bracket in the next 2 years, the drive to fit in while standing out is ever present. Fashion helps people achieve that goal. Home to some of the largest cities in the world, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Chongqing, China is surely not immune to brand influencing, global fashion trends, and a medium sized dose of materialism. Here we will explore trends in Chinese fashion today, how they came to be, and what fashion staples originated in China.
Chinese Fashion Today
Street fashion is incredibly popular in China today. Historically, streetwear has developed alongside the increasing rise of the middle class. Contextually, there are over 220 million young adults aged 15-24 who help support that market and are the target audience of up and coming streetwear trends.
Currently, the trends in urban cities mimic much of what is seen elsewhere in the world. If you were to walk down the streets of Beijing today, you would see younger women wearing chunky sneakers, flare pants, oversized blazers, and younger men wearing streetwear inspired by 90s American pop-culture featuring some feminine textiles, with both displaying an affinity for monochrome and neon trends. In urban areas, or among more affluent families in rural areas, you will often see lots of brand-name or imitation brand-name American style clothing and goods as these tend to mark prosperity as well as socioeconomic wealth.
In the upcoming year, some trends have already been predicted with women leaning towards poetry inspired looks featuring pinks, neutrals, chiffon, and linen, as well as a rise in boyfriend jeans. This trend has strong roots in creating a fairytale-like aesthetic.
Women may also be seen next year wearing heritage, rural looks called “China cool” featuring earthy colors, an appreciation for tribal culture, everything woven, different textiles, and mixed material garments. “China cool” is meant to incorporate cultural pieces into fashion, such as embroidery of a Chinese dragon.
Trends for men for next year are predicted to include a tech forward vibe (below, left) where the focus is industrial materials including a color palette with metallics and neons mixed together, as well as trench coats, matching sweatsuits, athleisure, rubber-soled oxfords, and chunky sandals. The inspiration for tech forward trends comes from futuristic films.
The young population rocking streetwear also advocates for responsible brands and is expected to sport looks of impact with high function (above, right). Seeking sustainable pieces with high function and versatility, the trend will feature industrial looks, recycled materials, and pops of bright, highly saturated colors. In terms of garments, men can be expected to be seen in cropped pants, military style vests, geometric patterns, and with many more mini-bags.
China’s Contributions to the Runway and Beyond
Chinese history has gave way to many beautiful trends we see in fashion all over the world. Here are some of the most important, just to name a few.
The Chinese silk robe which gave way to the Japanese kimono which has been made popular through media and can now be seen all over the world.
Headdresses originating as a symbol of power but also serving greater functional purpose that would later be used as the model inspiration for many headdresses and hair jewelry in the wedding industry.
Embroidery that became infamous with traditional images of dragons and intricate patterns.
The breathtaking traditional Chinese style of gown, known as the Qipao gown, which has inspired designers from all over the world, and has walked on many red carpets.
High levels of ornamentation began as a status symbol, and are somewhat still used in that way today. However, the attention to detail signifies a greater, refined beauty.
Other Elements of Fashion
Hair: Cuts and Styles
What is popular now
Women:
High pixie cuts with bangs to illuminate the eyes. (A)
Long bangs with middle parts, or side swept. (B)
Fringe-y ends creating a modern 1980s Farrah Fawcett look with straight hair.(C, D)
Long hair pulled into braids and buns, both tight and regal, and also loose and wispy. (E)
Younger generations have been seen dyeing their hair and changing its natural texture more so than their elders.
Men:
Short sides and longer on top makes for an edgier look. (A)
Medium length messy hair is made cool and stylish with some wax product. (B)
Medium length fades are always cool among those in school, university, and are always on trend. (C)
The top knot or samurai bun can be rocked with long hair partially up or if you’re sporting an undercut. (D)
The K-Pop, original Justin Bieber hair is all the range with side swoops and fringe-y bangs. (E, F)
Straight bangs, tapered sides, and pops of color on top have also been trending for men.
Jewelry
What is popular now
Larger statement earrings.
Pendant necklaces that are the focus or those that simply tie looks together.
Mixed metals.
Gemstones.
Men in silver rings and more traditional bracelets with cultural flare.
Younger men often have their ears pierced. (Though the Chinese government banned male celebrities from wearing earrings on television.)
Beauty
What is popular now
Chinese beauty has always revolved around preserving youth with fresh, clear skin and big, innocent eyes. The majority of the beauty market in China revolves around skincare with very little emphasis on color cosmetics. Celebrities, influencers, and beauty gurus in China have helped create the emerging market for products with color that focus on creating a different, vibrant look. Incorporating tech into the consumer experience, many companies including Sephora and Alibaba have partnered to enable customers to try on makeup virtually in store as well as on the skin before buying. Men in China also pride themselves on their skincare, and they are a large part of the market revolving skincare products. For the massive population of Chinese millennials, they are the first generation for which individuality outweighs conformity, thus there is likely to be trends in the future incorporating bolder looks, more colors, and a greater basis of expression than previously seen. Again technology is helping to facilitate this by means of beauty vloggers.
Accessories
What is popular now
Pendants and brooches.
Jade detailings (i.e. jewelry, pendants, hair pins, etc.).
Scarves.
Embroidered clutches.
Ink painted wallets.
Butterfly hair clips.
Dragon detailing (i.e. cufflinks).
