Traditional clothing is a part of the Chinese culture. There are evidences that show that a Chinese culture, Shantingtung, which flourished 18,000 years ago, used sewing needles made of bones. There are also evidences that prove the existence of the concept of sewing and ornamentation in the early Chinese culture. However, importance of designing the clothes was recognized during the era of the Yellow Emperor and also during the reign of the Emperors Yao and Shaun. It was during the Shang dynasty, 16th to 11th century BC, that refined and sophisticated clothes were worn. The evidences show that silk was woven during this period.
The Pien-fu, the Ch’ang-p’ao and the Shen-i are the three types of Chinese traditional clothing. Pien-fu is a two-piece costume, which includes a tunic-like top that reaches the knee and an ankle-length skirt. The Ch’ang-p’ao is a long robe while the Shen-I is a combination of pien-fu and Ch’ang-p’ao. It is a tunic and a skirt sewn together to form a long robe. All the traditional Chinese garments have minimum stitches. Embroidered edgings, draped silks, decorative bands and embellishments on shoulders and wide sashes are used as ornamentation. As a part of the Chinese culture all traditional Chinese clothes are dark in color. Dark colors are preferred to the light ones. The common people for everyday-use, prefer light colors.
