The global fascination with new Chinese-style clothing

Recently modern interpretations of traditional Chinese attire like revamped horse-face skirts, qipao dresses, and pleated skirts have surged in popularity among Generation Z (those born between 1995 and 2009). However, this trend isn't just a fashion. It also serves as a profound cultural and lifestyle expression for the younger generation.

These garments blend traditional designs with modern cuts and stylish elements, making them more suited to contemporary tastes and daily wear. From travel photos to everyday outfits, the consumption of new Chinese-style clothing has surged, giving centuries-old fashion a fresh, fashionable twist.

According to the China National Textile and Apparel Council, the gross merchandise value of new Chinese-style apparel business has grown by over 100 percent in the past three years, with the market size surpassing 1 billion yuan ($137.66 million) in 2023.

Data from e-commerce platform JD.com showed that in 2024, searches for new Chinese-style fashion surged by 328 percent. On the social media platform Xiaohongshu (RedNote), there are over 4 million posts on new Chinese-style outfits and more than 2 million under the hashtag #ForeignersWearingNewChineseStyle.

Now, both domestic and international brands are incorporating new Chinese-style elements into their designs. From Li-Ning to global luxury brands like LV and Gucci, new Chinese-style fashion is bridging East-West cultural exchange.

The sector's growth has also boosted many towns. For example, textile hubs like Zhejiang's Haining and Keqiao have shifted focus to producing fabrics that cater to this trend. In particular, Caoxian county in Shandong province has become a major hanfu hub, with its e-commerce exports reaching over 20 countries in 2024.

From traditional New Year attire to global fashion runways, the unique charm of new Chinese-style clothing continues to captivate people worldwide.