The Beauty of Clothing in the Yangtze River Valley of Hubei Province

Hubei, as a cultural hub in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and one of the birthplaces of Chinese national culture, has a clothing culture that blends the characteristics of multiple ethnic groups and regions, showcasing a rich historical background and cultural heritage.

The attire of Chu culture takes the "deep robe" as its paradigm, featuring a connected upper and lower garment, a crossed collar with the right lapel overlapping the left, and wide sleeves reaching the ground. It not only adheres to the Confucian ritual system of "harmony between heaven and man" but also embodies the Taoist philosophy of "wearing humble raiment while harboring noble virtues." The plain gauze robe (weighing only 49 grams) and the curved-front robe unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Tombs showcase the superb silk weaving techniques of the Chu region. The cloud and phoenix patterns on the garments are an interpretation of the Chu people's belief in "venerating the phoenix and favoring the color red."

The Yangtze River flows through Hubei, linking the clothing cultures of more than 30 ethnic groups including the Tibetan, Miao, and Tujia peoples.

Tujia clothing culture

The Tujia ethnic group is one of the main ethnic groups in the Yangtze River basin of Hubei province, and its clothing culture is unique. Tujia clothing is known for its simplicity, practicality, vibrant colors, and rich patterns. Men's attire typically consists of short jackets and pants, with a preference for wrapping the head in blue or indigo cloth. Women's clothing is more intricate and diverse, featuring short-collared jackets that open to the right and skirts as the lower garment, with styles including the eight-panel pleated skirt, tube skirt, and hundred-pleat skirt. Among these, the eight-panel pleated skirt is the most representative, renowned for its exquisite embroidery and unique ethnic style. Tujia women also put great effort into their headwear, such as silver lotus flowers, side combs, silver combs, and especially silver hats, commonly known as "gugu hats," which are treasures of Tujia women's attire. The "Xilankapu" brocade from the Qingjiang River basin in western Hubei, with over 120 traditional patterns created using the "reverse weaving" technique, is an indispensable part of Tujia clothing culture.

Miao clothing culture

The Miao ethnic group is also one of the important ethnic groups in the Yangtze River basin of Hubei province, and its clothing culture is equally rich and colorful. Miao clothing is renowned for its vibrant colors and exquisite craftsmanship, especially in techniques such as embroidery, batik, cross-stitch, and brocade weaving, which have reached a level of mastery. Miao women are adept at using plant dyes to create colorful garments, with patterns mainly featuring flowers, birds, and animals, symbolizing good luck and beauty. On important festivals or celebratory occasions, Miao women also adorn themselves with various exquisite silver ornaments, such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, further highlighting the splendor and uniqueness of Miao clothing.

Yao clothing culture

The Yao ethnic group is mainly distributed in the mountainous regions of the Yangtze River basin in Hubei province, and their clothing culture is equally unique. The clothing of Yao men and women is relatively monochromatic, mostly made from indigo or blue homespun cloth，However, the necklines, cuffs, belts, plackets, and hemlines of Yao women's clothing are adorned with colorful cross-stitch and embroidery, making them sturdy yet elegant and tasteful. Yao women also have a special long-sleeved outer garment, with a square or rectangular embroidered patch sewn onto the center of the back, known as the "Panwang Seal," which embodies the Yao people's remembrance and reverence for their ancestor, Panwang.

Jingchu branch of Han nationality

In the surrounding areas of Wuhan, the embroidered "three-inch golden lotus" shoes and wide-crotch pants worn by rural women have retained the style of Ming Dynasty clothing, becoming iconic attire of the region.

Furthermore, Han embroidery, as an important part of the clothing culture of the Jingchu branch of the Han ethnic group, is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique charm.