What do you wear inside a Qixiong Ruqun?

What do you wear inside a Qixiong Ruqun? The Qixiong Ruqun, a traditional attire belonging to Hanfu, refers to a specific style of women's Ruqun worn during the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties period. In ancient times, the Ruqun worn by ordinary women typically featured a relatively low waistline. However, during the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties period, a distinct style emerged with a significantly higher waistline, often referred to in costume history as the high-waisted Ruqun. Based on contemporary research, it is commonly known as the Qixiong Ruqun. The Qixiong Ruqun was highly popular among Tang Dynasty court ladies, as evidenced by numerous preserved ancient paintings and unearthed artifacts. There are two main styles of Qixiong Ruqun: the straight-front style and the crossed-collar style. The straight-front style features symmetrical openings at the front of the bodice, fastened with ties or buttons at the chest, while the crossed-collar style has overlapping front pieces secured at the chest side. Both styles share the characteristic of a high-waisted design for both the top and the skirt, creating an appearance of slender elegance. So, wearing such an elegant and beautiful attire, is it still necessary to wear a bra underneath? This question might intrigue many people. Actually, during the Tang Dynasty, women didn't have the concept of specialized underwear. They typically wore only a single-layer or double-layered top and a long skirt. The material and thickness of the tops varied according to the season and occasion, with options such as silk, chiffon, velvet, and leather. The tops also came in various styles of collars, including round, square, straight, and heart-shaped. However, regardless of the variation, the tops were always snugly fitted to the body without leaving any space specifically for the breasts. Therefore, when wearing a Qixiong Ruqun, wearing a bra would actually appear bulky and unnatural. So, without a bra, how does the Qixiong Ruqun maintain the shape and support of the chest? This brings us to an important detail of the Qixiong Ruqun, which is the tie straps. Tie straps are long strips of fabric or ribbons used to secure the front and back pieces of the top and adjust the tightness and looseness of the top. The length and color of the tie straps can vary according to personal preference, and some may even be adorned with tassels, beads, and other decorations. The tie straps not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also provide support for the chest. When tightly wrapped around the chest, they create a similar effect to that of a bra, keeping the chest in place and preventing sagging and bouncing. Additionally, the tie straps can be adjusted according to the size of the chest, ensuring a better fit of the top. So, when wearing a Qixiong Ruqun, there's actually no need to wear a bra. This not only maintains the authenticity of the attire but also allows for greater comfort and naturalness. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable or insecure, you can choose to wear some close-fitting and lightweight underwear, such as wire-free bras or seamless undergarments. This way, you can avoid affecting the appearance while adding some protection. In conclusion, the Qixiong Ruqun is a highly elegant and charming attire that showcases the grace and style of Tang Dynasty women. If you're interested in trying out this clothing style, consider the content of this article and choose appropriate underwear to transform yourself into a Tang Dynasty maiden!