Asian Dress

The fascinating culture and exotic location of Asia has captured hearts and enthralled people to visit and for most, live in Asia. As interesting and mysterious as their lifestyle, nation and culture, the people in Asia are represented by various types of costume which represent their each uniqueness and individuality, with a distinct touch of their respective country and inheritance. The Asian dress, a symbol of eastern culture of traditionalism, distinctiveness and eastern knowledge and mystery, it is devoid of any commercialism and exudes and aura of strength and power. It belies the essence of human triumph in a continent full of conflict and drama.

The Asian dress is characterized by its simplicity but designed with subtle elegance and unique patterns, minus the chaotic grandiose of layers of lace and fluffiness associated with the European royal courts and traditional costumed. Its lines are sleek and are made with fabrics of silk or cotton for daily practicability and use. It is usually floor-length and has long sleeves which impart the culture of conservatism and traditionalism. Influenced mainly by the Chinese fashions, similarities can be found with each Asian dress with their design and form even with the distinct design from each nation.

For instance, the cheongsam of China and the ao dai of Vietnam have similarities with the Long-sleeved, high-collared necklines and side-slits worn over long skirts or trousers or cotton pants whether loosely worn or tied at the ankles. Each may have different distinctions in their design, style, material and colors but both types of costumes clearly show that one way it is influenced by another country which is close in region or through conquests of their nation in ancient times.

The hanbok of Korea and kimono of Japan are differentiated by the structure and design of their costumes. The hanbok is composed of a loose, long-sleeved jacket-like blouse tied just below the breast-line while the kimono is a loose, long-sleeved dress tied at the waist with a long, wide sash called the Obi. The Hanbok may be full-skirted or not, while the kimono is more of like a straight dress, with only the obi tied at the waist which emphasized the curves of the Japanese woman's body. But both are v-necked in design, belted at the waist-line and are created with colorful designs with matching head dresses or long pins for their hair. Layered with silk or cotton for comfort and protection from the weather, but both are elegant yet simple in nature, fit for the fair-skinned, gentle and powerful people of the northern part of Asia.

The Asian dress is a magnificent tapestry depicting the colorful history of the Asian people. Each is distinctly unique but their designs and patterns are binding factors which embrace their individualities as one of the greatest and powerful people in the eastern part of the world.