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Can I wear Hanfu for a cosplay?

Please understand that Li Hanfu’s views do not represent all Chinese people (including those from mainland China, Chinese Americans, and other overseas communities).

Yes! As long as you wear Hanfu appropriately, respectfully, and without any sexual implications, it is perfectly fine.

Please take note of and appreciate the history and origins of Hanfu.

Can I wear Hanfu if I'm not Chinese?

Yes! Chinese culture is an inclusive concept, and naturally the clothing born from it is inclusive as well. People of all ethnicities, religions, and cultures can wear Hanfu.

Just remember to wear it appropriately, respectfully, and without any sexual implications.

It’s always best to learn about the history and types of Hanfu. You can find more information about the cultural background of these garments in our Learn History tab or on our independent blog Hanfu Encyclopedia.

Please understand that Li Hanfu’s views do not represent all Chinese people (including those from mainland China, Chinese Americans, and other overseas communities).

If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a full Hanfu set, you might start with Qipao, Han Element Clothing or New Chinese style — these are modernized versions inspired by Hanfu, designed for everyone to enjoy!

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Sizing Chart Keywords

Most of our sizing charts are measured differently with different keywords than your typical sizing chart, due to the nature of constructing traditional clothing.

Note that Chinese sizes are typically smaller than US sizes. If it's your first time purchasing hanfu, please size up once or twice from your typical western size.

For Qipaos/Cheongsams specifically: recommended to add 2-3cm to your measurements for a comfortable fit. Or 3-5cm for a looser fit, then select the size that fits the added measurements. Do not select a size that directly matches your measurement.

Terminology

Length:

  • Tops/Dresses: Measured from the middle back to the hem.
  • Skirts: Measured from the waistband down to the hem.
  • Pants: Measured from the waistband to the bottom hem along the outer seam.

Width:

  • Skirts: Refers to the full width of the skirt's waistband or fabric panel when laid flat.
  • Pants: Can refer to the width of the pant leg at specific points, such as the thigh or ankle.

Waist:

  • The circumference of the waistband, at the smallest part of your torso.

Hips:

  • The circumference measured around the fullest part of your hips and bottom.

Bust:

  • The circumference measured around the fullest part of the chest.

Waist/Hip/Bust Recommendations:

  • Suggested measurements provided by the brand for the best fit, based on the garment's design.

Cuff:

Refers to the circumference of the opening at the:

  • Wrist (for sleeves)
  • Ankle (for pants)
  • Shoulder (for short sleeve designs)

How Should I Measure Myself?

For detailed information and guide on how to measure, please head to our Sizing Guide

Width vs. Waist For Skirts

Many hanfu skirts are measured by width rather than traditional waist sizing.

The width is the total horizontal length of the skirt fabric, measured by laying the skirt flat and measuring from end to end.

To find your fit:

  1. Take the measuring tape and find the skirt's width
  2. Wrap the width's length around your waist. There should be a considerable overlap of 10-12 cm (or more) to ensure a secure fit and to allow the skirt to tie properly.

While the width is important for the overall fit, it's also crucial to check the skirt's length to ensure it matches your height.

If the brand provides recommended waist measurements, these are guidelines for the ideal waist size the skirt should fit.

To measure the waist:

  1. Find the narrowest part of your torso. This is usually above your belly button and below your rib cage.
  2. Take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around your waist at the natural waistline. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight.

If the sizing chart includes this information, it’s best to consider those recommendations to avoid guessing based on width alone.

It is also recommended to measure the waist wearing a large sweater to ensure it can layer well!

How do I wash my hanfu?

Washing depends case by case, detailed instructions are written within each product description. Products come with laundry tags and care instructions as well.

A good rule of thumb for any traditional garment:

Please hand wash carefully as to not ruin the embroidery, jewels, or buttons.

Please air dry or lay flat. Hand washing and air drying also extends the life of your hanfu.

Please steam out the wrinkles. Be extremely careful with ironing; iron on the lowest temperature setting to avoid melting through the delicate fabrics!

Do not use bleach.

How to wash accessories & bags?

If you would like to clean hair accessories, please use an alcohol or antibacterial wet wipe to gently wipe it down.

For leather bags, follow the same steps as washing hair accessories.

For cloth bags, please spot clean with soap, water, and a small towel. 

Do not use bleach. 

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What is a "construction period"?

A "construction period" is a period of time where individual brands sew the garments you ordered.

Some brands have shorter periods, others have longer periods. It is recommended to look at item descriptions carefully to see how long it will take to create.

Hanfu is made small-batch for quality assurance, hence construction periods.

Li Hanfu specializes in finding high-quality brands making authentic traditional clothing (no fast fashion hanfu here!). Higher quality brands require time to create their garments.

Items with construction period will not be shipped until all product(s) are ready.

Items with construction period will be shipped with standard shipping methods using YunExpress and USPS, with an estimated transit time of 7-14 days.

If you need a set immediately, Nüwa Hanfu may not be the shop for you.

We appreciate your patience and understanding!

When will items be restocked? 

Please understand that all items on Nüwa Hanfu are handmade by individual and oftentimes independent brands.

Most hanfu is made small-batch and take up to 4 months to create one piece by hand.

Within the hanfu industry, some products are only on the market for a certain period of time. Ultimately, there is no guarantee that a specific set or item will be restocked.

It usually takes 4-10 weeks for a brand to fully restock, depending on the item and complexity of the garment.

Our professional advice? Buy the set you want as soon as possible! There is always a higher chance of the item being discontinued rather than restocked and it's always heartbreaking to find out your dream set has sadly been discontinued.

You can additionally sign up for our email list to be notified once it's back in stock.

How to return/exchange items?

If you would like to return, exchange, cancel an order, or get a refund, please read and follow the Refund Policy page for more information and further steps.

How does the pricing work on Li Hanfu?

The pricing for all items on Li Hanfu contains: the price for the item itself, construction price, local warehouse shipping fee, and international warehouse handling fee.

Additional shipping fees paid by customer for all orders under $150 USD.

Only 15% of each item's price goes to us.

Here at Li Hanfu we believe in transparency with our pricing and of course, most importantly - getting you the best hanfu.

I can't find an item from another listing!

If you come across an item in a different listing, you can always request for us to add it to Li Hanfu!

Feel free to contact us below with specifics and we'll add the product to the shop.

Still can't find what you're looking for?

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