Culture Insider: Changes in women's fashion

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD)

Paintings show the dress style of women in Ming Dynasty. [File photo]

Ruling by Chinese ethnicity is restored and Yuan customs were abolished. Skirts gained more variation during the Ming Dynasty. Aristocratic women could only choose to wear red, dark green and yellow clothes, whereas ordinary citizens only purple-green, fuschia and light colored clothes. Foot binding was often practiced, and most women kept their dresses long and draping on the ground to cover up their feet. Skirts were often pleated, first with six pleats and eventually evolving to eight larger pleats at the bottom and thinner ones near the waist.