This is a wonderful drawing from Chinese artist Maleonn, which demonstrates sartorial changes from the end of the Qing Dynasty (1880) until 1970, over 20 years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

In 1880, most people wore two pieces with many layers, which made them appear more round and a bit stiff I would say. Their collars were high, and most parts of the body were covered.

Around 1900, they lost a few layers and slimmed down their silhouettes. They had fancier embroidery and embellishments on their garb, lower collars, and head pieces to complement a new hair style.

To see the changes after dynastic rule collapsed in China (circa 1911), you can check out the 1910-1920 tab.