Beneath the flowing layers of Hanfu—the ornate jackets, the sweeping skirts—lies an intimate world of artistry and purpose. While modern lingerie often prioritizes allure alone, traditional Chinese undergarments for women were a delicate balance of modesty, support, symbolism, and quiet sensuality. They sculpted the foundation for iconic silhouettes across dynasties and whispered secrets of personal life and belief. Let’s explore this hidden, beautiful layer of a woman’s wardrobe in historical China.Hanfu Lingerie – YaoyaoHanfu
More Than Just Underwear: The Dual Nature of Neiyi
These garments, collectively called neiyi(内衣), were deeply private yet culturally significant. They protected the body and the expensive outer robes, provided structural shaping, and were often imbued with protective embroidery—symbols meant to safeguard the wearer’s health, fertility, and fortune. This combination of the practical and the talismanic made them uniquely personal treasures.
Key Pieces of Historical Women’s Lingerie
1. The Dudou (肚兜) - The Heart-Shaped Canvas
The most iconic piece, the dudou, emerged prominently during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This diamond or heart-shaped “belly cover” was tied at the neck and back, securing the torso.Hanfu Lingerie – YaoyaoHanfu
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Function: It provided light bust support and covered the chest and abdomen, a zone considered central to one’s vitality in traditional medicine.
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Artistry: Its front panel was a private canvas for exquisite embroidery. Motifs like lotuses (purity), peonies (wealth and romance), butterflies (longevity), or protective deities were common. Some were gifted as tokens of love or worn during significant life events like weddings.
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Modern Resonance: Today, the dudouis celebrated as a symbol of classic Eastern aesthetics—hinting at revelation while maintaining concealment.
2. The Moxiong (抹胸) - The Structured Bandeau
Popular in the Song and Ming dynasties, the moxiongwas a straight, bandeau-style wrap or panel.
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Function: It offered more structured bust support and flattening than the dudou, creating the elegant, streamlined silhouette desired under thin Song dynasty robes.
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Design: Typically a long rectangular piece of fabric that would be wrapped tightly around the torso and secured with ties or sashes on the side.
3. The Zhuyao (主腰) - The Corseted Bodice
The zhuyaoof the Ming Dynasty was the closest to a structured foundation garment.
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Function: Acting as a corset or bodice, it featured front lacing or hook closures, cinching the waist and lifting the bust to define the figure under formal attire.
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Legacy: It represents the historical understanding of tailoring and silhouette management, proving that support wear has always been part of fashion’s evolution.
4. The Xieyi (亵衣) & Under-robes
These were the innermost layers—simple, soft tunics and trousers worn directly against the skin. Made of breathable linen or cotton, their role was purely functional: hygiene and comfort, protecting the skin from starched outer layers.
From Imperial Chambers to Modern Wardrobes
These garments tell a story of autonomy and personal expression in a historically constrained world. A woman’s neiyiwas her private domain, where her choices in color, symbol, and fabric were deeply personal.
Wearing Tradition Today: Our Modern Interpretation
How do we honor this intimate heritage in modern life? At [Your Brand Name], we believe the spirit of traditional lingerie lies in comfort, intention, and subtle beauty.
Our "Silhouette Collection" reinterprets these classics for the contemporary Hanfu enthusiast and the modern woman seeking unique, meaningful undergarments:
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Modern Dudou Tops: Crafted from soft, sustainable fabrics with adjustable ties. Featuring delicate, symbolic embroidery or minimalist modern patterns, they are perfect as stand-alone pieces under sheer outer garments or layered with high-waisted skirts.
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Structured Moxiong Bandeaus: Designed for support and smooth lines under your favorite Song or Ming-style Hanfu, offering both historical authenticity and everyday comfort.
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Luxurious Under-Robes: Lightweight, breathable inner robes in solid silk or patterned cotton that provide modesty under sheer jackets and enhance the fluid movement of your outer layers.
Discover Your Inner Layer
True elegance begins from within. Whether you are dressing in full Hanfu or simply seeking a touch of timeless elegance in your daily wear, the right foundation is key.
Explore our curated collection of modern heirloom lingerie. Each piece is designed to connect you to an artful past while providing the comfort and functionality you deserve today. Find the perfect secret layer to complete your style story.Hanfu Lingerie – YaoyaoHanfu
