---
title: "What are those Chinese jackets called?"
url: https://haiyuanworkclothes.com/blog/what-are-those-chinese-jackets-called/
date: 2025-10-22
modified: 2025-10-22
author: "HAIYUAN Workwear Manufacturer"
description: "The term \"Chinese jackets\" covers a wide range of styles, from traditional and historical garments to modern fashion pieces. Here’s a guide to the most common and iconic Chinese jackets..."
categories:
  - "Blog"
image: https://haiyuanworkclothes.com/wp-content/uploads/work-uniform-suits-1-1024x857.jpg
word_count: 503
---

# What are those Chinese jackets called?

The term "Chinese jackets" covers a wide range of styles, from traditional and historical garments to modern fashion pieces. Here’s a guide to the most common and iconic Chinese jackets and their names:

### Traditional & Historical Jackets

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**Tangzhuang (唐装) - The "Modern" Traditional Jacket**

**What it is:** This is the jacket most Westerners think of as a "Chinese jacket." It's characterized by a **mandarin collar (stand-up collar)** and **frog buttons** (knotted cloth closures).

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**Context:** Despite its name (which references the Tang Dynasty), the Tangzhuang is a modern reinterpretation. It became globally famous after APEC leaders wore them in 2001.

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**When it's worn:** Today, it's common for formal occasions, weddings, festivals like Chinese New Year, and as stylish uniform for hospitality staff.

![work-uniform-suits](https://haiyuanworkclothes.com/wp-content/uploads/work-uniform-suits.jpg)work-uniform-suits

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**Changshan (长衫) / Magua (马褂) - The "Traditional" Men's Ensemble**

**Changshan:** A long, robe-like garment for men, also with a mandarin collar.

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**Magua:** The jacket worn *over* the Changshan. It is typically a shorter, sleeved jacket that is often embroidered.

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**Context:** This was the standard formal wear for men during the Qing Dynasty. The full ensemble is what is often called a "Mandarin suit."

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**Hanfu (汉服) - Jackets from the Han Ethnic Tradition**

This refers to the historical clothing of the Han Chinese people, predating the Qing Dynasty. There are several jacket styles within Hanfu:

**Ru (襦):** A short, open jacket.

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**Ao (袄):** A longer, padded or lined jacket, often with wide sleeves.

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**Context:** Hanfu has seen a major revival in recent years as a form of cultural pride and is often worn by young people for photoshoots or festivals.

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**Qipao / Cheongsam (旗袍) - The Iconic Dress (and its accompanying jacket)**

While the Qipao itself is a dress, it is very often worn with a matching or contrasting **short jacket** or **overcoat**, especially for formal events or in cooler weather.

### Modern & Workwear Jackets

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**Mao Suit (中山装 - Zhongshan Suit)**

**What it is:** A utilitarian, high-collared jacket with four front flap pockets and five central buttons. It has no lapels.

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**Context:** Named after Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan), it was the standard male attire in China during the Mao era. It is now rarely worn in daily life but carries strong historical and political significance.

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[**Work Jackets & Uniforms**](https://haiyuanworkclothes.com/workwear-jacket/)

While not having a specific traditional name, China is the world's largest manufacturer of all kinds of work jackets, including:

**保安服 (Bǎo'ān fú):** Security guard uniforms, which often look like a Mao suit or a formal blazer.

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**工装 (Gōngzhuāng):** General workwear, including durable jackets for construction or factory work.

### A Quick Guide to Identify Them

| Jacket Name | Key Features | Typical Use |
| ----------- | ------------ | ----------- |
| **Tangzhuang (唐装)** | Mandarin collar, frog buttons, often silk | **Modern formal wear,** festivals, weddings |
| **Magua (马褂)** | Worn over a long robe, often embroidered | **Historical (Qing Dynasty) formal wear** |
| **Mao Suit (中山装)** | High collar, no lapels, four pockets | **20th-century politics,** historical symbol |
| **Hanfu Jackets (Ao/Ru)** | Wide sleeves, often tied with a sash | **Cultural revival,** festivals, photoshoots |
| **Qipao Jacket** | Short, elegant, worn over the dress | **Formal events,** fashion |

If you see a specific style you'd like to identify, feel free to describe it or share a picture, and I can give you a more precise answer