---
node: garment_beizi
type: garment
slug: beizi
title: "Beizi"
lead: "The beizi is a long, open-fronted jacket with straight parallel front edges and side slits, worn as a layer over other clothes. It was a defining garment of the Song dynasty for women and men alike."
published: 2026-08-09
updated: 2026-08-09
image_file: beizi.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Song_Beizi.jpg"
image_author: "Unknown author"
image_license: "Public domain"
---

## Overview

A beizi hangs open down the front, its two front edges running straight and parallel from neck to hem without crossing over. Long slits up the sides give it an easy, flowing line, and it was worn over a ruqun or an inner robe.

## How it is worn

It is simply slipped on over the inner clothes and usually left unfastened or loosely tied, so the garments beneath show at the opening. Sleeve width ranged from narrow for daily wear to very wide for formal occasions.

## History

The beizi became widespread in the Song, valued for its restrained elegance that suited the period's understated taste, and it continued into the Ming as both informal and formal wear. It is a favourite of the present-day hanfu revival for its simple, graceful cut.