---
node: fashion_shang
type: fashion
slug: shang_dynasty_fashion
title: "Fashion in the Shang dynasty"
lead: "The Shang left the first firm evidence of Chinese dress: jade and bronze human figures show a narrow-sleeved, cross-collar robe closed to the right, tied with a wide sash and worn with a decorative front apron."
published: 2026-07-28
updated: 2026-07-28
change: "Published as a fashion sub-page under the history section"
requester: internal
reason: "Per the owner's decision, fashion is no longer a standalone section but lives under each history era"
---

## Overview

Small jade and bronze figures depict a knee-length upper garment with narrow sleeves, crossed at the collar and closed left-over-right (youren), bound by a broad sash. A patterned apron (bixi) often hangs in front, a mark of status.

## Key garments and style

Silk weaving was advanced: patterned silks and early embroidery appear, and rank was shown through material, color and jade ornaments. This upper-and-lower (yi-shang) system is the root of later Chinese dress.

## Transition

Under the Zhou, dress was drawn into a full system of ritual.