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Result of cultural exchange between Tang Dynasty and Central Asia
1. Widespread popularity of Hu culture
Foreign ethnic customs, for example:
Open-fronted jacket with narrow-fitting sleeves;
Striped, tapered trousers;
Woven riding boots;
Weimao (Veiled hats);
Kuapao (Kaftan-like robes with a front opening)
had enter China from the west via the Silk Road
-> These foreign customs are classified as Hufu 胡服 (Hufu means the garments of non-Han Chinese populations, including the Eastern Turkic, Uyghur, Tibet, Khitan, and other north and west regions)
Why Changan’s elite classes in the Tang Dynasty like wearing Hufu?
The design are convenience to wear and more suitable for horse riding.
Foreign clothing did not mark social status in the traditional hierarchy of dress and was not subject to sumptuary regulations.
-> People who often participated in the equestrian outings and sports, music or dance troupe, like to dress Hufu such a more accessible style
2. The popularization of foreign men’s clothing
Foreign men’s clothing started to be popularized by the emperor’s female attendants
The painting "Lady Guoguo's Spring Outing 虢国夫人游春图" painting by Zhang Xuan 張萱, show us the female attendants would tie their hair into topknots and put on robes and boots similar to Western nomads horsemen, while they are riding the horse outside of the imperial palace with the emperor.
-> Later: nobles and commoners follow the lead of palace women, and start wearing masculine attire in tight sleeves and collars, boots.