Korea is known to most women for its quality cosmetics. But recently, collections by Korean designers have been attracting more and more attention. Quality Korean clothing is displacing other Asian brands. It is distinguished by natural fabrics, a combination of traditions and fashion trends, and simplicity of cut. Showrooms and online stores of Korean designers are open all over the world, and Seoul Fashion Week is held on par with European ones.
Types
What distinguishes Korean clothing brands from others is their attention to tradition. The Korean folk costume hanbok was replaced by more modern models only in the middle of the last century. This is a costume that has been worn by rich and poor citizens since the 12th century. During this time, hanbok has acquired many traditions and has remained virtually unchanged.
Male
The male version of hanbok includes:
- Kat - a wide-brimmed black hat;
- Chogori is a jacket that is just below the waist in length;
- Pazhi - wide trousers with ties at the ankles that do not restrict movement;
- Turumagi – a long jacket, usually for winter;
- Shoes with socks.
A removable white collar was traditionally sewn onto the jacket collar; its purpose was to visually lengthen the neck line. For men, the Korean style of clothing dictates simple, straight shapes. All elements of the outfit should not restrict movement. Sometimes, a magoja was worn over the jacket – a long, sleeveless robe coat that was worn unbuttoned. The roots of this clothing were the traditional outfits of Mongolian princesses.
Jackets and trousers were made from fabrics of different colors, which made it possible to create the most unusual combinations. According to Korean laws, clothing made of cotton or hemp in gray, light green and other pastel colors was available to the majority of the population. Only rich people could afford bright colors and silk. Moreover, the aristocracy was formed by the degree of erudition and positions held, and not by wealth.
Women's
Korean women's national includes:
- Chhimu - a long skirt that ties above the chest line;
- Chogori is a short jacket with long pere sleeves and otkorim ribbons;
- Socks with embroidered shoes.
The chima skirt was fastened above or below the chest at different times. It could be sewn in several layers, either with a wrap-around back or one-piece. In the middle of the 17th century, the model slightly narrowed towards the floor, forming more rounded lines. Sometimes it was picked up a little, tied, creating waves. The hem almost touched the floor, only kiseng could afford to show their ankles. The national Korean outerwear, jeogori, changed slightly depending on the city and fashion. It could either reach the waist or slightly cover the chest, and in some provinces mothers were allowed to leave their chests open altogether.
Otkorim and pere are decorative elements. Pere sleeves resemble Korean roofs, often have a rounded shape, and are almost floor-length. The poor wore jackets with regular sleeves. And the otkorim ribbon and knot are considered the main decorative element of the jacket. The ends of the ribbon hung down to the ankles, visually lengthening the figure.
Traditional Korean clothing has not changed for many centuries, which speaks of its convenience. Much attention was paid not only to the details of the costume, accessories. The color of the fabrics determined the marital status of the woman, the position of her husband in society, spoke of wealth.
In addition to everyday clothes, there were festive clothes worn on major holidays, as well as weddings and days of honoring parents. The traditional wedding colors are red and yellow. At the ceremony, the bride's parents always wear pink, and the groom's in blue.
Drawings and patterns
The fabrics chosen for hanbok were plain. Their only decoration was embroidery. It was located on the hems of skirts and sleeves. Embroidery was also allowed on the otkorim ribbon. Women's clothing from Korea was decorated with plant and geometric patterns, as well as animals. Dragons and cranes were adorned on royal outfits. Now you can see different animals and birds on the hanbok skirt, often hand-painted.
Much more important than the pattern was the color. Red is the color of prosperity and wealth, yellow is imperial, blue is stability, black is creation, and white is a sign of aristocracy. Often, a suit combined several colors.
These same traditions have migrated to our time. Women's clothing is either monochromatic or decorated with plant prints. Youth models can be found with bright images of cartoon characters.
Feminine lines and muted tones are the hallmarks of the Korean style of clothing for girls. Short skirts are now unacceptably short, and the chest should always be covered. A combination of several colors is possible, and patterns can be just a small addition. The most popular are plain fabrics.
Good manufacturers of modern clothes
The easiest way to buy clothes from Korean brands is to visit Korea, its capital Seoul. In Seoul, many designers have their own small shops, where they offer a wide range of youth, office, romantic, street, traditional and other clothes. If you want to buy a traditional hanbok, it is better to look for it in your homeland, but everything else can be purchased without leaving home.
In America, Europe and our country, Korean designer clothing has recently caused a great stir. The collections that have received the most attention are:
- Document by Jongsoo Lee is a masculine classic;
- Eye Eye – bright youth things;
- SJYP – street fashion from the latest shows;
- Thisisneverthat is every rapper's dream;
- IISE – sporty style;
- Diagonal - fashionable women's clothing;
- O!Oi - feminine looks with a French twist.
You can also look for modern hanbok. Today, it is Korean fashion clothing that combines modern fabrics and the cut of a real hanbok. The easiest way to buy new items from Korean manufacturers is through online stores that accept cash on delivery.
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