Fashion in Western Xia

The founder of the Western Xia dynasty of China (1038–1227), Li Yuanhao (Emperor Jingzong), established an apparel system for all civil and military officials characterized by Tangut culture.

[1] The Emperor Jingzong also ordered that all subjects of the Western Xia must be shaved in an attempt to restore old Xianbei customs, and disobedience would result in death penalty.

[2] According to the Old Book of Tang, prior to the establishment of the Western Xia, Tangut people wore clothing in materials which was similar to those worn by the Steppe nomads, "Men and women wore coarse cloth (Chinese: 褐; pinyin: he) and draped felt [about their shoulders]".

[1] Under his rule, men were also ordered to shave their hair on the tops of their heads but leave fringe across the forehead and down the sides.

[2] The women in Western Xia wore skirts and embroidered narrow-sleeved, cross-collared gowns which tend to be made of coarse cloth, fine wool, and animal hides.