Unlike the three-dimensional structure of Western lingerie, Chinese ancient lingerie is made up of layers and it implicitly shapes the rich curve of the female body.

From the outline, there are usually square, diamond, rectangle and fan shapes, triangle shapes, petal shapes, T shapes, cross shapes, Ruyi (a curved scepter, used in Chinese Buddhism) shapes and other, more complex shapes.

Rectangle Dudou: Period - Middle Qing Dynasty

Fan Shaped Dudou: Period - The Republic of China Era

Diamond Shaped Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty

Complexly Shaped Dudou: Period - Middle Qing Dynasty

The pictographic shape shows the imagination of the ancient people of China. It conveys moral implications in a person’s life.

Tiger Shaped Underwear: Period - Middle Qing Dynasty

To banish evil and pray for peace

Ingot Shaped Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty

Generally used in children's underwear and used for wishing for a steady stream of future wealth

Calabash Shaped Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty

One of the treasures held by Tieguai Li, one of the eight immortal gods, this Dudou prays for god’s blessing

Ruyi Shaped Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty

Used to express one's wishes for good luck

Beef Tongue Shaped Underwear: Period - Middle Qing Dynasty

Used to embody elegance and depth of knowledge.

According to the characteristics of different shapes, there are many wearing styles, and each has its own style and discretion for showing the body’s curves.

Some examples of methods to wear a Dudou

Chinese underwear from the past pursues the integration of details and the whole piece to complement to each other. The main pieces are connected with other structures to create a new decoration called Nashao meaning to avoid breaking off connections/ severing ties, which is not an auspicious sign.

Nashao partten

Rich and varied shapes highlight the traditional feminine pursuit of beauty and the desire to show themselves.

Find your own pieces on Interactchina and other beautiful things!

About Interact China

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"A Social Enterprise in E-commerce Promoting Oriental Aesthetic Worldwide"

Aileen & Norman co-founded Interact China in 2004 with specialization in fine Oriental Aesthetic products handmade by ethnic minorities & Han Chinese. Having direct partnerships with artisans, designers, craft masters and tailors, along with 10 years solid experience in e-commerce via InteractChina.com, we position well to bridge talented artisans in the East with the rest of the world, and bring you direct finely selected products that are of good quality and aesthetic taste.

So far we carry 3000+ goods covering Ladies Fashion, Kungfu Clothing, Home Furnishings, Babies & Kids, Painting Arts, Textile Arts, Carving Arts, Tribal Jewelry Art, Wall Masks and Musical Instruments. Our team speak English, French, German, Spanish and Italian, and serve customers worldwide with passion and hearts.

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P.S. We Need People with Similar Passion to Join Our Blogging Team!

If you have passion to write about Oriental Aesthetic in Fashion, Home Decor, Art & Crafts, Culture, Music, Books, and Charity, please contact us at bloggers@interactchina.com, we would love to hear from you!