Schools in China have been searching for the right uniform design for years. Many have criticized the uniforms designed in the 1950s as out of date, even though many institutions have introduced similar designs inspired from Japan and Korea. But what sort of design can offer a balance between modern aesthetic and Chinese culture? Tailor Yang Bei from east China’s Jiangsu Province might have the answer. /Yangtse.com

The idea originated from costumes worn during the Han Dynasty and qipaos from after the 1920s, which include elements such as folded collars and mandarin bottoms. Her proposal includes one formal set and one for sports. The cost of each set is nearly the same as the current ones, but Yang replaced the usual nylon material with cotton and ramie, which makes the uniform more comfortable, especially during hot summers. /Yangtse.com

Her children were the very first two who tried out these uniforms, and they attracted much attention in school. Yang’s design selected to be used in school performances. Several other international schools in Suzhou also started to use her designs. /Yangtse.com

Yang and her two children wearing her self-designed traditional Chinese dresses. /Yangtse.com

Yang has been very interested in traditional Chinese fashion and hopes the ground-breaking school uniform can give children more choices. Currently, Yang is running a tailor store on Pingjiang Road in Suzhou and sells customized qipaos. /Yangtse.com