Costume culture is part of human life and a symbol of civilization. The appearance and evolution of clothing are closely connected with the economy, politics, military affairs, ideology, culture, religion and customs of a people. Costumes not only fulfill a material purpose, they also reflect the stages of cultural development of the society in which they evolve. Chinese costume started to take on its distinct characteristics in prehistoric times, and experienced changes in almost all dynasties over thousands of years. Each historical period distinguished itself from the rest, yet the costumes of each period were also subtly connected, borrowing and learning from one another and developing continuously generation after generation.
