Tibetan Traditional Clothes: the Rich Diversity of Regional Style

Tibetan traditional clothing, primarily worn in the Xizang Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, showcases a rich diversity of regional styles.

The Tibetan costume show in Seda County, Sichuan Province (Xinhua)

1. Zaza Clothing (措美县扎扎服饰)

Originating in Cuomei County, Zaza clothing holds a storied history linked to local legends and aristocratic traditions dating back to the 7th-century Tubo Dynasty. Distinguished by its external stitching and straight, robe-like collar—a departure from the typical Tibetan diagonal lapel—Zaza garments are crafted from pulu, a durable Tibetan woolen fabric. The labor-intensive production process can take up to two months to complete a single set.

2. Gongbu Tibetan Clothing (林芝工布藏族服饰)

Shaped by the pastoral and hunting customs of Nyingchi, Gongbu attire stands apart with its functional yet elegant designs. This style includes festive, daily and work garments, often made from black pulu. The sleeveless, collarless vests are intricately embellished with gold trim, blending practicality with artistic refinement.

3. Purang Clothing (普兰服饰)

Purang attire from the Ngari region is renowned for its opulent “Peacock Costume”, a women’s ceremonial ensemble weighing over 20 kilograms. Adorned with gold, silver, amber, coral and turquoise, this thousand-year-old tradition exemplifies both cultural heritage and meticulous craftsmanship, symbolizing grandeur and spiritual reverence.

4. Amdo Clothing (藏北安多服饰)

Adapted to the harsh highland climate, Amdo clothing features sheepskin robes for warmth and iconic “Hero Hats” fashioned from lambskin and silk. These hats, embroidered with lotus motifs and multicolored adornments, symbolize communal unity and personal achievements, embodying the resilience of northern Tibetan culture.

5. Baza Clothing (申扎县巴扎服饰)

Baza clothing is characterized by oversized headgear, vibrant pleated pulu dresses and intricate embroidered patterns. Accessories such as conch shells, copper mirrors and decorative belts infuse the attire with a rustic charm, reflecting the region’s pastoral lifestyle.

6. Yushu Clothing (玉树服饰)

Hailed as the “Land of Attire”, Yushu boasts versatile clothing styles tailored for winter, summer, casual and formal occasions. Women’s ceremonial wear is particularly elaborate, featuring otter-fur borders, colorful brocade and lavish jewelry made of amber, coral and turquoise.

7. Huare Clothing (华热服饰)

Huare men traditionally don white woolen robes accented with vibrant sashes, while women wear fur-trimmed garments paired with distinctive four-eared hats during winter. The signature white felt hats, adorned with copper or silver mounts and red tassels, epitomize Huare’s unique aesthetic.