Color of Ancient Chinese Costume

Darker colors were favored over lighter ones in traditional Chinese clothing, so the main color of ceremonial clothing tended to be dark while bright, elaborate tapestry designs accented. Lighter colored clothing was worn more frequently by the common people for everyday and around the house use. The Chinese associate certain colors with specific seasons: green represents spring, red symbolizes summer, white represents autumn, and black symbolizes winter.

The Chinese are said to have a fully developed system of matching, coordinating, and contrasting colors and shades of light and dark in apparel.