Tibetan Traditional Clothing: A Thousand Years of Culture Worn on the Body

The Tibet Museum houses a treasured set of Peacock Garments from Purang, adorned from head to toe with gold, silver, turquoise, agate, coral, pearls, and Tianhuang stone, weighing between 10 to 20 kilograms.
This is the legendary "Purang Flying Peacock Robe," with only seven surviving sets in the world—priceless cultural relics.

A Land Shapes Its People
The diverse environments across Tibet have given rise to distinct regional clothing styles.
From the mysterious and opulent Purang Peacock Robes, to the refined sleeveless Chuba of Ü-Tsang, to the primal and bold attire of the northern nomads, and the dignified styles of the Kham region—every form of Tibetan dress carries the spirit of a thousand years of culture and faith.

Covering about one-eighth of China's land area and sitting at an average altitude above 4,000 meters, Tibet's vast and varied landscapes have created tremendous regional differences in traditional clothing, resulting in rich, multifaceted cultural traditions.

Today, over 200 types of Tibetan attire have been documented, the highest number among China's ethnic minorities.
Exquisitely decorated and uniquely styled, Tibetan clothing embodies profound symbolism and extraordinary aesthetic richness.

Let’s take a closer look at the six major regional styles of Tibetan attire:

1. Ü-Tsang: The Heart of Tibet

"Ü" refers to Central Tibet, while "Tsang" corresponds roughly to today’s Shigatse area.

Due to its unique geography, Tibetan clothing typically features heavy, insulating garments with broad waists, long sleeves, and floor-length hems.

In Ü-Tsang, high-quality materials such as silk brocade and fine woolen cloth are preferred. Colors tend toward understated elegance, favoring muted, natural tones.

Accessories are lavish—gold, silver, gemstones, coral, turquoise, amber, Dzi beads—resulting in ornate displays of wealth and beauty.

These costumes quietly narrate the history and evolution of Tibetan society.

2. Changtang: The Northern Nomads

For the nomadic herders of Northern Tibet, battling the fierce winds that blow year-round, functionality and warmth are paramount.

Rather than silk, these communities favor thick animal hides for making robes—durable, warm, and easy to travel in.

Reflecting their reverence for nature, robe patterns often feature animals, plants, celestial bodies, and natural motifs, symbolizing the harmony between humans and nature.

Traditional accessories such as flint strikers and knives, once practical survival tools, now serve as status symbols.

Hair styles are equally distinctive: men braid their hair atop their heads, while women weave turquoise, amber, and beeswax into their braids, creating bold, vibrant displays of beauty and freedom.

3. Purang: The Flying Peacock Robe

Purang, located at the border of China, India, and Nepal, gave birth to the renowned "Purang Culture."

In this remote, high-altitude region, the artistry of local clothing is unmatched. The most iconic is the Purang "Xuan" attire—famously referred to as "Walking Gold."

According to legend, the Peacock Robe traces its origins to the Tibetan opera Prince Norzang, where the princess Ijoram soars through the sky—thus the robe is also known as the "Flying Garment" or "Peacock Robe."

Over 1,000 years old, a full set weighs about 20 kilograms and dazzles with gold, silver, gemstones, amber, and intricate silver chains veiling the face—a breathtaking sight of luxury and craftsmanship.

4. Gongbo: The Forest Kingdom of Southeast Tibet

When it comes to southeastern Tibet, one must mention Gongbo—referring to the region around Nyingchi.

The local attire, called Guxiu, features sleeveless, broad-shouldered robes. In summer, garments are made from pulu wool; in winter, animal skins are preferred.

Men’s attire falls into three categories: Zhuigui (formalwear for grand ceremonies), Zhagui (warrior wear for major festivals), and Legui (everyday labor clothes).
Women wear simpler outfits: shirts and long skirts, often layered with a Guxiu robe.

Gongbo clothing has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage—don't miss the chance to see it when visiting Nyingchi!

5. Gannan: The Fusion of Traditions

In Gannan (Amdo region), Tibetan attire shows significant regional variations—"different customs every three miles, different fashions every ten."
This cultural blending has crafted a profound, colorful tapestry of Tibetan clothing.

For example, in Diebu County, clothing styles are further divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower Diebu.

• Upper Diebu: Dark-colored robes in black or brown dominate for both men and women.

• Middle Diebu: Milder climate yields lighter garments; festival attire bursts with vivid reds, yellows, and blues, while everyday wear prefers dark, rich tones.

• Lower Diebu: Men wear white short jackets with headwraps; women layer three garments: an undershirt, a low-collared jacket, and a sleeveless vest.

Other regions like Zhouqu, Zhuoni, Luqu, and Maqu also contribute to Gannan’s vibrant sartorial landscape.

6. Kham: The Wild Soul of the East

Mention Kham, and images of rugged warriors and spirited women immediately come to mind.
Their clothing, like the people themselves, is robust, richly colorful, and deeply expressive.

Men’s attire across Kham is relatively uniform, but women’s clothing varies significantly depending on geography, spanning agricultural and pastoral styles, Muli, Gyarong, and more.

Among them, the traditional attire from Chamdo and Dege stands out: heavy use of animal furs on robe edges, dazzling jewelry of coral, gold, and silver, and dramatic hairstyles—braided and wrapped with brightly colored velvet, ending in loose, flowing tails that dance in the wind.

This rugged splendor embodies the fierce, untamed spirit of the Khampa people.

Conclusion

Tibetan attire, as an important vessel of Tibetan civilization, offers an unparalleled glimpse into its rich history and vibrant culture.

Next time you visit Tibet, don't just pose in studio costumes—
Wear authentic Tibetan clothing and step into a thousand years of heritage!