Fashion trends in China in 2023: An exploration of style and cultural influence
China's fashion industry has experienced an unprecedented boom over recent years. Today, Chinese consumers account for nearly half of all global luxury retail sales, a testament to their increasingly important role in shaping global fashion trends. China is now the second largest apparel market in the world, with annual sales exceeding US$177 billion1. As we delve into the year 2023, several fashion trends have taken the Chinese market by storm. Here's a look at the top fashion trends that are defining the Chinese fashion scene in 2023.
Gorpcore: Embracing the Great Outdoors
One of the leading trends in China for 2023 is Gorpcore, a style that revolves around utilitarian, functional, outdoors-inspired clothing. Originally associated with hiking gear, Gorpcore has moved from the trails to the streets and runways, thanks to high-profile brand collaborations. The trend has become mainstream and intersected with the luxury fashion world, with items such as the Dior Birkenstock clogs becoming hot products.
Outdoor pursuits are a major driver for Chinese consumers. After a year of COVID restrictions, Chinese consumers are yearning for outdoorsy trips, leading to a surge in the popularity of Gorpcore. This trend is set to continue, offering a significant opportunity for global performance brands that originated in Gorpcore to expand their clientele and stay relevant.
The Laid-back Style: Embracing Effortless Chic
Chinese women are increasingly embracing the laid-back fashion trend. This trend involves a relaxed state of mind and an acceptance of life's ups and downs. The laid-back style, or "songchi gan" in Chinese, is characterized by low-saturated monochromes, neutrals, and loose fits. On Xiaohongshu, a popular social media platform, the hashtag has accumulated over 35 million views, with young women sharing their laid-back outfits of the day.
Unlike other trends, the laid-back style has been around for years in China. This trend has struck a chord with China’s younger generations, leading to the quiet consumption of discrete premium and luxury goods. Luxury brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Ralph Lauren have capitalized on this trend, offering subtly luxurious collections that whisper rather than shout.
Balletcore: Dance-Inspired Aesthetics
The balletcore aesthetic, which draws inspiration from ballerinas' backstage outfits, has experienced a resurgence in China. Influencers across all social platforms have championed this global social media phenomenon. The trend in China, however, has its unique twists. Chinese fashionistas have adopted balletcore outfits inspired by K-pop stars’ looks and workout influencers. The South Korean girl group, Blackpink’s stage outfits during their world tour in 2022, for example, have been cited as a major inspiration for the balletcore aesthetic in China.
Ballet-inspired fitness classes, such as barre, have also contributed to the popularity of this trend, highlighting the intersection of fashion and fitness in Chinese culture.
The fashion trends in China for 2023 reflect the country's unique cultural influences and changing societal attitudes. From embracing the outdoors with Gorpcore to the effortless chic of the laid-back style, and the dance-inspired aesthetics of balletcore, Chinese fashion in 2023 is a dynamic blend of global influences and local preferences. As these trends continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly shape the global fashion industry in exciting new ways.
