Shanku (simplified Chinese: 衫裤; traditional Chinese: 衫褲; pinyin: shānkù; lit. 'shirt trousers'; see terminology) is a generic term which refers to a two-piece set of attire in Hanfu, which is typically composed of a youren yi (Chinese: 右衽衣; pinyin: yòurèn yī),[note 1] a Chinese upper garment which typically overlaps and closes on the right side which could be called shan (衫), ru (襦), ao (袄; 襖), and a pair of long trousers ku (裤; 褲).[1][2] As a form of daily attire, the shanku was mainly worn by people from lower social status in China, such as labourers,[3][4]: 1 shopkeepers, or retainers from wealthy household.[4]: xviii The shanku was originally worn by both genders.[2] Up until the mid-20th century, it was popular in China and outside of China where it was worn by overseas Chinese in countries, such as Singapore,[1] Malaysia,[3] Suriname,[5] etc. It is still worn in present-day China and can be found in rural areas.[2][1]
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