Nanluoguxian shopping district in Beijing is a great place to people watch. But, stand around long enough, and you may notice something unusual. On a typical Saturday afternoon, it’s ordinary to see several couples stroll by in matching or coordinated clothing. In a culture where relationships have been traditionally arranged by matchmaking, with the objective being marriage, the fact that couples are expressing their feelings in such a way is a significant departure from tradition. The byproduct of this new sense of control is a unique trend.
The trend of matching outfits has had its own versions outside of China for a long time. In the West, it’s common for families to pose for portraits in identically cringe-worthy sweaters and new parents often coordinate the outfits of twin babies in the interest of “cute”. In China, couples dressing alike is much more than a gimmick or fashion statement, it’s a way of showing feelings for which they may not otherwise have an outlet.
Public displays of affection are discouraged in most parts of China with even public handholding off the menu in some areas. Beijing is not as conservative as many areas of China but you’re not likely amorous couples smooching on park benches like you would in Paris or Rio de Janeiro. To most Chinese, even kissing is something best left in the bedroom.
Failing all else, matching ensembles provide a socially acceptable way to publicly express love, loyalty, and commitment for Chinese couples. For one young pair, the choice to don matching Superman shirts represented a major step in their relationship. After six months of dating, Bai Zhengping asked his girlfriend, Ma Xin, to come with him to buy twin t-shirts. “I felt proud, like I was saying, ‘She’s mine,’ ” said Mr. Bai.
Some are more wary of the trend, seeing it as less romantic and more desperate. Sun Peidong, an associate professor of Shanghai’s’ Fudan University thinks it’s a reflection of an increasingly materialistic society where people are becoming more obsessed with putting logos and labels on things — including relationships. Just as some dress a certain way to show socioeconomic status, others dress to show their relationship to the public, she says.
Why do you think some Chinese couples like this practice? In your experience, how does culture inform the way people behave with their romantic partners in public vs. private?
RW3 CultureWizard is a leading provider of cross cultural training and information through the CultureWizard intercultural learning platform.
©RW3 CultureWizard LLC, 2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to RW3 CultureWizard LLC with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
