ADVERTISEMENT

Having lived in China for quite a while, I’ve seen a lot of unusual things. In fact, many Chinese and foreigners get so used to weird occurrences and weird Chinese fashion that people just generally ignore them.

On my Instagram page, I try to provide cultural context for why things in China happen the way they do, by explaining some of the history, the culture, or the language, and how these things influence behaviors or even a fashion sense.

The page is not all about street fashion though. It's anything that you can ask the question of ‘Why?’ or ‘How did that happen?’ to, with the general classic answer being ‘No why’ #nowhy (Chinese response) OR ‘because China’ #becausechina (foreigner in China response).

The general explanation for some of the fashion trends and choices below is that:

  • Any English = educated, different and fashionable. (it could possibly be a famous brand, but if no one’s English is that great… then just by having it… no matter what it is, it’s already good)
  • Anything ‘profound’ is considered good. If you as an observer don’t find it profound…that’s your fault. The wearer is making a statement, and that’s what’s important.
  • The wearer doesn’t have to understand, because others most likely don’t understand…so who cares. Even vulgar, rude statements can be worn by kids… because no one knows any different.
  • If the actual piece of clothing is functional and comfortable, who cares what’s written on it.
  • A haircut should set you apart from everyone else. Many people have very similar or standardized hairstyles (Chinese people are aware of that too) If a haircut creates conversation then that’s awesome.

Here are a few examples I've caught in my street photography shots…quite a few of them, actually.

More info: Instagram

#1

Pink Freud

Pink Freud

Report

#4

Masturbate your way to success!

Masturbate your way to success!

Report

#7

I'm Batman

I'm Batman

Report

#8

Think Less

Think Less

Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

Bear Attack And She Survived, Good For Her

Bear Attack And She Survived, Good For Her

Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Got Life Figured Out

Got Life Figured Out

Report

Add photo comments
POST
luismilian avatar
Luis Milian
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is like tattooing a Chinese symbol not knowing what it really says. you just wear it proudly

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

A Bit Of Nationalism Coming Out There...

A Bit Of Nationalism Coming Out There...

Report

#14

Leave Me Alone

Leave Me Alone

Report

#15

China Fashion

China Fashion

Report

Add photo comments
POST
lyviadaleaf avatar
Lef
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want that. I'd wear a jacket over it and if anyone pisses me off I'll just unzip the jacket and tell them to read what's on my shirt.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Shark Soup

Shark Soup

Report

#19

Asia

Asia

Report

Add photo comments
POST
1molksiazkowy avatar
Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait! This is not Australia?! I was wrong all my life ...

View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

How Old Are You? And Just How Drunk Are You?

How Old Are You? And Just How Drunk Are You?

Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#21

A Bit Morbid, But I Wonder If I Can Get It In Yellow... Would It Be Less So?

A Bit Morbid, But I Wonder If I Can Get It In Yellow... Would It Be Less So?

Report

#23

Need To Stop Feeding The Cat Vegetarian Food

Need To Stop Feeding The Cat Vegetarian Food

Report

#26

I'm Not Leaving This Blanket

I'm Not Leaving This Blanket

Report

#27

I Do Feel Happy Now

I Do Feel Happy Now

Report

#28

I Needed That Today

I Needed That Today

Report

#29

The Pig

The Pig

Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#34

You Learn Something Every Day

You Learn Something Every Day

Report

#35

Let's Not All Live Like This

Let's Not All Live Like This

Report

#36

That's... Taking Things To Extreme

That's... Taking Things To Extreme

Report

Add photo comments
POST
natacha2_signe avatar
Symbole Simple
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does she realise she's been robbed? Someone literally 'picked her pocket'!

h-lane17 avatar
dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's the bizzare fashion that's the problem here. But to each their own, I guess. China can be hot in summer, I understand. *shrug*

Load More Replies...
luismilian avatar
Luis Milian
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

some people are comfortable showing a little extra. just enjoy the view and mind your own.

the_mysterious_lady_analyn avatar
lalala avatar
Potato
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In China? Probably... Is it illegal to wear bikinis or something where you live? I'd think that's not the case in most countries.

Load More Replies...
mintyminameow avatar
Meowton Mewsk
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s a club outfit. You can find this in any night club in the world.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Chinese made stuff falls apart all the time. Those were actually new jeans when she walked in.

gethconsensusthegethconsensus avatar
Geth Consensus (The Geth Consensus)
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did anyone even notice The Devil right above er shoulder that made her dress that way? LOL no, I didn't think anyone noticed that.

eddie77 avatar
Eddie77
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From what I've seen here the girls in China are only a step away from walking naked ...

annemariealtomonte avatar
Amery
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... HOW IS THAT 'CUTE????' (ps: Her 'Bible' seems to be on the ground under her feet...) ^^ Just saying.

abhikabhi290 avatar
Hayasahibaa
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If she was in India, even a beggar would have donated her some decent clothes!

ms_leighannposton avatar
Leigh Ann Poston
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No problem with it being immodest. It is just a ridiculously horrible outfit.

diane1atk avatar
diane a
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really hope this trend doesn't catch on in the UK

susanhforbes avatar
Susan Forbes
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was thinking someone's going to see this and think it looks cool. It's cute on her though

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

Some Sweet China Style... So Fashion

Some Sweet China Style... So Fashion

Report

#39

Good Point

Good Point

Report

Add photo comments
POST
maoamdose avatar
Pumbaa
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think he got a point there! F**k yesterday, focus on today and the future.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

I'll Be A Plastic Toy

I'll Be A Plastic Toy

Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#41

Too Much Profoundness

Too Much Profoundness

Report

Add photo comments
POST
dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. That's a different way of saying "Netflix and chill", no? ♥ (well, she's a public figure, would match more to my statement if it were the name of an actress/actor)

View more commentsArrow down menu
#42

Wait, What?

Wait, What?

Report

#45

I Ate A Rat

I Ate A Rat

Report

#46

If I Ask Where You're Going, Will You Be Confused?

If I Ask Where You're Going, Will You Be Confused?

Report

Add photo comments
POST
h-lane17 avatar
Han
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I made a T-shirt in high school and wrote on it in puff paint "Don't follow me I'm lost too." It was 1988 and I thought it was so cool. Hahaha

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#47

Because... They're Easy?

Because... They're Easy?

Report

#49

Beat

Beat

Report

Add photo comments
POST
getsuyoubi avatar
Monday
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do we beat him until he gives up? Do we give up when the beating doesn't make him give up? I need this information!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

Oh Good, Noing... That's What I Needed In My Life

Oh Good, Noing... That's What I Needed In My Life

Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda