Disney’s Mulan is celebrated not only for its story of bravery and identity but also for its stunning costume design. Both the 1998 animated classic and the 2020 live-action remake use costumes to reflect character, culture, and story arc. At the heart of Mulan are two key styles: the Hanfu, a traditional Chinese garment, and military uniforms and armor, which represent discipline, duty, and transformation.
The Hanfu: Tradition and Femininity
The Hanfu (literally “Han clothing”) is one of the most iconic forms of traditional Chinese dress. Typically consisting of three parts—
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an upper garment (a loose robe with a collar),
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a lower garment (a pleated skirt or robe), and
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a sash to tie them together—
the Hanfu has been worn for centuries by Han Chinese men and women alike.
In Mulan, the Hanfu is used to symbolize Mulan’s role as a dutiful daughter. At the beginning of the animated film, she wears a green upper garment trimmed in blue, with pink pants and white shoes, a nod to youthful femininity. Her hair is styled in buns to appear shorter and more “appropriate” for her disguise later. The live-action remake also leans heavily on Hanfu-inspired silhouettes, though often with more ornate embroidery and bolder color palettes to suit the cinematic scale.
The contrast between Mulan’s elegant Hanfu and her later military attire reflects her inner conflict: the pull between tradition and her true path.
Armor and Military Uniforms: Discipline and Identity
The other central costume theme is the soldier’s uniform and armor. In the animated film, Disney’s artists took inspiration from historical Chinese armor, often using shades of red, blue, and green. These colors were not chosen at random—red in particular was historically common in Chinese military attire, symbolizing power, courage, and vitality.
One striking detail: in Mulan, the soldiers’ uniforms are portrayed with surprising attention to accuracy. Unlike many Western depictions of soldiers in film, the troops wear their uniforms properly—tunics tucked, sashes tied, and armor layered correctly. This attention grounds the animated story in a sense of cultural respect, even while stylized.
The live-action Mulan (2020), designed by Bina Daigeler, pushes this further. Mulan’s armor is practical, sleek, and dark red, reflecting both her individuality and her role within the Imperial army. Costume designer Jenny Beavan noted that the goal was to “honor what was done before, but make it real for today.” The result is armor that feels both authentic and cinematic.
Costumes as Storytelling
Beyond historical accuracy, the costumes in Mulan serve as a visual language:
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Village clothing: soft blues and greens for Mulan’s family, signaling domestic life and tradition.
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Military colors: bold reds and blacks for Li Shang and the Imperial army, symbolizing strength and authority.
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Transformation moments: each new outfit marks a stage in Mulan’s journey—dutiful daughter, disguised soldier, and finally honored warrior.
The costumes aren’t just beautiful—they are narrative markers. Each time Mulan changes her clothing, the audience understands that she has crossed into a new chapter of her story.
Conclusion
From flowing Hanfu robes to detailed battle armor, the costumes of Mulan blend history, artistry, and storytelling. They reflect not only the culture of ancient China but also Mulan’s personal transformation from obedient daughter to courageous warrior. Both the animated and live-action films use costume design to honor tradition while bringing the legend of Mulan vividly to life.
