Mrs. Lee lays the pieces on the bed in order. Underskirt first, then 치마, then 저고리, then the tie called 고름. She has done this for daughters, brides, and grandmothers, and the order never changes. Sequence is what makes 한복 sit correctly on the body.
Women's hanbok has a logic. Every layer supports the next, every knot holds a shape that will read from across a room. This is the dressing order Youngsook teaches in the atelier, written down for the woman doing it alone at home.
Step 1. Wear the undergarments (if you have them).
Undergarments for hanbok consist of the beoseon (hanbok socks), sokbaji (underpants), and sokchima (underskirt).
If you have them, wear these underneath your hanbok. You can choose from either the underpants or the underskirt. Wearing the underskirt will give your skirt an extra layer of oomph and make it fan out more.
Step 2. Wear the chima (the skirt)
Step 3. Wear the seokjeoksam (optional)
The seokjeoksam is the traditional under-layer of the blouse, a thin, white blouse that covers the upper body.
Step 4. Put on the jeogori (main blouse) and tie it securely
Check out our collections of hanbok for women to find a great style for your next event. We have our modern hanbok collection for any occasion, as well as traditional women’s hanbok and bridal hanboks for your special day.