A historical study of Chinese garments for selected periods and the influences of these costumes on dress in other cultures was designed to gain some understanding of the role clothing played as reflected in selected historical periods in China and the characteristics of the Chinese people. This was also to observe the influence that the Chinese exerted on other nations as revealed in costume. Little information can be found pertaining to the subject. The researcher conducted this study by visiting various museums, reviewing related books and studying reprints of historical art products. The researcher found the immediate effect of historical events and people's typical characteristics fully displayed in costume. The historical Chinese costume has been classified inte four periods in their distinctive silhouettes. Historical Chinese inspiration was found to be evident in current costume of Vietnam, Korea, Japan and the United States of America. Thirty-eight illustrations on costumes have been included in this study. / Master of Science