Do you know what does slang 'three trap' mean in Chinese?

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China's sankeng, or "three traps," is a sub-culture fashion slang for three types of garments: Hanfu, the traditional clothing worn by China's Han ethnic group; Lolita costumes and JK uniforms - the preppy uniforms worn by Japanese female high school students. 

Described as "traps" due to their addictive nature, these types of clothing are growing increasingly popular among young Chinese who want to show off distinctive self-images. Sankeng has not only become a hot topic on the internet, it has also become a booming market. According to forecasts from iiMedia Research, Hanfu sales are expected to reach 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) in 2021. 

Young people have become "pushers" popularizing this new clothing culture not only in everyday life, but also on the internet. Among the "three traps," Hanfu has the biggest fan base on the internet in China, including forums, social groups and websites on hot social media platforms such as Sina Weibo and Douban. 

"Hanfu is more than just "clothing," it is a valuable cultural item that helps people network. We have over 4.50 million users by now," an insider in the Hanfu clothing industry told. 

Fans of the other two "traps," Lolita costumes and JK uniforms, consider themselves even more niche than Hanfu lovers because the two outfits are often seen as sexually suggestive - which an association fans refute - and linked to the growing controversy that they portray women as dolls.  

"Some people hate us, I guess because they think we are trying too hard to be cute, like a doll. But the essence of the style is to make yourself a doll as much as you can. I've read hate comments on my blog that says my Lolita servant character promotes the 'objectification of women,' but the doll isn't an object to us…" a Lolita culture blogger, told. 

Despite these struggles, fans of the sankeng sub-culture will continue to embrace their hobby as a way to show their "true selves" and, quoting Yuseuo, the "worth of being young." 

Source:globaltimes

Editor: Crystal H

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