This purple sleeveless ‘samfoo’ with a floral motif belonged to the donor, Madam Soo Swee Ting. It was made by a seamstress in the 1950s. This particular samfoo is made from cheap fabric ($1.50 per yard as compared to better quality fabrics which cost about $2.80 to $3.20 per yard). The ‘samfoo’ is a traditional Chinese outfit which consists of a top (‘sam’) with side fastenings and a mandarin collar, worn over pants (‘foo’). Traditionally, the ‘samfoo’ is loose fitting. The cut of the ‘samfoo’ makes it convenient for the wearer to carry out everyday activities. However, during the 1950s and 1960s, the ‘samfoo’ became tight fitting under the influence of Western fashion.
