This cap-sleeved ‘samfoo’ top, which is paired with matching pants, belonged to the donor, Madam Soo Swee Ting. It was made by a seamstress in the 1950s. This particular samfoo is made from a good quality Japanese fabric. 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.
