Editor's note

August 1 marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of People's Liberation Army (PLA). In China, soldiers in uniforms often attract a lot of attention. The perfectly-tailored suits always make them look lean and fit. Here are seven main types of uniforms the army has used from 1949 up to now. The digits in the name denote the year the uniform was introduced.

Uniform No 50

After the founding of New China in 1949, the PLA was divided into three main branches: Army, Navy and Air Force.

PLA officially began using new uniforms with the approval of the Central Military Commission on January 4, 1950. From then on, the three branches of the PLA had their own distinguished uniforms.

Uniform No 55

The rank system was introduced into the PLA in 1955 and the uniform changed accordingly. Uniform No 55 had two kinds of outfits for each branch: formal suit and everyday uniform.

Uniform No 65

The uniform saw another change in June 1968 when the rank system of the PLA was terminated. The insignia on cap and shoulder strap for all levels of soldiers became the same.

Uniform No 85

The army began using Uniform No 85 in 1985. The new uniform was issued ahead of the reintroduction of the rank system in the PLA. Both long and short sleeve shirts were added this time.

Uniform No 87

On the National Day in 1988, the PLA restored the rank system. And the introduction of suit collar gave the uniform a modern look. Apart from formal suit, everyday clothes, training clothes, the army also issued special dresses for the art troupes of the PLA. Another 10 kinds of special outfits were added, including camouflage coat and space suit.

Uniform No 97

Design for this set of uniform started as early as 1993. The PLA Hong Kong Garrison was the first branch to use this new uniform in 1997. Later in 1999, the PLA Macao Garrison also began to use the Uniform No 97.

Uniform No 07

The PLA uniform underwent a comprehensive transformation in the year 2007. The new uniform included 644 kinds of clothes.