Yi homes are mostly one and two story earthen structures with tin or thatched grass roofs. In mountainous regions, wood and bamboo huts are more common. In one government publication it was stated that wooden houses with tile roofs are now being built. Both men and women wear pants with a tunic type shirt. Women's tunics have brightly colored bands of embroidered cloth on the lower sleeve.
Women also wear large hats banded in brightly colored ribbon-like patterns.
Special occasion dress, worn by upper class Yi, is decorated with bright patterns of embroidered bands and aprons. Hats also include black and white lace bonnets while shoes are sandals or Chinese type black slippers. Traditionally, Yi families were divided into castes and family clans. Clan leaders governed strictly and forbade inter-caste marriages. Among the four castes, which had developed from ancient blood relationships, there were rigid distinctions and relations of person-ownership.