The terlig was initially developed to accommodate the culture, the equestrian and nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols, and to protect their bodies from the cold temperature of steppe regions.[1] It was sometimes decorated with cloud collar (Chinese: 雲肩; pinyin: yunjian; lit. 'cloud-shoulder') pattern which decorated around the robe's collar, chest, and shoulders area.[1][2]: 49–51 As the terlig gained symbolic meaning with time and as it spread into different regions, its shape and design evolved.[1] Hybrid forms of the terlig was developed as it came in contact with other local cultures.[1] The terlig was worn in China, Central Asia, Korea, and in the Mughal Empire in India.[1] It is still worn as Mongol ethnic clothing in some regions.[1]