Traditionally, it tends to reach shoulder-length only. If the veil is any shorter, it may be a hakka hat instead.
It originates from the more conservative mili, of which would cover a majority of the woman's body. (image example)
And though the mili was traditionally worn by women, it was also worn by some men in the country of Tuyuhun (now Northwest China), as protection against strong sunlight.
The weimao is different from the humao, which is a balaclava worn beneath the hat, and was worn by both men and women on horseback.
