The Real Tea on Qipao History ☕
Qipao can be ankle length or midi length, long sleeves or short sleeves, thigh-slits or calf-slits, depending on the different shapes of the body and the requirement of the wearers.
Okay so here's what blew my mind - qipaos weren't always these gorgeous figure-hugging dresses we see today. Back in the day, they were literally loose robes that covered everything from neck to ankles. Can you imagine?
But then the 1920s happened and Shanghai women said "nah, we're done hiding." They took those conservative Manchu robes and basically revolutionized them into something that celebrated their bodies instead of hiding them. Like... the AUDACITY! I love it so much.
These women were literally rewriting the rules about femininity and fashion while dealing with political chaos. That's some serious boss energy right there. And honestly? That spirit of "I'll wear what makes ME feel powerful" is exactly what we need today.
The whole Hong Kong golden age thing in the 50s-60s just proves that when women have the freedom to create, magic happens. All those talented seamstresses and designers? They turned qipaos into wearable art.
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Finding YOUR Qipao Vibe
In the realm of oriental style, the qipao has undergone numerous modern improvements and interpretations, making it easier to incorporate into everyday wear. Whether you prefer a traditional or loose-fitting design, this Chinese garment can be styled to suit any figure. Here, we'll provide tips on how to properly wear a qipao for an oriental style look and guide you in selecting the perfect style for your body type.
The Slender Goddess Energy
And if you want something sexy, try the front slits or thigh slits to the equation to instantly jazz up the outfits. Finally, in the choice of sleeves, either 3/4 sleeves or fitted cap sleeves are good to show off your long arms.
The Athletic Powerhouse
When it comes to fabrics, pick one that is made of nature silk or satin—these kinds of fibers provide lightness, luster, and sparkle, which hand well on their own and would be a plus to your Qipao look.
The Curvy Queen
Endomorph women have a shapely body, they also seem to have small shoulders, high waist, and large hips, creating a pear-shaped physique. For those women, loose-fitting dresses are appropriate since they has much more areas to allow for movement.
In addition, I find that silk, ramie, or linen qipao is an ideal choice for endomorphs, especially during the summer days. You can easily find that these fabrics are breathable and air-cooling, which adds extra comfort and ease.
When to Wear Them (Spoiler: Whenever You Want)
In traditional culture, qipao or cheongsams are wearing in Chinese new year. But for now, a qipao can be worn on different occasions. For our everyday wear, choose the modern one that is made of cotton, linen, or chiffon and no longer lined will be quite good for a more casual and lighter look. While silk, velvet, or lace tend to be appropriate for a dressy and formal occasion. With the embroidery, bead, and sequin details, it can add a bit more traditional glamour to your Qipao look.
This is where I probably differ from traditional advice, but... wear your qipao when it makes you happy?
I've worn mine to:
Grocery shopping (yes, really - life's too short for boring clothes)
Work meetings (blazer over a cotton one = instant boss vibes)
Date nights (because why not feel like a goddess?)
Cultural events (with respect and awareness, obviously)
The whole "appropriate occasion" thing... I mean, yes, be mindful of cultural contexts and dress codes, but don't let that stop you from incorporating beautiful pieces into your everyday life.
Tips for Shoes
If you are not sure how to pick the appropriate shoes to match your qipao, high heels or pumps never go wrong for an elegant and refined look.
But for the casual and modern qipao, flats, boots, or sneakers are an easy and savvy option to complete this outfit together.
Color Stories (With a Grain of Salt)
Yes, colors have traditional meanings in Chinese culture, and yes, it's important to be respectful. But also... colors can mean different things to different people. Red might traditionally symbolize luck, but if red makes YOU feel powerful, that's valid too.
Just be thoughtful about contexts - maybe don't wear red to someone else's Chinese wedding (that's their moment to shine), and be aware that some colors might have different connotations in different settings.
But honestly? Wear colors that make you feel amazing. Life's too short for boring neutrals if bright patterns make your heart sing.
Real Talk: The Stuff Nobody Tells You
- Sometimes the buttons are decorative and there's a hidden zipper. Don't spend 20 minutes trying to figure out non-functional pankou like I did 🤦♀️
- Silk is beautiful but high-maintenance. Cotton blends can be just as stunning and way more practical
- Not every qipao needs to be skin-tight. Comfort is sexy too
- Tailoring is your friend - don't settle for "close enough"
- The internet will have opinions about everything you wear. Ignore them
