The qipao, also known as the cheongsam, is a traditional one-piece fitted dress worn by wealthy women. Originally loose-fitting, it has evolved into a form-fitting and ornamental garment with a mandarin collar and high side slits. It is meant to be accessorized in an understated way and is never worn with a belt or scarf.
A qipao, or mandarin dress, is a one-piece fitted dress traditionally worn by wealthy and upper-class women. Also known as cheongsam in southern China, the qipao gives the appearance of a long, flowing shirt dress. Having evolved in design over the centuries, it was once a simple dress that is now a highly stylized ornamental dress worn for dress-up occasions or as a costume.
Originally, the dress was a loose-fitting garment, and was intended to conceal the wearer’s figure. First worn by the nobility, the qipao in its original form had a high, close-fitting collar, so that only the head and face of the wearer were visible; the sleeves and length were also long so that only the tips of the fingers and toes could be seen. These old-style dresses were made of silk and simply trimmed at the neck, sleeves, and hem with lace or trim.
The modern qipao is quite different from the original in that it is now a form fitting and flattering garment. It has a definite mandarin collar, generally ranging in height from 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 cm). The edges of the collar are slightly rounded and meet at the front of the neck with a slight “V” opening. The higher neckline is fitted and designed to enhance the wearer’s neck, making her neck appear slimmer and longer.
While producing an appearance of modesty, the nature of today’s article not only enhances the figure, but shows it off suggestively. The sleeves of the modern garment vary in length, some having a short, fitted cap-like sleeve, and others reaching to the wrist. The dress will often have high side slits, intended to give a brief but discreet glimpse of a woman’s legs as she walks.
As in the past, the qipao is never meant to be accessory; as such, a belt or scarf should not be worn. It is meant to be an elegant dress, accessorized in an understated way. Very often the only accessories worn with it are earrings and/or a bracelet. Today, the Qipao is sometimes worn over a tight-fitting pair of silk or satin pants. While the Qipao has evolved over the centuries in its design, its distinctive element of simple elegance, however, has never changed.
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