Are you looking to buy the perfect qipao dress, but feel overwhelmed with a variety of options available? Do not worry, we have you covered with the most helpful recommendations on choosing a qipao that will suit you perfectly.
Qipao dress, also called cheongsam, is an elegant Chinese national one-piece female dress. It originated in the 20th century and became popular thanks to its exquisite features. The qipao dress is famous for its sophisticated standing Mandarin collar, handmade knotted buttons, and graceful fitted silhouette. Many women worldwide wear stunning Chinese dresses to highlight their elegance and femininity.
In this article we are going to explore in detail:
- How to find a qipao in the shade that suits you the most?
- What is the difference between different styles of Chinese dress?
- How to pick the most flattering silhouette of a cheongsam?
- What should you look for when shopping online for a qipao dress?
If you are interested in learning more about the most helpful tips and advice on how to select the most beautiful and flattering Chinese qipao dress for you, then keep on reading.
Picking a qipao in a meaningful color and pattern
One of the most common questions that comes up when shopping for a qipao is which color or pattern to choose for the garment. We are going to share with you some shade options that will make you look spectacular in your cheongsam. All the qipao hues and motifs can be divided into the groups below:
- Classic colors: red is considered the most auspicious shade in Chinese culture. It is perfect to wear for big celebrations and wedding ceremonies for brides. The gold color of the qipao dress is believed to bring good fortune and abundance and is a great choice for the Lunar New Year. Blue and green hues for cheongsam will exude an elegant and sophisticated aura.
- Pastel and lighter shades: Chinese dresses in soft pink, pastel blue, or mint hues will create a cheerful, bright, and youthful appearance. Qipao garments in those gentle colors are also a wonderful pick for seasons like spring and summer.
- Versatile patterns: when in doubt you can never go wrong with adding a floral qipao to your wardrobe. Dresses that feature chic patterns with peonies, orchids, and plum blossoms will accentuate your femininity and charm. Abstract and geometric motifs on a cheongsam always look modern and fashion-forward.
- Symbolic motifs: for cultural celebrations, you can pick a qipao gown that features traditional motifs. For example, auspicious phoenixes and dragons for wedding qipaos, butterflies, koi fishes, and birds for classic cheongsam gowns.
Choosing between traditional, modern, and bridal styles
When selecting a qipao dress it is important to consider the aesthetic you are going for and for which occasions you will be wearing it. Continue reading to discover the main styles of graceful Chinese dresses:
- Traditional style: elegant qipao dresses with this design are often tailored with luxurious silk fabric, have long lengths, and feature classic Chinese motifs. They are the perfect choice for important events, cultural celebrations, and the Chinese New Year.
- Modern style: chic cheongsams with this trendy aesthetic look refreshing and unique. Those lovely dresses are made with fashionable prints and original sleeve or skirt designs. They are fantastic for those who want to express their personality through their qipao.
- Wedding style: feminine qipaos are a timeless choice for many Asian brides who want to honor their heritage. They are often crafted in classic red or modern white colors, feature a high collar, and auspicious motifs. Excellent fabrics for wedding qipao are silk, lace, and brocade.
Finding the most flattering silhouette of a Chinese dress
Let’s look closely at the different silhouettes of qipao dresses and which body type would they be suitable for.
- Fitted sheath silhouette: this classic type of qipao silhouette will accentuate your figure and create a sophisticated and sleek look. It is great for women with hourglass body shapes, as well as those who love to highlight their feminine side.
- Relaxed silhouette: this particular outline for a cheongsam dress with a looser fit offers great comfort and is easy to move in. It provides a laid-back and casual appearance for a qipao which is great for everyday life.
- A-line silhouette: Chinese garments with this stylish silhouette flair out at the waistline with a voluminous skirt. The A-line outline visually narrows down the waist which is flattering for square and pear body shapes.
- Mermaid silhouette: magnificent cheongsams with a fishtail silhouette synonymous with glamor and luxury. With their fitted bodice and skirt unfolding at the knee, mermaid qipaos create a dramatic effect and highlight the body proportions.
Qipao online shopping tips to get the best quality and fit
Now that you know how to choose the most suitable color, style, and silhouette of a qipao dress, you will make a more informed and wise decision. Last but not least, we would like to share with you practical tips for online shopping for a Chinese cheongsam.
When shopping online it is crucial to review the size chart of the qipao dress. The measurements and sizing can be different compared to the regular stores. This can be attributed to the fact that the dresses can be tailored for Asian morphology and sizing standards. To avoid getting the wrong size, write down your body measurements and compare them with the size chart of the qipao you’re interested in. We recommend adding 2-3 cm to your body parameters to ensure a comfortable qipao fit.
On top of that, while picking a cheongsam dress don’t forget to read the details about the fabric composition and design elements. This will provide more clarity and help you with your purchase.
If you are looking for an elegant Chinese dress with a mandarin collar of excellent quality, we recommend you explore the Qipao Cheongsam boutique. This qipao online store offers curated collections of traditional, modern, and wedding-style dresses. Their tailoring team can customize the cheongsam size or make a bespoke qipao dress with a requested design from scratch. The customer support of the boutique is always available to help you with your choice and assist you.
Choosing the right qipao is a journey of discovering what makes you feel beautiful and confident. We hope that our advice and tips were helpful and brought value to you.
Layla Tovey 
Layla Tovey 
Verona Pinder 