The arrival of summer brings with it warm sunshine, vacations, and the opportunity to embrace colorful, lightweight fashions. For those looking to add a touch of elegance and cultural flair to their warm-weather wardrobe, the qipao or cheongsam dress is an excellent choice. These form-fitting Chinese dresses have been popular for over a century and make for stylish beachwear or chic holiday outfits.
The Origins of the Qipao
The qipao has its roots in the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty of the 17th century, it evolved into a more fitted dress popular across Chinese society in the 1920s. Modern versions embrace both traditional Chinese aesthetics and contemporary fashion trends.
The qipao’s signature look features a high collar, form-fitting cut through the bodice that flares out at the hips, a side slit up the leg, and intricate designs like dragons, phoenixes, peonies or other auspicious patterns. Made from luxurious silks or satins, the qipao exemplifies grace and femininity.
Summer Qipao Styles
For summer, qipao dresses incorporate lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen or silk blends in bright, vibrant colors and patterns perfect for the season. Shorter hemlines, cap sleeves, and higher side slits allow for more airflow. Popular warm weather styles include:
Beach Qipao: Made from quick-drying, wrinkle-free fabrics, these have a loose, comfortable fit ideal for throwing on over a swimsuit as a chic cover-up. Fun tropical prints complete the beachy look.
Sundress Qipao: These knee or mid-calf length dresses have a slightly more relaxed fit through the bodice while keeping the qipao’s trademark high collar and side slits. Bright solid colors or delicate floral patterns make stunning sundress options.
Cheongsamhiking: For a unique take on active wear, some adventurous fashionistas are rocking shorter qipao dresses made from moisture-wicking athletic fabrics while hiking trails.
How to Style a Summer Qipao
A qipao makes an effortlessly chic statement piece for summer that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a day at the beach, pair a breezy cotton beach qipao with flat sandals and a wide-brimmed sun hat. A vibrant sundress qipao looks elegant for an outdoor wedding or garden party when accessorized with dressy heels and jewelry.
Those seeking a more casual, modern street style vibe can layer a fitted short qipao over distressed denim shorts or capris and chunky sneakers. Add an edgy moto jacket or jean jacket for an easy day-to-night look.
Holiday Travel in Qipao Style
The qipao’s timeless glamour also makes it an excellent choice for summer travel, whether you’re strolling Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, sipping cocktails in Santorini, or enjoying a staycation closer to home. A sleeveless linen or silk qipao in a classic hong red or rich brocade pattern looks chic and photo-ready while keeping you cool.
Pack a versatile, wrinkle-resistant qipao that can transition from touring ancient ruins in the morning to an al fresco dinner at night with just a change of shoes and accessories. Roll it up in your luggage and it will emerge relatively wrinkle-free upon arrival at your destination.
As the qipao gains more mainstream popularity in the West, it’s important for non-Chinese individuals to walk the line between cultural appreciation and appropriation. Purchasing from authentic Chinese designers and businesses is one way to celebrate the dress’s roots respectfully.
Modern Qipao Culture
Many modern qipao designers are putting innovative twists on the traditional styles, like blending the classic qipao silhouette with trendy elements like cut-outs, asymmetrical hemlines, or deconstructed details. Supporting these Chinese fashion visionaries helps preserve the cultural legacy of the qipao while allowing it to evolve.
Ultimately, clothing and fashion from all cultures has long been mutually influenced by trends around the world. The qipao itself was revolutionized in the 1920s as Chinese socialites blended traditional elements with influences from Western tailoring.
Today’s global fashion visionaries continue to build upon these rich cultural exchanges and fuse diverse aesthetics into gorgeous new creations. The qipao embodies this intersection, allowing modern wearers to experience the beauty of Chinese heritage while putting their own contemporary spin on the look.
Whether you opt for a breezy seaside qipao or a dramatic brocade cheongsam for a summer evening soiree, this centuries-old dress shape can be the perfect vehicle for expressing your personal style. By participating in its evolution respectfully, we celebrate the qipao’s vitality as an enduring emblem of beauty, femininity, and living history.