Qipao, also termed as cheongsam in Cantonese, is a one-piece Chinese dress that dates back to ancient times in Manchu-ruled China. The China qipao’s style has developed through time and is still popular these days. During Manchu control, the initial qipao was large and saggy. A halter neck and a long skirt characterized the Chinese gown. Besides the head, hands, and feet, it embraced a woman’s whole physique. Originally, the cheongsam was composed of silk and included beautiful needlework.
History of Qipao
The cheongsam, also described as the qipao, is a form-fitting garment that dates back to Shanghai in the 1920s. It immediately became a fashion craze, with celebrities and young girls alike wearing it. The growth of the contemporary Chinese lady in the 20th century is reflected in the history of this iconic garment. The cheongsam’s tale begins in 1912, with the collapse of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.
Chinese intellectuals began to protest against conventional norms in the mid-1910s and early 1920s, asking for a liberal and equal society influenced by Western principles, especially women’s freedom and schooling. Foot-binding, the unpleasant technique of tying young girls’ feet together to prevent them from growing, was made illegal.
However, the cheongsam, which was deemed capitalist, vanished from ordinary life in mainland China immediately after the Communist state came to power. The sidewalks of Shanghai, the origin of the cheongsam, were checked to make sure that no one was dressed in trendy attire. Women adopted a garment composed of a jacket and pants comparable to men’s due to the Communists’ democratic ideal.
What’s the distinction between a qipao and a cheongsam?
In reality, the terms cheongsam and qipao are interchangeable and refer to almost the same ancient Chinese garment. They can both be used in the same sentence. The Cantonese term cheongsam means “length shirt.” The Mandarin word qipao means ‘banner gown’ or ‘Manchu gown.’
History of changes in Qipao’s design
In the early year of 1920s cheongsam had a looser fit than today’s modern cheongsam, with long, broad sleeves. In urbanized locations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, it swiftly has become the go-to costume for urban ladies. Ancient silks were eventually replaced with more affordable, modern materials as the garment progressed. Traditional stitched flowers remained common as a result of design, but modernist and art revival motifs also acquired traction.
Look and style of Qipao in early times
During Manchu control, the initial qipao was large and saggy. A halter neck and a long skirt characterized the Chinese gown. Besides the head, hands, and feet, it embraced a woman’s whole physique. Originally, the cheongsam was composed of silk and included beautiful needlework.
Further transformation in Qipao
The cheongsam was at its peak during the Republican era. Since 1930, the cheongsam has been immensely popular among Chinese women of all ages and all classes, especially notably among upper-class women. Cheongsams have also evolved in style, becoming more stylish and attractive. At the period, the updated cheongsam has been one of the greatest clothes for displaying a woman’s body style.
Men’s Cheongsams
A changshan, or ‘long shirt,’ is the name given to a man’s cheongsam. In some circumstances, it’s also known as a changpao. The changshan was the Qing Dynasty high court formal clothing. Changshans are still only utilized on exceptional ceremonies or formal occasions presently, such as marriages or significant ceremonies.
Different Features of Qipao in Different Dynasties
Qing Dynasty
A long robe with no sleeves or necklines. The design of cheongsam in the Qing Dynasty was more conservative and in line with the traditional social ethos of the time.
Republic of China
Shanghai-style cheongsams were loose-fitting, long-sleeved, and wide-sleeved. To reveal a woman’s contours, they got evermore form-fitting and body-hugging. As during the Republic of China time, cheongsams were picked as the national attire for formal events.
During the 1940s
Women began to wear qipaos with pantyhose in the 1940s, and long pants were no longer worn with qipaos. High heels were more fashionable as a complement to qipaos.
The Modern China Period
The Cheongsam became popular in movies, runway displays, TV presentations, and other forms of formal events throughout the Modern China Era (starting in 1949). To regular meetings, many women foreign representatives and government ministers wore qipaos.
Famous Styles of Qipao
The cheongsam, which dates back to the Qing Dynasty, has principally evolved into Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong forms. There are several variations in ornamentation, tints, textures, and patterns.
Cheongsams in the Beijing Style
The Jing Pai style is another name for the Beijing style. Beijing’s cheongsam architecture seems to be more dominant than Shanghai’s or Hong Kong’s since it is the city of the Qing Dynasty and contemporary China. Beijing-style qipaos have significantly vibrant colours and far more intricate embellishment than other kinds. Large Beijing-style cheongsams are hand-made, which implies they take a bit longer to manufacture and are more expensive.
Cheongsams in the Shanghai Style
In Cantonese, the Shanghai strategy is defined as Hai Pai form. Shanghai-style cheongsams are more professional and forward-thinking than Beijing-style cheongsams. Shanghai-style cheongsams have more Western features in their patterns and hues. They’re a mix of Western and Eastern designs. Due to its trendy patterns and slender structure, Shanghai-style cheongsams were the most famous qipao style throughout the Republic of China period. Shanghai-style qipaos have always been the most common choice among Chinese ladies, especially among younger ladies.
Hong-Kong-style Cheongsams
Cheongsams in the Hong Kong style were heavily inspired by European styles. Hong Kong-style cheongsams have smaller sleeves than Beijing and Shanghai-style cheongsams. The embellishments are also less complicated. In the 1950s, ladies in Hong Kong were frequently seen wearing a classic cheongsam with high-heeled sandals, a leather purse, and white mittens.
Wedding Dresses in Cheongsam
Brides frequently wear a white bridal gown for the marriage ceremony and then change into a cheongsam for the rituals and ceremonies. Marriage cheongsams have been updated to reflect designs and styles.
What Are the Best Places to Wear a Qipao?
Even today, unless it is related to one’s job dress code, Chinese people very rarely wear a qipao in their daily lives. A qipao is ideal for ceremonial events like weddings or gala banquets. (However, at the wedding, be sure you wear a qipao that isn’t red, as red is the bride’s colour in Chinese Culture marriages.) It’s also appropriate to wear it during festive seasons like the Lunar New Year.
Where you can buy Qipao?
They may be purchased in high-end boutique stores or online. I recommend you to buy Qipao from NewHanfu Store because they are reliable and provide great quality products along with a great collection of Qipao. For your help, I am reviewing some of their products so that you can find out more about this shop.
Short qipao dress and blouse in a modern style with a lovely flower motif, composed of light and comfortable material, lovely and informal. It features a lovely historical beauty design, as well as a retro and informal style.
Review: It’s an absolutely fantastic dress. It is very comfortable to wear, and it has a very beautiful pattern.
A fashionable pick for a celebration or everyday is a modern design cheongsam dress with gorgeous floral pattern and lace shawl with pearls beads. The design is a traditional skinny cheongsam with a gradient sea-blue tint. It is constructed of a comfy and flexible soft polyester material.
Review: It is very comfortable to wear. Its lace design is very beautiful and attractive and the colour combination is absolutely perfect and lovely.
Modern design informal short qipao & cheongsam gown with lovely print design, made of comfortable soft material, fashionable and sensual. It’s printed with a charming leaf and bird motif.
Review: It is a fantastic dress with great print. It is one of the most in demand Qiapo dresses.
Antique lace floral qipao and cheongsam for evening parties, composed of lightweight and comfortable material, beautiful and sensual. It’s decorated with a delicate little flower motif.
Review: It is an elegant and beautiful dress for wearing at parties. Its antique style lace and flower motif make it very impressive.
So these are the reviews of some products. I recommend you again that if you want to buy Qipao dresses then give a visit you this beautiful store.
Conclusion
You’ll be a show-stopper on any occasion due to the excellent fit, exquisite shades, needlework, and a variety of patterns and colours. This traditional Chinese woman’s clothing has made a big splash in the fashion industry nowadays, but with a few tweaks. Since the release of “In the Mood for Love” and other television shows and films, dramas in and outside of China, Qipaos have seen a rebirth. They may be purchased in high-end boutique stores or online. I recommend you again to buy Qipao from “New Hanfu Store”.