CHINESE

CULTURE
STUDY
PROJECT

QI PAO
WHAT IS A QI PAO?

• Qipao is a style of dress typically worn by Chinese women. It was most popular
from 1920s-1960s, it was also the standard dress for women living in China’s urban
cities, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

• The Qipao is a sheath dress, it has a high cylindrical collar, side slits, and an
asymmetrical opening in the front that stretches from the collar to the armpit and
down the side. The front is traditionally done up with knotted buttons and loops,
which are called hua niu (flower buttons). The lengths of the hems and sleeves of
qipaos have changed over time with fashion trends. However the fit of the dress has
generally become tighter over the years. This trend for closer fitting clothes shows
the influence of western values among Chinese women. Qipaos are traditionally
custom made for the wearer. Shanghainese tailors are known for their skill in
making qipaos.
WHO WEARS THEM AND WHEN?

• Qipaos are made with a variety of materials to suit various seasons, occasions, and
budgets. These materials include satin, silk, brocade, velvet, lace, and cotton.
Qipaos worn during the daytime normally have a simple design with only piping
prints for decoration. Whereas evening wear qipaos are far more elaborate in
design, often adorned with sequins and beads.

• The qipao is believed to have evolved from a long robe worn by women during the
Qing dynasty (1644-1911) called the Manchu. The long robe was cut in a single
piece that hung down to the ankles. On either side of the robe there was a slit,
however other clothes were worn underneath to prevent the legs from showing.
Before the qipao, Chinese women generally wore two-piece outfits that consisted
of a top with either a skirt or pants. Qipao were not immediately popular because
of thier resemblance to the men’s one-piece robe known as the changpao (long
robe).
 HISTORY

The qipao is believed to have evolved from a long Wealthy Chinese women is Singapore soon caught
robe worn by women during the Qing dynasty on to the qipao trend. From the 1930s and
(1644-1911) called the Manchu. The long robe was onwards, even Perankan women began to wear the
cut in a single piece that hung down to the ankles. qipao rather than the nonya kebaya for formal
On either side of the robe there was a slit, however occasions and family portraits. By the 1950s and
other clothes were worn underneath to prevent the 1960s most working Chinese women in Singapore
legs from showing. owned several qipaos

1644 - 1911 1912 1930 - 1970

A group of female students in Shanghai were the

first women to wear the qipao in 1912. They did
this in a bid for gender equality, they wore it as a
modification of the men’s robe. The students’
robes were made of cotton, plain in design, loose
fitting, and bell sleeves. This style piqued the
interest of other women and it soon became a
trendy outfit.
WHAT ARE MODERN QI PAO LIKE?

• The shape of the qipao went through some changes the changing role and status of
women in Singapore. With the political, economic, and social changes occurring in
post-war Singapore, more women found themselves working outside of their house.
Many of these women wore the qipao as their work attire, they also changed the
qipao to project the modern and progressive values. Due to this the qipao’s hemline
got higher, often ending at mid-calf length, the collar was shortened, and zips and
press studs replaced the traditional knotted buttons. The qipao also became more
figure hugging, the side slits also became bigger to show off the wearer’s legs and
figure. However the qipao generally keeps its traditional look, like its mandarin
collar, asymmetrical opening, and side slits. Modern qipaos are more likely to be
worn at special or festive occasions such wedding dinners and Chinese new year.
SOURCES

 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2013-09-27_171732.html#:~:text=The%20cheongsam%20is%
20believed%20to,prevented%20the%20legs%20from%20showing
 https://eastmeetsdress.com/blogs/blog/5-chinese-elements-to-add-to-make-your-dress-a-modern-qipao

 https://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/clothing/tqipaos.htm

 https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/15604/
THANKS FOR
LISTENING!

BY MIA AND ZOE