What do Chinese Women Wear on Special Days? Let’s See

Cheongsam / Qipao

Qipao, also known as cheongsam. This traditional Chinese dress has been turning heads for centuries with its slim-fitting style and high collar. The saucy side slit of it is sure to make even the most proper of grandmas blush! The dress is often made of silk or other luxurious materials. Chinese women wear qipao on special occasions, such as weddings, banquets, and cultural events.

Examples

Regarding special occasions, Chinese women know how to bring the wow factor to their qipaos. Take movie actress Gong Li, for example. She rocked a black qipao at the Cannes Film Festival in 1996. Her powerful presence was unparalleled, leaving everyone awestruck. Her beauty and grace in the dress captured the hearts of many, and her appearance at the festival helped to catapult the qipao onto the international fashion stage.

Another unforgettable moment in qipao history is when the Chinese First Lady, Peng Liyuan, donned a series of modern qipaos during her state visit to the United States in 2015. Her dresses were designed by the most successful Chinese female designer, Ma Ke, featuring a mix of modern and traditional styles. Peng’s outfits were widely praised for their sophistication and cultural significance, showcasing a fresh take on the traditional dress.

These are just a couple of examples of how Chinese women have rocked the qipao on special occasions. Each dress is unique in its own right, showcasing the timeless beauty of Chinese fashion.

Features of Clothing

• High Collar
• Short Sleeves
• Body Curve Fitting Dress
• Side Slit

Brands

Besides Ma Ke’s labels, “EXCEPTION de Mixmind” and “WUYONG” we introduced above, famous brands for qipao include:

Shanghai Tang

If you’re looking for a brand that’s as rich in history as it is in style, Shanghai Tang is the one. Founded in 1994, the brand takes its inspiration from the iconic Bund district in 1930s Shanghai. But don’t let the vintage vibes fool you – Shanghai Tang’s designs are anything but old-fashioned.

With a name that’s a clever play on words (Shanghai Tang is both the English translation of the Bund and a nod to founder Sir David Tang), this brand has become synonymous with modern Chinese style. From luxurious silks and velvets to the finest Mongolian cashmere, Shanghai Tang uses only the most unique and high-quality fabrics to create collections for men, women, and children.

Official Website: https://www.shanghaitang.com/

Qipology

Qipology, the Hong Kong-based fashion brand, has taken the traditional Chinese qipao/cheongsam and given it a modern twist, blending contemporary and timeless styles to create a new definition of elegance. Their figure-hugging dresses are designed with exquisite craftsmanship and a creative vision, reinventing the qipao to be modern and stylish.

From romantic wedding qipaos to trendy denim tops, they offer custom-made pieces to meet specific requirements and address the fashion industry’s over-production and wastage.

Official Website: https://www.qipology.com/

Hanfu

The Chinese Han ethnical clothing, Hanfu, has been around for over 4,000 years. Thanks to the support of the Chinese government, it has made a remarkable resurgence in recent years. With its rich history and unique culture, Hanfu is captivating more people keen to explore its charm. Today, Hanfu is not just limited to traditional events like weddings and festivals. You can wear Hanfu for ancient city journeys, garden parties, or even a fancy show!

Examples

A famous example of Hanfu in performance is China’s Dragon Boat Festival TV show in 2021, when the performer He Haohao made a super astonishing underwater dance with Hanfu, showcasing her unique skills and blending traditional Chinese elements with modern performance art.

In addition, Chinese actress Fan Bingbing is known for wearing Hanfu in her dramas, such as the hit TV series “The Empress of China,” where she portrayed Wu Zetian, China’s only female emperor. The show was famous for its intriguing storyline and the elaborate and intricate Hanfu costumes. The portrayal of Wu Zetian and her stunning Hanfu dresses helped further popularize traditional Hanfu attire.

With the increasing popularity of Hanfu, we can expect to see more Chinese embracing Hanfu in the future.

Features of Clothing

• Flowing Design
• Rich Colors
• Chinese Traditional Patterns and Embroidery
• Wide and Long Sleeves

Brands

Minghua Tang

Minghua Tang emphasizes the continuity of traditional Chinese tailoring. With a detailed foundation, Minghua Tang seeks to understand the meaning and history of every aspect.

Besides, they insist on providing “one-to-one order customization” services for its costumes, rather than mass production in factories. Each order is communicated one-on-one between the customer service team and the customer to understand specific detail requirements.

However, Minghua Tang currently lacks English services. If you are fluent in Chinese, this brand is the first choice for ordering a traditional personalized set of Hanfu.

Official Website: http://minghuatang.com/

Stores on Taobao

Taobao is a treasure trove of Hanfu brands, and there are some standout names that have become popular among the younger generation. Hanshang Hualian, for example, is a brand that focuses on bringing ancient aesthetics into modern times.

Traditional Ethnic Clothing

Besides Han ethnicity, which is the primary Chinese race, there are 55 ethnic minority groups in China. Each of these groups has its own traditional clothing style. Therefore, women from these groups may wear their traditional clothing on special occasions to celebrate their cultural heritage.

For traditional ethnic clothing in China, we have posted a specific article. Explore the ancient beauty of minority groups with one click!

Special Ethnic Fashion of Traditional Chinese DressJanuary 9, 2023Read More >>

Modern Suit

In China, it is common for women to wear modern formal suits in the workplace. This attire is not only practical but also represents the power and professionalism of women in the workforce.

Examples

A famous example of Chinese women wearing formal suits in the workplace is businesswoman Dong Mingzhu, the chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances. Dong often wears sleek and tailored formal suits, reflecting her strong and confident leadership style.

The modern formal suit trend in China not only reflects the growing power and influence of women in the workplace but also highlights the country’s evolving fashion scene. Chinese women are breaking away from traditional gender roles and embracing modern fashion trends that reflect their individuality and sense of style.

Features of Clothing

• Collar Shirt + Jacket + Skirt/Trousers
• High-Quality Fabrics
• Neutral Colors, such as grey, black, and navy
• Minimalistic Design

Brands

The trend of women wearing formal suits in the workplace has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many Chinese fashion brands offering stylish and affordable options. Popular brands include:

• YOUNGOR
• SaintAngelo
• Goldlion
• FIRS
• ROMON

Conclusion

In conclusion, traditional Chinese clothing is not just for cosplay or dressing up as your favorite character from a historical drama. It represents the country’s rich cultural heritage and the ability to fuse traditional and modern styles flawlessly. Whether it’s the elegant cheongsam, the flowing Hanfu, or the powerful formal suits, Chinese fashion has something for everyone.

So, next time you’re feeling uninspired by your wardrobe, take a cue from Chinese fashion. You might just be the next talk of the town at your special events. Plus, who doesn’t want to look like they stepped out of a palace or a kung-fu movie, am I right?