Chinese dresses, one of the most traditional garments of China, are also one of the most beautiful pieces. At Teng Shop we strive to find you the most beautiful Chinese dresses designed in the Chinese craftsmanship and tradition of ancient China. Quality is our priority, which is why all the fabrics used in our garments are top-of-the-line and ensure durability and elegance.
The history of the Chinese dress
The Chinese civilization, during its thousand-year-old history, built a very rich and diverse culture that is still admired by all today. China has a very distinctive style of dress culture. Nowadays, women all over the world admire the elegant and refined Chinese dresses, and Chinese clothes in general. China has a history of five thousand years that many ethnic minorities have helped to build.
Since the dawn of time, Chinese customs have been copied and borrowed from all over the world, as shown by the famous Silk Road. But there is not only one Chinese dress, but different types of Chinese dresses, depending on the ethnic minorities. However, the most famous style is the Qipao. We also talk about dresses with kimono style that are the Hanfu.
The Qipao
The Qipao (旗袍), also called Cheongsams, is a classic Chinese dress. It combines the timeless elegance of the Chinese aesthetic with very distinctive and sometimes modern elements. The traditional Qipao is crowned with a Mao collar that wraps around the neck in style, and a diagonal chest closure, which is often closed with mandarin buttons made of bows. It is a slim-fitting dress, which emphasizes the curves. You can find them with short, long or even sleeveless sleeves, and with different styles, for example, a beautiful bare back.
There are also short dress Qipao and very long ones. The Qipao is usually made of silk, satin or cotton. In China, Cheongsams are considered a model of modesty, softness and beauty. There are two main types of Qipao: Shanghai Qipao and Beijing Qipao. The Shanghai Qipao usually includes more western elements and is particularly tight-fitting. The Beijing Qipao, on the other hand, is more traditional, with typical Chinese designs, often a more noble fabric and a less body-hugging dress.
It is said that the Shanghai Qipao extrapolates the wearer's beauty, while the Beijing Qipao draws the eye to its own beauty. It is a very popular dress with western women who find it elegant yet sexy and glamorous, as it is form-fitting and figure enhancing. The Qipao can be worn in both formal and casual situations. If you want to wear one for an important event, choose noble fabrics such as silk, bright colors, a long dress, and traditional patterns. To enhance the look, close the buttons all the way to the top and style your hair in a sophisticated way.
For a traditional Chinese wedding, many brides choose a red Chongsams. For a cocktail party, Chinese women will often prefer to wear a Qipao as an evening dress, with trendy and modern designs but a delicate and refined cut and fabric. For a party, you can even choose a mini Qipao dress! In winter the Chinese dress has not said its last word, with the Chinese winter dress in fur keeping the appearance of a traditional Qipao.