Cheongsam Dress vs Qipao – What’s the Difference?
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Curious about the difference between a cheongsam dress and a qipao? Our cheongsam dress vs qipao collection answers this question while showcasing the most beautiful examples of both. In practice, cheongsam dress and qipao refer to the same iconic garment — the elegantly fitted Chinese dress with mandarin collar, side slit, and beautiful fabric that has defined Chinese women’s fashion since the 1920s. The term cheongsam dress is commonly used in English-speaking contexts and emphasises the dress format of the garment, while qipao is the standard Mandarin Chinese name.
Some fashion enthusiasts draw subtle distinctions — noting that the original Qing Dynasty qipao was a looser, more modest garment, while the fitted cheongsam dress that became iconic in 1930s Shanghai was a more form-fitting, Westernised evolution. Today, both terms are used interchangeably to describe the same beautiful garment in all its traditional and contemporary variations.
- Traditional silk & brocade cheongsam dresses / qipao in authentic styles
- Modern fitted cheongsam dresses in contemporary fabrics & prints
- Short, midi & full-length cheongsam dress / qipao styles
- Embroidered & printed designs for every occasion
- Available in a full range of sizes
Find your perfect cheongsam dress — explore our collection today.
