Overview
A qipao is a one-piece dress with a high mandarin collar, an asymmetric front closing to the right, and slits up the sides. Where earlier robes hung straight and loose, the modern qipao is cut to the figure, and its length and fit have followed changing fashion.
How it is worn
It closes to the right with cloth knotted buttons (pankou) and is worn on its own; the side slits ease walking and show a line of leg, while the collar frames the neck. Fabric and decoration set the tone, from everyday cotton to embroidered silk brocade.
History
The qipao grew out of the Manchu banner gown (qipao means banner gown) as women in 1920s Shanghai adopted a slimmer, Western-influenced cut. It became the emblematic dress of modern Chinese women and, though no longer everyday wear, remains a favourite for weddings and formal occasions.