Chinese+Clothing

Qipao.  A dress that fits your body, and makes you look like a beautiful woman is a dream come true. One that is comfortable, and can be worn in any season is even more perfect. Chinese woman had the right idea since the beginning. The classical Qipao, which was first made around the seventeen hundreds, can be understood when one studies where it was first made, how much it has changed from the beginning, and its use in fashion today. The dress has come a long way to become what it is now.

“In the early 17th century in North China, Nurhachi, a great political and military strategist…led his troops into Beijing and overthrew the Ming Dynasty…a collarless tube-shaped dress was developed…[and] became popular among the royal palace of the Qing Dynasty,” (“Chinese Qipao,” par. 2). Starting off as a dress made after the war, the Qipao developed on to become what is today. In the seventeenth century both males, and females wore the dress, where now mostly woman wear it. The dress was just a tube-shaped piece of cloth, but with time it changed into a beautiful dress.





 Even after all this time, the dress is still commonly worn today in China. “…the 1911 Revolution toppled the rule of the Qing...Dynasty, [but] the female dress survived the political change and with succeeding improvements, has become the traditional dress for Chinese woman,” (“The Classical Dress For Chinese Woman: Qipao,” par. 6). As years went by, little changes were made to the dress. The dress was made with colorful cloth, and eventually designs, with buttons added for style. Accessories, including hairpins, became popular with the Qipao. Instead of being a piece of clothing, it transformed into a classical look.

 In the past, the Qipao was worn by wealthy royalty. Now though, “Folk woman, students, workers, and the highest-tone women all dressed themselves in the...[Qipao],” (“The Classical Dress For Chinese Woman: Qipao,” par. 8). The dress became extremely popular throughout societies. It was not only gorgeous, but it was comfortable too, like it is now. It can be worn in all seasons, with different styles adapting to the climate. Slits up the side make it movable, while still looking elegant. It has become wearable at all times.

The Qipao, which started off shapeless, changed into a beautiful dress with patterns and designs on it. Many different types of people wear it, and it can be worn in all types of occasions, and all seasons. The dress has become a famous piece of clothing, and has stayed in style for years. Woman from other countries only wish they could have this perfect dress.   

 Works Cited "Chinese Qipao." __Chinese Culture and Affairs __. About.com. 19 Feb. 2009 . "The Classic Dress For Chinese Women:Qipao." 2001-2009. English.Eastday.com. 17 Feb. 2009 .

By: Ashley =] 