How to take your Measurements for a Qipao?

When it comes to ordering a qipao online, you want to make sure the dress fits your natural proportions and looks flattering on your body. This is why, getting your precise body measurements will help the tailors to create a comfortable silhouette that is easy to move in.

As professional dress makers specialized in custom-sized cheongsams, we know exactly how to help you. Discover our step-by-step guide that explains how to take your body measurements correctly and what mistakes to avoid to get it right.

Useful tips before taking your body measurements

Before you start taking your body measurements for a qipao dress, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. We wanted to share with you some practical advice to make sure you get the most precise and accurate results:

• Request help: do not hesitate to have your measurements taken by a professional tailor or ask for the help of a friend.
• Measuring tape: make sure that it is soft and flexible, and long enough to cover your whole height.
• Undergarments choice: only wear the well-fitting undergarments that you plan to wear with the dress (no clothing on top of it).
• Stay relaxed: have a natural straight posture when taking the measurements, and avoid sucking in your belly.
• Do not pull too tight: avoid pulling the measuring tape too tight or compressing your figure because it will get inaccurate results.
• Do not add extra inches: tailors always add a comfort margin that depends on the dress. Only share your real body measurement without adding extra inches or centimeters for ease.
• Repeat the process: make sure to take your body measurements for a qipao at least 2-3 times to avoid any mistakes.

By following these tips, you should be well prepared to take your body measurements correctly. If you doubt or if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our team at contact@qipao-cheongsam.com. Our experienced tailors will be happy to guide you in this process.

Bust

Stand straight and measure the fullest part of your chest (usually around the nipple area). Do not only measure the front part, the measuring tape must also go all around your back. When taking the bust measurement, only wear the undergarment or bra you plan to wear with your cheongsam.

Waist

Measure around your waistline, which is the narrowest part of the torso, under the ribs. Stay natural and relaxed when taking the measurement without sucking in the belly for an accurate result. You can also bend to the side to find your natural waistline, where your body creases.

Hips

Stand with your feet together and take the measurement around the widest and fullest part of the hip and bottom area. Remain straight during the process and do not bend over or arch your back.

Height

Stand barefoot straight with your back against a wall with your feet together. Ensure that your shoulders, head, and back are touching the wall too. Mark the top of your head and then measure the vertical distance between the mark and the ground. We advise you to ask for external help in order to make it easier.

Heel height

Usually, you can find the information about the height of your heels on the brand’s website in the product details. If it is not available, you can measure the heel height with a ruler or a tape measure perpendicular to the floor. It is measured from where the sole of the heel begins to the floor. This measurement can influence the final length of the gown, especially if you are planning to wear a qipao with a train.

Shoulder to hem

Find the middle point of your shoulder and measure it straight down over the fullest part of the chest until the floor. Make sure the tape follows the shape of your body and that you put on the shoes that you plan to wear with the dress.

Shoulder width

Find the bony point at the top of your shoulders by moving your arms up and down until you feel the protruding parts of your bone (acromion). Then, place the flexible tape measure straight with one end at the left acromion point and extend it to the right acromion point. The measuring tape must follow a horizontal line between each acromion, in your back (never from the front), and curve along the natural shape of your back.

Armhole

Put your arm horizontally and make a circle with your measuring tape around the arm. Measure from the acromion of your shoulder, straight down, going against your armpit, before going up again to the acromion. Repeat the same process for each side (they might be different).

Biceps

Stand naturally with your arm relaxed, straight, and measure around the widest part of your biceps.

Neck

Measure around the base of the neck where the collar sits. Try to follow the natural curve of your neck. This measurement will be important for the mandarin collar of your qipao dress.

Always get the perfect Cheongsam measurements

Nothing is more beautiful than a woman wearing a fitted qipao that flatters her silhouette. With all this information, you now have all the keys to accurately measure your body for a custom-sized cheongsam dress. We hope that you will find this step-by-step guide helpful and easy to follow at home.

If you are still looking for elegant Chinese gowns tailored precisely to your measurements, you are going to love our artisanal qipaos. Feel free to explore our curated collection of qipao dresses by clicking on this link. Made-to-measure with high-end fabrics, they will be ideal for your big events such as weddings or Lunar New Year celebrations.