Qipao Meaning: What is a Qipao?

You just found out this new word, and you wonder: what is a qipao? Are you wishing to learn more about the qipao meaning? Are you also asking yourself what makes this dress so popular in China?

Keep on reading to find the exact answers that you are looking for. Our shop specializes in the creation of qipao dresses, and we would love to share our knowledge with you.

A qipao is a traditional Chinese dress made with a high Mandarin collar, knotted Pankou buttons, and side slits. This female gown is often worn for special events such as weddings, New Year celebrations, and festivals.

In this article, you will learn:

• How to define exactly what is a qipao?
• 3 hidden meanings behind the qipao
• 6 characteristics that describe this dress

You will become a real expert in this traditional Chinese garment. Perfect if you plan to wear one for a special occasion or day-to-day life.

Let’s start reading together!

Qipao definition: what does the dictionary say?

But first of all, let’s take a closer look at the term qipao dress in a dictionary. Here is what you will find if you search for a qipao definition.

Qipao is a one-piece female dress traditionally worn by Chinese women. It is a long garment with side slits, a high Mandarin collar, and Chinese knotted buttons called Pankou.

The word qipao can also be replaced by different synonyms such as Mandarin gown or Cheongsam. The term Cheongsam is a Cantonese word that has a similar meaning but a different history than a qipao.

Discover the qipao and cheongsam differences in this article.

Qipao meaning: 3 things you must know

Now that we know how to define the term qipao, let’s dive deeper into its symbolism. You will discover that the qipao’s meaning is profound and rich as it reflects the evolution of Chinese history and culture. Its signification has transformed over time, following the social, political, and cultural changes.

First of all, this dress was used to represent a high social rank in China. Originating from the Manchu elite during the Qing Dynasty, the qipao initially served as a symbol of status and ethnic identity. Characterized by its high collar and straight silhouette, the dress distinguished the wearer as part of the Manchurians.

Secondly, later the meaning of qipao was associated with women’s equality. During the Chinese Revolution of 1911 which marked the end of the monarchy, the modernized and fashion-forward design of the qipao made it a new symbol of change, embodying women's desire for equal rights and individuality. Chinese women, inspired by political change and social progress, began to adopt the qipao as a statement of liberation and an assertion of equal rights.

To finish, qipao is now a powerful symbol of Chinese heritage, cultural appreciation, and a celebration of femininity. This dress continues to resonate as a timeless symbol of Chinese culture and a testament to the enduring legacy of the nation's traditions. Wearing a qipao signifies a deep fondness for the country's rich history and artistic craftsmanship. As well it can also be seen as an appreciation for the soft and feminine design that this Chinese dress offers.

What is a Qipao dress: 6 main characteristics

You are becoming more and more aware of the secrets of this beautiful dress. But what makes it so different from others? The answer lies in 6 specific elements that you will find in any qipao dress. Let’s look into the details of qipao description that makes this dress so special:

Mandarin collar

The Mandarin collar is one of the most recognizable and emblematic elements of the qipao. It is a standing collar created from one piece of structured fabric that goes around the neck. The height of the Mandarin collar varies from going all the way up the ear to lower lengths. This element is a universally flattering feature, as it visually elongates the neck and draws more attention to the face.

Pankou knotted buttons

Chinese frog fasteners or traditional knotted buttons add a touch of sophistication to the design of the qipao dress. In the Chinese language, those handmade buttons are called Pankou and are used to decorate the closure of the cheongsam. Chinese knotting is a traditional craftsmanship that appeared during the Song dynasty. The Pankou knotted buttons are made in a variety of intricate designs like simple straight knots, detailed floral knots, butterfly knots, and phoenix tail knots.

Large front

The large front is the diagonal closure of the front that begins at the Mandarin collar and is decorated with knotted Pankou buttons. Fronts of the qipao are created in different styles which can be grouped into two main categories: single-sided and double-sided fronts. Their length can vary, starting from the collar to the underarm, the waist, or the button hem dependent on the design.

Fitted silhouette

Nowadays, modern qipaos are known for their elegant body-hugging silhouette. This outline features a fitted waist and contours the body, accentuating the figure in a graceful and classy manner. The sleek silhouette adds a touch of femininity and glamour to the qipao dress, making it a truly captivating and timeless garment.

Side slits

Side slits are one of the key design elements of the qipao. Their length can differ from modest small slits to daring higher styles. Initially, side slits were created to provide ease of movement for Manchurians during horseback riding. Side slits remain one of the important features that contribute to the chic silhouette of qipao and the comfort of wearing it. They undeniably make your walk and movement in qipao more graceful and charming.

Edging and piping

The qipao usually features piping adorning the edges of the Chinese dress. This design can be achieved using traditional Chinese piping techniques. Qipao’s edging enhances the visual style of the dress and makes it look more intriguing. Fabrics like satin, silk, or contrasting materials are frequently used for the piping. The intricate piping not only adds a decorative touch but also reinforces the dress's structure, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating each qipao.

What is the etymology of Qipao?

After learning about the characteristics of qipao, let’s discuss together what is the etymology of this word. Qipao originates from the Mandarin Chinese language, and this term holds a historical meaning. It is composed of two Chinese characters Qi and Pao:

The character “Qi” can be translated as a “banner” or “flag”. The meaning of this part refers to the historical period when flags and banners were used to identify different social groups, ethnicities, and factions. Therefore, the term “Qi” was used to represent a distinctive style of clothing for a particular class of people.

The part “Pao” means “robe” or “gown” in Mandarin Chinese. During the Qing Dynasty, pao referred to a long straight gown with a standing collar and loose silhouette. This signification of the word greatly contributes to defining what is a qipao.

Discover the qipao pronunciation here.

Together, to define qipao, this term can be translated as a “banner dress” or “flag robe”. It describes the traditional Chinese dress that Manchurian women wore to distinguish themselves during the Qing Dynasty.

What are the qipao color meanings?

To finish, you should know that qipao colors hold a specific cultural, historical, and spiritual meaning in China. As well they play a significant role in Chinese traditional ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations.

Being dressed in a qipao of a particular shade can represent different concepts, virtues, and emotions. Let’s have an overview of the main qipao color meanings:

• Red is considered the most joyful and happy color that is associated with good fortune, luck, and success in Chinese culture. Red qipaos are usually worn to Chinese weddings, Lunar New Year, and other celebrations.
• Gold color means prosperity, wealth, and power in China. A golden qipao can symbolize abundance and success, which makes it a popular choice for weddings and special events.
• Blue is often connected to tranquility, calmness, and healing in Chinese culture. Wearing a blue qipao can convey a sense of peace and harmony.
• The green shade is associated with nature, growth, and renewal. A green qipao can represent vitality and freshness, and it is often chosen to reflect a sense of new beginnings or personal growth.

With all this information, you have now no more excuses when it comes to choosing your own colorful qipao dress. Each shade has a significance, that you should keep in mind.

Buy a Chinese dress with a profound meaning

In this article, we have seen together what does qipao mean. From the dictionary definition to 3 secret meanings that this dress holds, you are now capable of perfectly describing what is this traditional Chinese dress.

With this strong knowledge, we hope you have enjoyed discovering more about this unique female garment from China. And most of all, we wish that you will proudly wear your qipao while appreciating its deep symbolism.

But never forget one thing: the meaning of qipao is not only defined by culture and history. It is your role to make it your own, embrace it, and give a new purpose to this beautiful gown.

If you want to explore exquisite collections of elegant qipao dresses, we invite you to explore our meaningful creations. Click on this link to discover the stunning qipaos at our boutique.

We promise that you will love them!