Hey—is it okay to wear a Qipao? Let's talk about it.
Chances are, you've seen a Qipao (also known as a Cheongsam)—that exquisite Chinese dress featuring a high collar, various fabrics, and elegant lines. You might have thought to yourself: "Wow, that dress is stunning! I'd love to wear one to a wedding, a party, or simply just for the sheer joy of wearing something so beautiful."
But then, you hesitated. You've heard people debate the topic of "cultural appropriation," and you certainly don't want to come across as disrespectful.
First off, what exactly is a Qipao?
You can think of it as a classic style of Chinese dress that rose to popularity in 1920s Shanghai. It cleverly blends traditional Chinese aesthetic principles with a more modern, form-fitting silhouette. It is by no means a mere "costume" or a "historical relic"—rather, it remains a real, living form of everyday attire that many people continue to wear today for weddings, celebrations, and various occasions. Learn more about the history and cultural significance of the Qipao.
The Golden Rule: Wear It with Good Intent
The line between "loving a culture" and "taking from a culture" ultimately boils down to one thing: respect.
Here's a simple way to distinguish between the two:
· Appreciation = "This is beautiful! I want to admire it, pay tribute to it, or learn more about it."
· Appropriation = "This looks funny/quirky/sexy—I'll just wear it as a joke or for fun."
So When Is It Okay to Wear One?
Totally fine when:
· You wear it to a proper event (Chinese New Year, a friend's wedding, a cultural celebration, a dinner, a friend gathering or a casual walk with a casual Qipao).
· You're happy to tell people, "It's a traditional Chinese dress called a cheongsam. Isn't it lovely?"
And here's some good news: Most Chinese and Chinese-American people actually feel proud when others wear the cheongsam respectfully. Surveys and online discussions show that many see it as sharing their culture. They think, "Cool! You like our dress!"
When Does It Become Not Okay?
Let's be real — these situations would be inappropriate:
· Wearing it as a "sexy Halloween costume".
· Wearing it to a party where you're making fun of Asian culture.
A Super Simple Self-Check
Before you wear a cheongsam, ask yourself:
1. Am I wearing this because I genuinely love it and respect where it comes from?
2. Would I be okay explaining the dress's background to someone who asks?
If you answered "yes," you're golden.
The Friendly Bottom Line
Yes, you can wear a cheongsam — just do it with an open heart and a little bit of knowledge.
Don't wear it as a costume. Don't mock it. Do learn a little about its history (your Chinese friends will probably be delighted to share more). Our post on the history of the Qipao is a great place to start.
When in doubt, just be kind. That's really what cultural respect is all about.
Now let's go rock that Qipao/Cheongsam — beautifully and respectfully. ❤️
Ready to Find Your Qipao?
Explore our collections and find the style that speaks to you:
- Qipao for Women — our full range of styles
- Modern Qipao — contemporary everyday styles
- Qipao for Special Occasions — weddings, galas & celebrations
- Short Qipao — casual and playful styles
- 新中式 New Chinese Style — fusion fashion for everyday wear
- Custom Qipao — made-to-measure for your perfect fit
