In the past, the Cheongsam was loose and baggy and covered most of the woman’s body, revealing only the head, hands, and the tips of the toes. The baggy nature of the clothing served to conceal the figure of the wearer regardless of age. The modern version, which is now recognized as the Cheongsam was first developed in Shanghai after 1900, when the Qing Dynasty fell. Under the influence of western style, people sought a more modernized style of dress and a radical change in terms of length, cutting and style took place.
Length: Influenced by western fashion, the hem was raised above the knee.
Cutting: The sexual revolution of the 1960s in the west influenced the Chinese society as women began to show their arms and legs when they wore their Cheongsam.
Material: The Cheongsam is usually made of materials such as silk, silk brocade, satin, satin brocade or velour’s.
Design:
The Chinese women believed that what they wore had to display elegance, in addition to magnificence and nobility. The design of the Cheongsam depicts the maturity of women.
High collar: The collar of the Cheongsam is high and tight fitting, not simply for prevent coldness, but also for beauty. The collar of the Cheongsam takes the shape of a semicircle, it’s right and left sides being symmetrical. It was known to flatter the soft and slender neck of women. The collar of a Cheongsam is meticulously made, especially the buttonhole loop on the collar, which serves as the finishing touch.
Slits: Cheongsam generally has two big slits at either side of the hem, which is to make moving about more convenient. It also signified the freedom of the Chinese women as they were forbidden to expose their legs in the past.
Sleeves: The cheongsam can be sleeveless, short, medium or full length, depending on personal taste.
Buttons: The dress is buttoned on the right side, with a loose chest.
Pattern: In Chinese dress, different patterns have symbolic meanings.
Peony- richness and prosperity
Lotus- sacred flower
Chrysanthemum-longevity
Fish-prosperity
Dragon- Supreme power
Color: Like the patterns, the colors had symbolic meanings.
Red- good luck, happiness, joy
*used for brides as they believed that they were energetic, and this symbolized fire.
Yellow- It was the traditional color used for imperial service
Blue- immortality
Blue & Green- symbols of Spring
Black- color used for young boys as it symbolized a beginning.
White- symbolized the end, and was worn on sad occasions.
