In the early 1920s, when the popularity of upper coat and lower dresses was dwindling, qipao quietly emerged and underwent bold improvements. This can be considered a remarkable revolution in women's clothing, elevating qipao to become one of the world's distinctive Eastern female outfits.
During the Republican era, qipao was a long robe-style one-piece garment that cinched at the waist and highlighted women's natural beauty while accentuating their curves and slender figures. Instead of wearing long pants underneath, silk stockings, thread stockings or underwear were worn. The thin and transparent material of the cheongsam should be worn with a white petticoat, which also has white lace. In this way, the slender legs and lines can also be shown in the slit of the cheongsam. In this article, we will introduce the basic 9 type of cheongsam sleeve for you.
Sleeveless
The sleeveless style is a universal design that can be worn by anyone regardless of body type or age. The most significant feature of this style is its coolness and comfort, showcasing one's entire arm, making it perfect for summer wear.
Zhang Manyu wore many sleeveless qipaos in “In the Mood for Love”, which complemented her tall and slender figure while highlighting her curves through exposed skin.
Cap Sleeves
Cap sleeves are slightly longer than sleeveless styles; they cover the shoulder area with fabric but do not look rigid. Instead, they naturally follow our shoulders' curve, creating a soft and delicate appearance that accentuates shoulder lines. For instance, Tang Wei wore some cap sleeved qipaos in “Lust, Caution”.
Short Puff Sleeves
If one's shoulders and upper arms appear broad, but they do not want sleeves that are too long, short puff sleeve qipaos are a suitable option. It covers part of the arm without adding bulkiness. One disadvantage is that if the material has no stretch, it may restrict movement.
Many people confuse short puff sleeves with crescent-shaped sleeves; however, short puff sleeves have straight cuffs while crescent-shaped ones resemble curved crescents with arched edges and shorter lengths than short puff sleeves.
Three-Quarter Sleeves
The three-quarter sleeve length is approximately 28 cm long and is a common style perfect for women with plump arms who wish to conceal them partially.
Medium Sleeves (Half-Length)
Medium-length sleeves tend to look mature and are more suitable for younger women. Thus when selecting medium-sleeved qipaos, one must be cautious. Also, women with thick arms may avoid wearing this type of dress as it will make their arms appear shorter and thicker.
Seven-Quarter Sleeves
This is a suitable length for spring and autumn, ranging from 40cm to 43cm in length. The advantage of this sleeve is that it showcases slender wrists; however, during early spring and late fall, the wrist area may feel chilly. Seven-quarter sleeves are an excellent choice for the transition seasons.
Nine-Quarter Sleeves
This style only reveals the wrist and has a length of approximately 50 cm or longer, showcasing slim wrists beautifully. When paired with suitable jewelry, it looks even more elegant. Compared to long sleeves, nine-quarter sleeves are better suited for wearing under outerwear in autumn and winter.
Long Sleeves
Everyone knows what long sleeves are: they cover the entire hand with a length of at least 55 cm. However, long sleeves can be challenging to wear as they suit women who exude elegance and gracefulness best. Long-sleeved qipaos also provide warmth during cold weather; however many people avoid wearing them due to their lack of liveliness.
Lotus Leaf Sleeves
The lotus leaf sleeve design is exquisite with layers upon layers that complement qipaos perfectly while appearing chic and stunning on those who wear them. Lotus leaf sleeves have similar lengths as small puff sleeves but resemble lotus leaves' edges hence their name; they offer a unique design element consisting of three layers resembling stacked lotus leaves which gives off an artistic vibe, something worth trying out if you like this type of sleeve.
In conclusion, the nine types of Chinese cheongsam sleeves represent a rich and diverse tradition within Chinese fashion. Each sleeve type conveys its own unique character and design elements. The various types of cheongsam sleeves not only reflect shifts in fashion but also show how traditional style has adapted to changing times without losing its essence. Whether you are looking for a more modern or classic look, there iere is a cheongsam sleeve type will suit your taste. By learning about the different types of cheongsam sleeves, we gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance and beauty of this iconic garment.