How to pick the cheongsam that suits you best? Worried that you’re too chubby to fit into a cheongsam? Our website offers cheongsams in 7 different sizes, and you can choose the style you need and make a purchase. Say no to body anxiety!

In fact, choosing a Chinese qipao is just like buying regular clothes. First, determine your own style, and then select the details of the style.

Let’s start with body shape.

I. Measure what body type you are

First, use a soft tape measure to measure your four dimensions~

Shoulder circumference: Measure around the widest part of your shoulders.

Bust circumference: Measure around the highest point.

Waist circumference: Measure around the last rib.

Hip circumference: Measure around the fullest part of your hips.

II. Body Types

If the shoulder circumference minus the hip circumference is greater than 3 cm, it belongs to the inverted triangle body type. With broad shoulders and a slender waist, you should downplay the presence of your shoulders and shift the visual focus downward.

If the hip circumference minus the shoulder circumference is greater than 3 cm, it’s a pear-shaped body type. With narrow shoulders and a larger hip circumference, you should modify the hip area, highlight the waistline, and balance the shoulder proportion.

If the waist circumference is greater than the arm circumference, it’s an apple-shaped body type. With a thicker waist, you should expose your limbs to create curves.

If the bust circumference minus the waist circumference is between 18 to 20 cm, and the hip circumference minus the waist circumference is between 23 to 25 cm, it’s an hourglass body type. With a slender waist, you should cinch the waist to accentuate the body curves.

If the shoulder circumference minus the arm circumference is less than or equal to 3 cm, it’s an H-shaped body type. With a straight body shape, you can create a waistline and choose styles with a sense of design on the shoulders and hips.

III. Selecting Cheongsams According to Body Shapes

1. Inverted Triangle Body Shape

For sisters with an inverted triangle body shape, they can try sleeveless cheongsams. Styles that can modify the lines of the shoulders and arms are recommended. Meanwhile, some designs at the hem can be added to shift the visual center downwards from the shoulders.

2. Pear-shaped Body Shape

In my opinion, the pear-shaped body is the most suitable body type for wearing Chinese qipao dress. With a relatively slender upper body and a plump hip circumference, it can best showcase the charm of the “classic cheongsam beauty” that people have in mind.

For those with a pear-shaped body, when choosing a cheongsam, they can give priority to styles with a cinched waist and a straight hem. These can highlight their body advantages. Also, styles with distinct shoulder lines on the upper body are great. In short, by following the principle of “tight on the top and loose on the bottom”, they can fully display their body advantages.

3. H-shaped Body Shape

Now, let’s talk about the H-shaped body with straight lines.

Cheongsams with a cinched waist and high slits can accentuate the waistline. You should avoid styles that are too tight, as they will make you look a bit too thin, as well as styles that are too loose and give a too straight visual effect. I highly recommend sleeveless styles, which can showcase the slenderness of your limbs.

4. Apple-shaped Body Shape

For those with an apple-shaped body, I first recommend cheongsams with lotus-leaf sleeves or large flared sleeves. While the upper part is loose, it can effectively cover the excess flesh on your arms. As for the hem, you can choose a slightly higher slit to highlight your relatively slender leg lines.

5. Hourglass-shaped Body Shape

For those with an hourglass-shaped body, it’s quite simple. The style that cinches the waist and hugs the hips is truly the best. The smooth and aesthetic body curves can be easily shown off.

IV. Other Selection Criteria

Besides choosing a cheongsam according to the body shape, you can also determine the details of the cheongsam based on other characteristics, such as the face shape and your usual dressing style.

For those with a round face, you can take Miss Teresa Teng as a reference. She had a standard sweet round face. When she wore a cheongsam with a small V-shaped standing collar, she looked incredibly beautiful. Her sweet personal style and the sexy cheongsam were blended together in a wonderful way.

A high standing collar gives a more solemn look, making it more suitable for formal occasions. It gives people a sense of dignity and grandeur. Of course, it’s more suitable for those with a slender neck.

As for girls who have sloping shoulders and a petite figure, choosing a traditional cheongsam with “large flared sleeves + loose tailoring” may bring unexpected surprises.

When it comes to styling, if you have a more retro look, you can add a small handbag and a pearl necklace, which can instantly transport you back to the old Shanghai.

If you have a modern appearance and want to try a new-style cheongsam, you can start by looking for an improved version to find your own style.

V. What Shoes and Hairstyles to Pair With

Since in most people’s minds, the cheongsam is quite traditional, there’s always a feeling of being a bit restricted when it comes to pairing it. The people around me who bought cheongsams were also troubled at the beginning. But after trying it themselves, they found that it wasn’t actually that difficult. In an overall look, the shoes set the tone for the style.

Generally speaking, traditional cheongsams paired with single-strap or pointed-toe high heels, or kitten heels are more elegant, and they are suitable for more formal occasions.

Jenny Walton, a big fan of Chinese style, also pairs her cheongsam in this way. This look is quite classic, and the color-blocking is really eye-catching.

If you want to tone down the formality of the cheongsam, you can mix it with white sneakers or skate shoes, and the overall tone will immediately become more casual and relaxed.

Of course, for some sweet-style cheongsams, such as those with puffed sleeves, you can also try pairing them with Mary Jane shoes.

There are many options for hairstyles. For example, you can wear your hair down or tie it up halfway.

But when going out in daily life, it’s better not to style your hair too sleek. You can leave some bangs to accentuate your features.

You can also make use of Chinese-style hairpins.

During festivals, you can tie two buns, which can make you look younger and add a festive touch, making you resemble a Chinese doll.

Summary

After looking at so many cheongsams, do you prefer the traditional ones or the improved ones? You’re welcome to leave a message in the comment section. No matter which type you like better, pay attention to your posture when wearing a cheongsam and don’t hunch your back!